Dr. George Chornesky

Dr. George Chornesky died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones on the evening of January 18, 2022 at the age of 99. He was born in Lynn and spent the early part of his life in Massachusetts, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Massachusetts State College (now UMASS). From an early age, George loved medicine and wanted to become a doctor. As a teenager, he happily cleaned operating rooms in a local hospital to be close to the practice of medicine. World War II interrupted his education, deploying George to Europe where he served as an Army medic and a member of the 84th Infantry Division. He participated in numerous battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. In his time in the Army, George helped save the lives of American GIs as well as Holocaust victims from two concentration camps his troops helped to free. This experience deeply affected him for the rest of his life. Driven by perpetual optimism, George seized opportunities that arose as his military service ended. He took courses at the University of Birmingham, England, where by chance he met the love of his life, Mary Catherine (Vyse) Chornesky. They married and moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where George earned dual medical and science degrees from the University of Geneva in 1948. There, they had two children. The young family moved to the US and George launched his career as a psychiatrist with a residency at Wooster State Hospital in Massachusetts in 1952. His professional career includes positions with the District of Columbia Department of Public Health as a staff psychiatrist and leading an alcohol rehabilitation clinic. In 1972, he started a private psychiatric practice that continued for 17 years. He became well-known for his success in treating children, was recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and was awarded the Dicennial Medal for his teaching service from Georgetown University. Ever loving husband of Mary (deceased), father of Adam, Danielle, Alexia, and Elizabeth, and grandfather of Michael, Benjamin, Hannah, and Ian. George’s kind and generous spirit calmed and elevated us all. He is sorely missed. A memorial service will be hosted by Rabbi Suson on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 12 PM at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Ln. Owings MD, 20736. Donations in George Chornesky’s name may be made in the form of planting trees in Jerusalem through the Jewish National Fund’s Tree Center at usa.jnf.org/jnf-tree-planting-center/ To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. George Chornesky please visit our Sympathy Store.