Malvin Gelof, 92

DOVER - Malvin Gelof, of Dover, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008, as a result of complications related to a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was 92.

Dr. Gelof was born July 8, 1915, in New York City.

He was admitted into Dartmouth College's Class of 1935 at age 15. While at Dartmouth he received the recognition "Men of Distinctive Scholastic Accomplishment." He majored in economics with a minor in chemistry–zoology.

In 1935, in his final year at Dartmouth, the Depression caused him to return to Delaware to manage the family Delaware Poultry Co. During his 20 years in the poultry industry he pioneered innovation in ventilation and heating systems of chicken houses.

In 1943 he entered into service in the Army of the United States. He completed the "toughest school ever," Fort Benning, Ga., Officer Infantry School on July 31, 1943, with the rank of second lieutenant.

Within two months of D-Day he was deployed traveling across France, later into Germany and into combat in the Battle of the Bulge. He fought with distinction as part of the 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, commanding a light tank unit and being awarded two Purple Hearts and one Bronze Star for valor in combat.

He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of first lieutenant.

Dr. Gelof returned to own and manage a poultry business in Dagsboro and Hartly.

In 1948 he opened a second business in Maryland, the Easton Furniture Products Co. In 1955 he sold that interest and turned the poultry business over to his father to complete his education.

In 1956 and 1957 he obtained an AB in psychology and Master of Arts in guidance from New York University.

Between 1958 and 1962 he taught in various capacities in the New York school system. He began teaching with fifth grade, then high school, eventually specializing in education of mentally retarded children.

In 1962 he obtained a Master of Science in special education and began working at Johnstone Training and Research Center as the assistant director of education. In 1966 he received his doctorate in psychology from New York University.

He served the State of Delaware as the director of psychological services for 19 years.

He taught at various times at Delaware Technical & Community College, Wesley College and the University of Delaware.

Dr. Gelof was a man of great intellectual capacity, pioneer in many professional and industrial activities.

As a psychologist he was well published and received world-wide recognition for his work, "Sexual Rights and Responsibilities of the Mentally Retarded" and use of visualization in education.

Further, he specialized in the exploration and use of hypnosis as a learning aid, until his passing continued his certification in psychology and to develop concepts of "noise free communication" in education. He applied his expertise in hypnosis in a stop smoking clinic and through his membership in the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.

He was a proud member of the Hartly Fire Co., Dover Elks Lodge 1903 and Congregation Beth Shalom.

He will be remembered as a tireless worker, with a determined fighting spirit who sought to lead and advance knowledge and expertise over an immensely diverse life.

He is survived by his son, Adam D. Gelof and his wife Kelly Dunn Gelof of Rehoboth Beach; a daughter, Dara Meredith Gelof and her partner Fabian Wagimister of Los Angeles; and grandchildren, Zachary Gelof, Jakob Gelof and Sur Wagimister.

A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Thursday at Congregation Beth Shalom, North Queen Street, Dover.

Interment was previously held in a private service at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, N.Y.

The family will sit Shiva Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 220 Orchard Ave., Dover.

Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Salvation Army, 611 Forest St., P.O. Box 123, Dover, DE 19903; or to Sheppards Place, 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE 19904.