Jack Needleman

Dr. Jack Needleman, a beloved and esteemed pediatrician, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at 82 years old, with his wife by his side on August 15. The son of Max and Naomi Needleman, of blessed memory, Jack was born and raised in New York City.
Jack was a diligent student and a hard worker. He earned his A.B. from New York University, followed by a Master of Science degree from Columbia University School of Public Health. For the next several years, Jack served as a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service, where he was frequently recognized for his exemplary service and received an honorable discharge. Jack's medical career began with an M.D. from New York Medical College. Jack pursued post-graduate training at the Children's Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he met his beloved wife, Martha. He also completed a fellowship in adolescent medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Jack's professional life was largely devoted to the Somerset Pediatric Group, where he practiced pediatrics for 40 years. Jack loved being a pediatrician and taking care of children throughout the community. He was patient, kind, and gentle, and often a little silly. He loved to remind small children to make sure they "screwed on their bellybuttons" each night "so their bottoms wouldn't fall off." Even in a raging blizzard with three feet of freshly fallen snow, Jack was determined to get into the office so he would be available for families with sick children. He would spend time on the phone in the evenings, often just reassuring parents that a lukewarm bath would help with a fever and that sitting in the bathroom with a steamed-up shower would help a croupy cough. Jack was incredibly honored when the Rotary Club in Branchburg, NJ awarded him The Paul Harris Fellowship Recognition for his dedication to working with children who have special needs. Throughout his career, Jack also enjoyed teaching medical students and had many academic appointments.
Jack loved his family fiercely and they loved him back. His loving family includes Martha, his beloved wife of almost 50 years, 4 children: Matthew (wife Katherine), Jane (husband Kenneth), Nina (husband Ryan), and Drew (partner Ari); and 6 grandchildren (to whom he would often sneak chocolate): Zachary, Sarah, Max, Daniel, Eleanor, and Anna. Weeks on the beach in Delaware with his whole family were some of his happiest times. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Martha by his side and with whichever children and grandchildren were available for the adventure. While his hugs, fish jokes, and reminders to "work hard but make sure to get some sleep" will be heartbreakingly absent, the memories of more things than could ever be written in a few paragraphs will be treasured forever.
Funeral services are Wednesday, August 20th, starting promptly at 12:30 pm at Orland's Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Jack-Needleman