Dr. David Melville Geller, September 30, 2025
Beloved husband of Nira Asher-Geller; dear stepfather and stepfather-in-law of Naomi Asher, Ruth Asher (Andrew Koshner) and Jaron Asher; dear step-grandfather of Tali Margulis (Akiva) of Carmei Gat, Israel, Michal Koshner, Aaron Koshner, Elan Koshner, Shim Koshner, Ayton Asher and Cecilia Asher; dear son of the late Morris and the late Rose Geller; dear brother of Janet Marcus (late Frank) of Tuscon, AZ; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
David was born in Detroit at the end of 1930. Later, the family settled in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago. David’s mother took him often to the Art Institute and in general helped develop many of his later interests. David was interested in science while still in high school. He was one of the winners of the Westinghouse Talent Search, leading to an invitation to the White House. During his high school years David conducted experiments in a lab in his home’s basement.
After high school, David attended Amherst College, a liberal arts school. David was accepted to Harvard Medical School but instead of becoming a medical doctor he decided to go into a research program in biochemistry. David graduated with a PhD in 1957.
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Soon after graduation, he got a teaching position in SIU – Carbondale. From there he got an assistant professor position in pharmacology at Washington University in 1959. He worked at Washington University until 1991 when he retired at an early age of 61. He married Nira Asher in 1987 in her parent’s backyard in Tel Aviv, Israel.
After retiring he attended classes at the Life Long Learning Institute in English literature, drama, and classical music. He was active in home improvement, gardening, and synagogue life. He was still doing yardwork after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021. David loved his synagogue: first Shaare Zedek and then Kol Rinah. He and Nira attended Shabbat services together regularly, he served on the board of directors, and he was a regular at Sunday and Thursday evening minyan. For many years he took part in a Havurah, a tight-knit social group of friends who learned and socialized together. He was generous when it came to Kol Rinah, which inspired the generosity of others.
He showed remarkable love for Nira, earning him the respect and love of her three children: Naomi, Ruth, and Jaron. He connected with each of the children and grandchildren, entertaining them when they were younger and sharing interests with them as adults. His last few years he lived at McKnight Place memory care due to advancing dementia. As with his family, he grew to love his caregivers there, and they loved him as well. David passed away at the age of 94. May his memory be for a blessing.
A graveside service was held on October 1 at B’nai Amoona Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave, Clayton, MO 63105. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
