Norman W. Lavy, M.D., 78, of Westfield, died on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Potomac Homes Assisted Living, Green Brook.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Lavy earned a medical degree from the University of Maryland. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon from 1957 to 1958, with the rank of major. He did postdoctoral work in hematology and genetics, and was a professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center in New Brunswick.

He was the vice president and director of drug regulatory affairs at E.R. Squibb & Sons from 1966 to 1987. Dr. Lavy was a member and officer of many professional organizations, was a consultant to the U.S. Congress on federal drug approval issues, and was a consultant to many startup biotechnical companies.

He was a major supporter of Hillel and founder of the Lavy Colloquium of the Jewish Studies Department of Johns Hopkins, and was a supporter of Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, where he was a loyal participant of the Shabbat Minyan. He also supported the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Congregation, and was a supporter and eager participant in the Summer Institute Program. Dr. Lavy was an avid sailor who loved spending summers on the Vineyard.

He was predeceased by his son, Roger Lavy, and is survived by his wife, Marion (nee Hirsch), and his brother, Dr. Richard Lavy, M.D. Donations in his memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, N.J, Johns Hopkins Hillel, or to the Jewish Studies Program at Johns Hopkins.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Oct. 9, at Temple Emanu-El of Westfield. Interment followed at the King Solomon Cemetery, Clifton. Arrangements were by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union.