Dr. Isidore "Jerry" Mihalakis, 90, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 11, 2026. A pioneering forensic pathologist with an insatiable curiosity and a mischievous sense of humor, Jerry loved his work, his family, and just about anything delicious.

Born on the Greek island of Chios, Jerry came to the United States at age ten. He earned a scholarship to Moravian College and graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine. After serving as a physician in the U.S. Army and as Assistant Medical Examiner for Baltimore County, he founded Forensic Pathology Associates in 1988. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he investigated thousands of deaths, held teaching appointments at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University, and mentored countless aspiring physicians and lawyers.

For all his professional accomplishments, Jerry's greatest joy came from the people around him. Warm, engaging, and endlessly curious, he had a gift for making everyone feel valued. He loved a good story, a good prank, and any excuse to bring family and friends together. His generosity extended well beyond his family, touching countless people who benefited from his encouragement and mentorship.

Jerry is survived by his three daughters: Marlena and her husband, George Alex, and their daughters, Ginny and Ellie; Mary Beth and her husband, Alexander Karras, and their daughters, Annie and her husband, Shane Chapman, and Jamie; and Vivian Mihalakis and her husband, Anthony Petrosky. He is also survived by his partner of 24 years, Marietta Banach. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Markella Mihalakis, and his parents, Basil and Malvina Mihalakis.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, from 6–8 p.m., and Friday, October 16, from 10–11 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1607 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem. Interment with AHEPA Service at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Funeral arrangements by the Herron Funeral Home in Bethlehem, www.HerronFuneralHomeCares.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1607 West Union Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA 18018, or online at https://stnicholas.org.