Obituary of Michael H. Nussbaum

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Harry Nussbaum, 87, of Manchester, NJ. Born April 3, 1939, in the Bronx, Michael lived a life surrounded by the love of family and friends. His kind, gentle nature touched everyone he met.

A chance meeting at Jewish Federation in N.Y.C. would change his life forever. It was there he met Joyce Gordon who would be the love of his life for the next 60 years. The most devoted husband; he poured his heart and soul into their marriage.

Upon moving to Lakewood with his family, Michael was an active member of Congregation Ahavat Shalom for decades, serving as synagogue President and Men's Club President. It was his honor to stand on the Bimah on Yom Kippur in front of his community. He traveled around the world as owner of M&M Component Sales. He always took pride in his affiliation with the Jewish War Veterans, having served in the Army reserves until 1965.

When he had “Michael time”, he could be found watching old episodes of Star Trek, listening to Klezmer music and staring at the stars to support his love of astronomy. As a child, he often took his telescope to the roof of his apartment building to look for his favorite constellation, Orion – named for strength; the belt of light signaling the change of seasons. As a father, he carried little Robin and David outside, wrapping them up in blankets to watch meteor showers.

In retirement, he continued to spend more time with the younger members of his community. He drove a school bus for special needs children and took a special interest in each child often talking to them about the stars. While many of his students could not converse, he knew they were listening to him and learning from him.

Predeceased by his parents Fannie and Rubin Nussbaum, he is survived by his wife, Joyce, and loving children, Robin (Drew Barker) and David (Charla Pihlstrom) who will miss him every minute of every day. Michael's memory will also be treasured by his sister, Sheila, who shared an unbreakable bond with him. His legacy continues through his adored grandchildren, Jacob, Lucy, Frances, and Theo, who brought immense joy and pride to his life, as well as family and friends whose lives he touched. He’ll also be reunited with other loves of his life – “Wink” and “Snickers” the most loyal and trusted feline members of his family.

People say nice things about others when they die. Sometimes they feel a little generous—because who amongst us is actually that good? I promise you... Michael Nussbaum was the ultimate guteh nashomeh.

Michael’s family and friends will honor his memory during a chapel service followed by graveside burial on Friday, August 28, 11:00 am, Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ.

Following graveside service, friends are welcome to join the family for Shiva on Friday, August 28 until 6:00pm at the family home in Manchester, NJ.

For those who wish to honor Michael’s memory with a donation, please consider OperationFoster.org.