Sunday, January 28, 2024
Dr. Marvin Bunny King was born on September 15, 1928 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan to Eastern European Jewish immigrants Dr. Hyman Kosofsky, DDS, and Sarah Kosofsky (ne: Berman). Marvin, Moshe to his parents and brothers, attended Joseph Jacob Yeshiva on the Lower East Side. A Brilliant student, Marvin attended Stuyvesant High School and graduated at age of 17 with Honors. He attended City College of New York. Marvin was an intercollegiate Swimmer, Speed Skater and Boxer, having won multitudes of intercollegiate medals in swimming and speed skating. After 3 years of college Marvin was accepted into NYU College of Dentistry. Upon graduating at the top of his class from NYU College of Dentistry, Marvin received his Masters in Periodontics and Pedodontics from Columbia University College of Dentistry.
In 1954 Marvin enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, in the rank of Captain. An innovative scientist and clinician, Marvin treated multiple Trench Mouth outbreaks with stunning success. His therapies were recognized by both the Medical and Dental profession. Marvin lectured and presented his research throughout Europe and Switzerland. Marvin was chosen and dutifully enlisted into the Army’s Secret Service Branch, a division under Eisenhower’s Flaming Sword Battalion. Marvin rarely spoke of his assignments despite prodding from his family.
Marvin and his brothers, Dr. Seymour Koster, DDS and Dr. Robert King, DDS were compelled to serve their nation, became professionals, and contributed to the profession of Dentistry. Volunteering their time and expertise to the Poor, Elderly, Homeless and Handicapped. Three very proud first generation Jewish American Veterans.
Marvin was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army and opened a Dental Practice in Valley Stream, N.Y. An American Flag always flew in front of his home. As an Associate Professor of Dentistry at Columbia University School of Dentistry, Marvin co-authored and wrote numerous texts, chapters, and research papers. Marvin was a member of Alpha Omega Dental Honor Society, Fellow of American College of Dentists, Fellow Royal Society of Health, England, Certified in anesthesia in Dentistry. Recipient of the Key to the City of Oxnard, California. Police Surgeon for Chiefs of Police, NY State and Past President of the United Cerebral Palsy Association. Marvin was recognized by LOOK Magazine for his contributions to the field of Handicapped Dentistry. During his tenure at Columbia University College of Dentistry, he opened multiple Dental Clinics for the Handicapped Patient. His compassion was appreciated by generations of Dentists.
In his early 70’s Marvin became an avid bicyclist, sometimes riding up to twenty miles a day. Marvin retired in his late seventies and moved to San Diego, California. As arthritis and old sport injuries began to limit his athletic ability, Marvin turned to sculpturing. A Classical music buff, Marvin enjoyed the Theater, Italian Operas and Symphonies. As Marvin began to age and miss his family, he moved to New Jersey and spent his later years with his sons Douglas, Andrew and Jonathan and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marvin never missed a Jewish Holiday and despite his aging would still Fast on Yom Kippur. His intellectual capacity remained solid and would often recite memories with precision and focus. His body was aging but his mind was still very young.
Marvin was cared for daily by his son Jonathan and grandchildren Matthew and Andrew. Marvin spent many a breakfast overlooking the water. Marvin’s constant feeding of his dog Pluto became daily entertainment.
Marvin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family friends at his waterfront home.
Marvin is survived by his sons, Douglas H. King, DDS, PhD, Andrew P. King, M.D., and Jonathan S. King, Entrepreneur. Grandchildren, John S. King, MD, MPH, Dr. Nicole C. King, PsyD, Matthew H. King and Andrew D. King, and great grandchildren Vincenza Sarah King and Mia Cara Penzimer.
Marvin was a proud supporter of the State of Israel, an American Hero and true American Patriot. His uniform hangs proudly for all his generations to see.
The family requests condolences in the form of donations be made to Chabad or United Cerebral Palsy Association.
The family will observe a Jewish Burial and private Shiva.
