Irving N. Feller

The family of Irving N. Feller is saddened to report his passing on Nov. 20, 2022, at age 94. Irving, who was born in Brownsville, NY, to Shirley and David Feller, was a much-loved and respected educator for 37 years in New York City School District 19. A revered teacher, principal, and administrator, he spent his entire career in the East New York, Brooklyn neighborhood where he grew up. He received his Bachelor's degree from NYU at the age of 20, studying biochemistry, French, and psychology, and later earned his Master's degree in Education from NYU. Irving proudly spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel-not bad for a self-proclaimed pacifist. He lived in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Rockaway Beach, NY, for nearly 45 years, subsequently moving to Roslyn, NY, wintering in Boca Raton, FL, and spending the past few years in Great Neck, NY.

A legendary nature counselor at Tyler Hill Camp in the 1960s, "Uncle Irv" is remembered fondly for leading long hikes, his amazing stories of the natural world, and for fortifying the camp's nature program with his menagerie of animals, which he would bring from home each summer. The family home, in fact, was a haven to a rich and unusual bevy of furry, feathered, finned, and scaled creatures, including a skunk, an alligator, a boa constrictor, a great horned owl, a mynah bird, a raven, a tortoise, two pygmy marmoset monkeys, and turtles, fish, iguanas, and salamanders galore.

After his retirement from the NYC Board of Education in the late 1980s, he volunteered with the Wildlife Conservation Society, most memorably as a tour guide at the Central Park Zoo, and he spent quality time with his family, friends, and dog. In addition to being well-educated and a stickler for good grammar, he was well-traveled and enjoyed the theater, the opera, flea markets, antiquing, reading, round dancing, and square dancing. Although a man of few words, his impact is boundless. He was well-known for his sharp wit, kindness, and generosity, as well as his love of animals and for collecting all kinds of "junk," which were his treasures.

He leaves behind his children Michael Feller (Alyssa) and Robyn Feller (Paul Sundick); his grandchildren Danielle Schooler (Aaron), Zach Feller (Rebecca), Sam Sundick, Elena Sundick, and Emily Feller; great-grandson, Cole Schooler; his sister, Dolores Kleiner; and many more loving relatives. His beloved wife, Elaine, passed away 23 years ago, almost to the day, on their 43rd wedding anniversary. At nearly 95, Irving led a long and beautiful life in the center of his adoring family. He will be greatly missed but will be remembered forever.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to donate in Irving's memory, please consider the animal welfare organization of your choice.