Dr. Jack I. Cherin

by | Jan 21, 2021 | Obituaries

Virginia Beach—On January 4, Dr. Jack I. Cherin, slipped away unexpectedly and peacefully in Virginia Beach.

He was born on December 26, 1936 to Minnie and Joseph Cherin in Long Island, New York. His family moved to Norfolk when Jack was a toddler. Jack graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk, Va. and was a proud graduate of the University of Virginia.

He continued his studies at Temple University Dental School, and subsequently joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Blytheville, Arkansas. In 1965, Jack opened his private dental practice in Virginia Beach, where he worked happily and tirelessly until he was 80 years old.

Jack was a member of multiple dental associations and served on staff at select hospitals. He was a diplomate in the American Board of Craniofacial Pain, serving on their board of directors and as an editor of their journal and monthly newsletter. He also lectured widely on TMJ to encourage the practice of treating craniomandibular problems without prolonged drug therapy or surgery to eliminate pain.

Jack was a scholar and an athlete with an eternal smile and never-ending positive attitude. Tennis was his favorite pastime and Jimmy Connors was his idol. He was a 32 degree Mason and recently received recognition as a 60-year Masonic Veteran of Atlantic Lodge No. 2 in Norfolk. He loved telling stories about his time in the Air Force, old Norfolk life, dental school and the UVA fraternity house. Jack was a tennis playing, bike riding, neighborhood walking, beach loving, pier fishing, Jeopardy watching, classical music listening Tidewater native.

He was also a WWII buff, haunting the hangars of the Military Aviation Museum.

He was a devoted family man and his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Susan Cherin, his adoring daughters, Elle Land (Lawrence) and Joanne Eder (Brian), and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Leona Stern and his brother, Howard Cherin. His boundless love, loyalty, and commitment to his family are a profound loss.

There was a graveside service for immediate family members only. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the University of Virginia College of Arts and Sciences. Online condolences may be sent to the family through hdoliver.com.