* Gerald Cotler; retired director of cardiology

Dr. Gerald Cotler, who served as director of cardiology at Encino Hospital for 20 years, has died at his Hidden Hills home. He was 59.

Cotler died Sunday of complications of a brain tumor, said his wife, Elaine Cotler.

Born in Philadelphia, Cotler completed his undergraduate work and medical school studies at Temple University in his hometown. He came to California in 1956 and performed his internship, residency and fellowship at Los Angeles County General Hospital.

In the mid-1960s, he opened a private practice in cardiology in the west San Fernando Valley and later moved his office to Encino.

In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, Cotler established a cardiac care unit and cardiac catheterization lab at Encino Hospital and West Valley Hospital, where he served as director of cardiology, said his partner, Dr. Jerome Hamburger.

Due to his illness, Cotler retired in 1990.

In September, Encino Hospital dedicated its second cardiac catheterization lab in Cotler’s name.

In addition to his wife of three years, Cotler is survived by his sons, Jonathan Cotler of Madison, Wis., and Steven Cotler of Aspen, Colo.; a daughter, Abi Cotler of Santa Cruz, and mother, Betty Cotler of Sherman Oaks.

A funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. Groman-Eden Mortuary in Mission Hills is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cotler’s name to the American Brain Tumor Assn.