Obituaries

Edward Anker

Dr. Edward Anker of Riverhead and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., died May 31 at his Riverhead home. He was 75.

He was born in Brooklyn to Lewis and Bella (Barmatz) Anker and grew up in Sheepshead Bay, attending New York City public schools. In 1959 he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Brooklyn College, where he met his future wife, Lana Bartick. They were married June 16, 1962, while he was a dental student at New York University. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1963.

Upon graduation from dental school, Dr. Anker enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a captain for two years. After his discharge, the Ankers moved to Riverhead in 1965 and he established his practice on Main Street. Two years later, he relocated to Ostrander Avenue, where he continued to practice for 35 years.

Dr. Anker was a dedicated dentist, his wife said. He had served as president of the Suffolk County Dental Society and was a fellow of both the American and the International College of Dentists. He belonged to the American Dental Association, serving as the Suffolk County representative on its New York State board of governors and on the ADA’s committee for dental education, for many years organizing a children’s dental health week program in local schools. In addition, he appeared as an expert witness in dental malpractice litigation.

A lifetime member of the Rotary Club of Riverhead, he had belonged to Temple Israel for 47 years.
Family members said Dr. Anker, known to family and friends as Eddie, had an easygoing disposition and a bright smile. He loved deep-sea fishing for tuna, shark and marlin and enjoyed golf, gardening and reading, especially biographies and historical non-fiction. He was an avid fan of the New York Times crossword puzzle, which he completed every day using a black felt-tip pen.

Dr. Anker is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years; his daughter, Risa Damante of Florida; his sons, Marc, of Charlotte, N.C., and Douglas, of Riverhead; a sister, Marian Pepper of Frederick, Md.; and three grandchildren.

A funeral service was held June 2, Rabbi William Siemers officiating. Arrangements were handled privately.

Memorial donations may be made in Dr. Anker’s name to Temple Israel of Riverhead, P.O. Box 1531, Riverhead, NY 11901, for the synagogue’s handicapped-access construction project.