Dr. Gerald B. Farrow
March 30, 1940 - December 22, 2016
With a heavy heart, we share the news that Dr. Gerald Bruce Farrow, age 76, passed away on December 22, 2016 at his home in Chula Vista, California, while under hospice care, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
From his birth in Buffalo, New York, on March 30, 1940 to his death, he enriched the lives of people around him with love and kindness, his intellect, humor, and many, many stories. Born to Dr. Maxwell and Marion Farrow and nicknamed “Giggles” at an early age, Gerry was one of four children born into a fun and musical family. During high school, He was a member of the a cappella choir and performed in many to the school’s operettas as a student at Amherst Central High School in Williamsville, New York.
He attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and was a member of the swim and soccer teams. He graduated in 1962 after which he returned to Buffalo, NY to continue his medical school training. He received his medical degree from the University of Buffalo in 1966. He completed his internship at the Southern Pacific Hospital in San Francisco, CA and his Urological Residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Farrow answered the call to serve in the Army National Guard. His active duty station was on the streets of Detroit during the riots of 1967. Captain Farrow continued to serve in the Army Reserve-Medical Corps until 1973.
His love of helping people, developed at a young age and continued throughout his 30 plus years in his urological practice in Chula Vista, CA. He was a staff physician at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center (formerly Community Hospital) and Scripps Mercy - Chula Vista (formerly Bay General Medical Center) where he served as chief of the Surgery Department. Dr. Farrow was patient-focused and always strived to improve the medical options offered to his patients. With a group of other San Diego urologists, he was instrumental in bringing the first lithotripsy machine to the area, performing the first case at UCSD where he served the Department of Urology as a member of the associate teaching staff. He also served as President of the Urological Society of San Diego.
His medical knowledge was not limited to just the office and hospital. Dr. Farrow, sometimes only known as "Doc" to the local and later the international boxing community, gave freely of his time, knowledge and medical skills. Working through the Community Youth Athletic Center (CYAC) as a member of the board of directors for over 20 years, he fought for "the kids" to keep the facility when threatened by eminent domain. He volunteered annually at the “Battle of the Badges" charity boxing event as ringside physician.
His love of American history and genealogy, which began while a student at Gettysburg College continued into his retirement. During this time, he acted as a judge for National History Day Competitions and assisted the Jamul-Oak Grove middle school students with their projects. At Gettysburg he also become an integral part of the SAE fraternity, living as the “True Gentleman” every day of his life. He gave back to all by sharing his love of the Brotherhood with everyone. Doc was an ideal Brother “all of the time.” As one brother stated, “He was, and will continue to be, a guiding light for all that he touched. Watching Doc just be himself made you realize that you could always be doing more.”
Left to honor Dr. Farrow and remember his love and laughter are his wife, Erin, his daughters; Kathy (Andrew) Kriechbaumer, Molly (Voltaire Gomez) Farrow, Amy (Zachary) Tyson and Kathleen (Kevin) Donohoe, four grandchildren; Emma, Tessa, Khloe, and Kevin Jr., a sister, Sue (Tony) Tramuto; a brother, David (Dianne) Farrow; nieces Stacy Bissell, Laura (Shane) Gavin; nephew Adam (Shannon) Bissell and many other loving family members and friends. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Molly A. Dolch and his first wife Dr. Margaret Farrow and many loved and respected aunts and uncles.
Friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Gerald’s life that will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 11AM at the Community Youth Athletic Center in National City, 1018 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.