Gerald Alexander Middleton

Gerald Alexander Middleton (“Doc”)

September 30, 1934- May 31, 2017

Jerry was born in Staten Island New York to Thomas McCallum Middleton and Elizabeth (Campbell Holmes) Middleton. Jerry’s parents had immigrated from Scotland to the east coast just before he was born and when he was 7 years old his father’s career as a ship builder reassigned them to Long Beach where they settled and he lived for most of his 82 years. Jerry graduated from St Anthony High school and attended the University of Southern California (USC). Jerry transferred his sophomore year to the University of Marquette in Milwaukee WI where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in dentistry.

Jerry wasted very little time getting his exciting life started. Within a month of his graduation, he married the love of his life Barbara Joan Hojnacki on July 5th, 1958 and the two of them moved back to Southern California to begin their lives together.

Jerry began his first two years of his career as a dentist fulfilling his commitment to the United States Navy where he served at Camp Pendleton. After his term in the Navy, Jerry and Barbara lived in San Clemente and it was not long before they had their first of 7 children.

Soon after his time with the Navy, Jerry and Barbara moved back to the Long Beach area and lived in Lakewood for the past 55 years. Dr. Middleton (Doc) began his dental practice nearby that became quite successful over the course of his nearly 40 year career. As Doc’s family grew, so did his time and commitment to the Long Beach Community. Much of his time as a young father was spent with Boy Scouts of America (Troop leader) and the Long Beach Optimist Club as well as a member of St Pancratius parish, where all 7 of his children attended school. Jerry was a committed father and husband and enjoyed spending vacations with his family, fishing, boating and working in his yard. He led an active life with his family and friends and earned his endearing nickname “Doc”.

Jerry and Barbara were married for 52 years. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara (2010), survived by his brother, COL (USA Ret) Doug Middleton (Pat), his children, Tom (Inga), Jerry (Denise), Bob (Trish), Jim (Teresa), Sue (Mark), Joanne (Russ) and Kathy and 19 wonderful grandchildren who loved him dearly. Always loved and will be sorely missed, Dad, Brother, Jerry, Doc!

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401