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Bennington College

FUNERAL HOME

Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York

180 West 76th Street

New York City, New York

Jason Shinder Obituary

SHINDER--Jason. With enormous sorrow, family and friends mourn the passing at age 52 of Jason Shinder, poet, editor and director for the Arts & Humanities of the YMCA. Author of Every Room We Ever Slept In and Among Women, a final book of poems is forthcoming. Jason was a beloved teacher in the graduate writing programs of Bennington College and the New School University. Jason founded the Writer's Voice at the West Side Y and took it national with the YMCA of the USA. He also created the Sundance Institute's Writing Program. A legendary wit, devoted brother and uncle, and a beloved friend to many, Jason's zest for life was unyielding and he will live in our hearts forever. Mr. Shinder lived in New York City and Provincetown, MA; he is survived by his siblings, Martin and Nina, and his nieces, Jennah and Jamie Kudler. A service is scheduled for 2pm, April 29th, at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th St. in New York City.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jason Shinder

Sponsored by Nina.

14 Entries

Nancy Calvin

April 24, 2023

My funny sweet cousin is missed every day.

Nancy Calvin

April 23, 2019

Jason was my cousin. He was a very special person, always sweet and made me laugh a lot. His loss is sorely missed.

Nancy Calvin

March 19, 2013

I loved your brother,My family always did! He was a fabulous human being!Just found this site.I think of him often.Will forever!

Renee Morris

May 26, 2011

Some how Jason you made the world a magical place. Your creative eccentricity could make the perfect Rose bloom in the middle of a New York snow storm if you wanted it to. I will never forget you, I will always remember you as a smile in my heart.

Ruth Greenstein

May 6, 2008

Heartbreaking to learn of Jason's passing. But what a life lived well and fully! He remains an inspiration as a maverick organizer who brought so much to the literary community, and with his generous spirit, lively ideas, and good humor, to so many people directly. My life is far richer for having known and worked with him for nearly twenty years. Blessings to his friends and family.

Beth Gold-Bernstein

May 3, 2008

Marty and Nina,
Most sincere condolences. Jason was a good friend in high school. I still keep the poem he wrote for me. He was gentle soul, a true spirit. Very happy to have reconnected with him during our 30th high school reunion.

Unfortunately he did not have many years on this earth, but he accomplished much while he was here. I happy to have had him as a friend in this life.

Debra Schwartz

May 3, 2008

Marty and Nina:
I've known your brother since Kennedy High School and have been in touch with him ever since -- until a few months ago. I'm heart sick, for his passing and for not having known of the funeral - But my life has been graced by his unique gift of friendship. Please let me know a contact for either one of you so I can find out where he now rests. I grew up in Bellmore and there are friends who I know will want to say their good byes with me. Actually good bye is not correct, for Jason will always be in my heart.

Celeste Wroblewski

May 3, 2008

"What thou lovest well remains"

I haven't seen Jason in several years, but I feel lucky to have been able to exchange an email with him from time to time since then.

When I once wrote to say that I missed working with him at the YMCA of the USA, he reminded me of Ezra Pound's line, "What thou lovest well remains."

That Jason was loved well is an understatement. I have read so many moving tributes on the blogs about him. (Type “Jason Shinder” in the special Google blog search -- http://blogsearch.google.com/search ) I also know that like me, many in the YMCA movement both adored Jason and admired his groundbreaking work in integrating the arts into YMCAs across the country.

Jason Shinder’s gentle, luminary spirit will remain always in the hearts of his friends and colleagues.

Barb Coveny

May 1, 2008

Dear
Marty:
You always spoke about Jason with such pride in the details, of his writing and teaching, and your close friendship as brothers. My heart goes out to You and your family for the loss of such a gifted soul.
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote....
Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Verna Capson

May 1, 2008

Marty:
Barb told me of Jason's death, I am sorry to hear of such a young person. Thinking of you in Canada.
Love Harold & Verna Capson

susan mylott

April 30, 2008

marty: my heart breaks for you and nina. i loved jay like a brother. i will treasure his book of poetry "among women" forever.
suzi

Helen Tzagoloff

April 30, 2008

Jason was one of my first poetry teachers. Not only was he a great teacher, but he generously set up appointments to go over our work on an individual basis. He helped me in many, many ways and got me started on compiling my first manuscript. I will miss him very much.

Karen Finley

April 29, 2008

My deepest sympathies to Jason's family. Jason was extremely kind, generous, positive and wise with a humorous edge. I will miss his friendship, his poetic voice and vision. He was very supportive to my creativity. I was so blessed to know him, his intelligence and grace.

Susan McHenry

April 29, 2008

I am heartbroken to receive the news of Jason's death. I worked with Jason in the late 90s while at Bennington for my MFA. His kindness, encouragement, and support were great gifts to me. I felt truly seen by Jason. I am blessed to have known him. He and I kept in touch over the years, and his friendship meant so much to me. His authenticity and courage as a poet and person will continue to touch and inspire me. I will deeply miss him. My most heartfelt sympathies to Jason's family and all who loved him as I did.

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