Norman J. Axelrod

Norman J. Axelrod, 74, of Manchester, NJ died on February 2, 2025 in Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick, NJ.
Norman was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Abraham 'Al' Axelrod and Sadie 'Sonie' Israelowitz. He had lived in Staten Island before moving to Manchester, NJ in 2024. Norman had attended Brooklyn College where he earned his Bachelor's degree in History and Accounting in 1972 and worked towards his master's degree.
Norman was an amazing man who was well loved by all who knew him. He was a CPA for Vento Tax & Wealth Management Group who was passionate about using the tax code to the best advantage for his clients. He was a Sci-fi fan who enjoyed pontificating on the future based on his vast knowledge of and love for history. He loved gardening and seeing the beauty of nature. He loved animals, especially his cat, Nibbles, who spent the days snuggling with him as he worked in his home office or fell asleep with him on his recliner. Even in the hospital he entertained the staff with jokes about not knowing about all this medical stuff because "it was not on the CPA exam".
Norman is predeceased by his two brothers, Daniel and Wallace Axelrod. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan Ponder Axelrod; his son Henry Axelrod (and his wife Jennifer) and 2 daughters Sharon Johnsen (and her husband Sean) and Melissa Axelrod; his stepchildren, Andrew Cymes, Alison Cymes, and Renee Rockefeller Falco; his step brother, Stephen Pelman (and his wife Sherri); his half sister, Rita Marie Krajick Bagnoni; his 3 grandchildren, Katherine and Juliette Axelrod and Jane Johnsen; and his nephews and nieces.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 10am at the First Baptist Church of Metuchen, 225 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840. 732-548-4279. All services will end at the church, cremation will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, Metuchen, NJ.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations to cancer research in his memory would be appreciated.