Sanford "Sandy" Nusbaum

Sandy Nusbaum, best friend to many and known as the coolest guy to all, passed away on the night of September 23, the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Born in Newark, NJ in 1949, he was a proud graduate of Union Highschool and a Jersey boy through and through. In attending the University of Miami, he found his new hometown. After fate then brought him together with Ellen, it became the place where he could create a great life.

After beginning a fast-paced and focused career in financial advisement, Sandy developed cancer and quickly realized there is so much more to life than work, gaining a deep understanding that, as he would put it, life is not a dress rehearsal. He turned to Hurricane football, traveling across the country stadium to stadium and seeing the team through five national championships. When basketball was brought back to Coral Gables, Sandy found yet another way to be a devoted Cane.

Sandy too found the arts and music to be a great source of joy throughout his life. Music was a constant friend with the likes of Springsteen, Richie Havens, and Harry Chapin always on. Above all, anywhere live music was playing was Sandy's happy place.

While Sandy's generosity is displayed on many plaques in the institutions he cared most about, it is in his small acts of kindness that he is best remembered. If he saw something tragic happen to a community member on the news, he would make quiet inquiries on how to best help; if he knew someone was struggling, he would call with just the right words. Through these big and small acts, he improved the lives of so many, both friends and strangers.

What mattered most though to Sandy was family. Married to Ellen for fifty two years, he loved her unconditionally and was grateful to have her unwavering support. His daughter Jill and grandson Max were his pride and joy; he saved his most sage advice, his most fun adventures, and his biggest smiles for them.

Sandy's life was one well worn. In understanding early that life is for living, he prioritized experiences, emphasized strong relationships, and moved through life with an unmatched passion. He held love for many, spread friendship far and wide, and shared his wisdom with all. Let Sandy's life be a lesson to you: practice small acts of kindness, go see live music as much as you can, find a sports team to root for, and, above all, remember life is not a dress rehearsal.

Sandy is survived by his wife Ellen Nusbaum, his daughter Jill Nusbaum with her loving husband Jonathan Levy, and his grandson Max Nusbaum Levy.

Donations can be made in his honor to WhyHunger, an organization dedicated to a world without hunger founded and supported by Sandy's favorite musicians: https://whyhunger.org

Funeral will be held 2:00PM Friday at the Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Rd. Ewing, NJ. Burial will be private.