Obituary: Dr. Abraham Velkoff, 102

Dr. Abraham Velkoff, age 102, of Atlanta died Saturday, June 6, 2015.

Dr. Velkoff was born July 20, 1912, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Orthodox Russian immigrants, Louis and Dora Velkoff, of blessed memory. Dr. Velkoff attended DeWitt-Clinton High School in the Bronx. He attended Columbia University, where he played tuba in the marching band and violin in the orchestra. He later moved to Atlanta to study medicine at Emory University. When arriving in Atlanta, he moved in with the Freedman family to live in a kosher home. In Atlanta he met and married Evelyn Weinkle before joining the Army in 1941. He did his medical internship and residency at Grady Memorial Hospital. Upon his return from the war, Dr. Velkoff began his practice, which was the first infertility practice in Atlanta. He practiced until he retired at age 75. After retirement he returned to Grady Hospital as a volunteer until age 99, when he broke a hip.

His passion for life included his family, work, fishing, gardening, traveling, symphony, reading and the theater. He was a lifelong learner.

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He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Weinkle Velkoff, of blessed memory. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Michael and Sandra Velkoff, San Rafael, Calif.; son Dr. David Velkoff, Los Angeles; daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Barry Gussoff, Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law Ann and Morris Podber, Atlanta; grandchildren Dana Gussoff, Jennifer (Mark) Salmenson, and Adam and Rachel Podber; great-granddaughter Emily Salmenson; and longtime companion Judy Syna. The family would like to thank his caretaker,  Delores Ward, for her constant loving care.

Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Sunshine, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum or the charity of your choice. A graveside service is being held Monday, June 8, at Arlington Memorial Park; please call Dressler’s for the time of service. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.