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NATHAN KOLODNEY Obituary

KOLODNEY--Nathan. After a valiant fight, Nathan Rothaus Kolodney succumbed to COVID-19 Pneumonia on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Nathan was a mentor and inspiration to so many: his family, his students, his colleagues, his friends. First as a teacher, and then as an administrator and social worker in the Jewish Community Center field, his love for, and commitment to others was unsurpassed. He had beautiful, twinkling blue eyes, wit, intelligence and integrity. He inspired in others a sense of justice, a mission to do right by others, and especially to be the best that they could be. He loved music, his guitar, writing, philosophy, and most of all his family. Nathan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen Kiok Kolodney, his son Akiba, his daughter Leah Pizer, his son-in-law Jason Pizer, his grandson Jackson, and his brother, David. He will be missed and loved for eternity.

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Published by New York Times on May 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for NATHAN KOLODNEY

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alysa hwalisz

September 24, 2024

I didn't know Nate, but was going through old photos of my Dad's - Merwin Ellis - and found this. They were both born in 1927 so I'm guessing they were classmates.

Kay Sofer Conrad

December 16, 2023

Ellen: I remember you and the "wonderful" Mr. Kolodney from Van Buren HS. He was a fabulous teacher, always inspiring and bringing out the best in his students! His passion for writing and music was infectious. His intellect and humanity was impressive! I greatly enjoyed being part of his folk music club. He was a treasure... and will be emboldened in my memory!

Emily Polskin Zylber

May 24, 2021

It was just by chance that I googled Nat's name 2 days ago, and was greatly saddened to see that we lost him literally one year ago today. Nat was my boss and supervisor for my first job out of social work grad school, and I loved working with him. He excelled in so many areas-was so bright, an intellectual, so knowledgeable about....everything, had a great sense of humor, a wonderful ability to engage with everyone, was talented in language/communication, and music, and also exhibited amazing curiosity in the world and in people. He had great ideas and a clear desire to make things happen. And, with all this, he was soft-spoken and humble-a tremendous human being. I am deeply regretful that I have not spoken to him in so many years. I will continue to think of him, as I always have, though, on his birthday at the end of June. My heartfelt condolences and love go out to Ellen, Akiba, Leah, and all his extended family. The world lost a very special human being a year ago today.

Arthur Shatz

May 20, 2021

Due to Mr. Kolodney's connection with the 92nd Street Y, the Van Buren Folk Music Club was able to put on a concert there. It was a great experience that I have never forgotten.

Arthur Shatz

October 5, 2020

Mr, Kolodney (Mr. K) was the staff leader of the Folk Music Club at Martin Van Buren High School in the mid-1960s and he made it a wonderful experience for all of us who were members.

Cluster of 20 Memorial Trees

Susan A. Mufson

Planted Trees

KATHERINE Tobin

June 5, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Linda Becker Saltzman

May 26, 2020

Nathan and David tried to open up my naive and unchallenged eyes during the summer of '62 at Cornell. They were an exotic species from NY; I was a high school junior from Niagara Falls. I knew enough to know that they were going to be special men some day. I wish that I had been able to keep in touch. It would have been an honor to call Nathan a friend. My condolences for your great, unnecessary loss.

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