NORFOLK—Dr. David Benson Kruger, 88, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015.
He was born to Abraham and Eleanor (Krukin) Kruger at the family home in the Berkley section of Norfolk.
David graduated from Maury High School before serving in the US Army during WWII . After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Virginia graduating Phi Beta Kappa. On August 13, 1950 he married Adel Mazel. David then attended Medical School at UVa, graduating with honors in 1953.
David shared a practice of general medicine with his older brother Dr. Howard Kruger for several years in Norfolk before returning to UVa to complete a residency in psychiatry. He then set up a psychiatric practice in Norfolk with Dr. Lawrence Bernert. David was a co-founder of Tidewater Psychiatric Institute. Later in his career he taught at EVMS, eventually becoming chairman of the Psychiatry department.
David was deeply committed to his faith and the Jewish community, serving as president of Temple Israel and Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. He particularly enjoyed leading the cemetery committee for the Untied Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
David is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Adel M. Kruger, a brother Theodore Kruger, a son Evan Kruger and his wife Annie, a daughter Sara Kruger, six grandchildren; Maurice, Elka, Avi and Seth Mednick and Abraham and Joseph Kruger.
Funeral services were held at Temple Israel with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Contributions to the charity of the donor’s choice. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.