Marvin Leonard Bierenbaum

BIERENBAUM--Marvin Leonard, M.D., 81 of Newark and West Orange, NJ died peacefully on January 28 after a prolonged struggle with Parkinson's disease. Beloved husband of Nettie; loving and cherished father of daughter Dr. Michele Reichstein and her husband Robert, and son Robert; adoring grandfather of Dr. David Reichstein, Matthew Reichstein, Jonathan Reichstein and Annah Bierenbaum; loving brother of Bernice. Born on August 30, 1926, World War II veteran, graduate of Rutgers University (summa cum laude) and Hahneman Medical School. An astute and compassionate physician, after he established a medical practice in Montclair, NJ, he founded the Kenneth L. Jordan Heart Research foundation in honor of a colleague who died prematurely from heart disease. Over the next four decades, he authored over 150 journal articles and lectured around the world in epidemiology and arteriosclerosis research. His was among the earliest voices calling attention to the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and obesity and he produced seminal research establishing the long-term benefits of a low-fat, lowcholesterol diet. A tireless and enthusiastic public servant, he worked in government for 25 years at the state and national level for the Social Security Administration as Regional Director. That his life was full of accomplishments was a tribute to his intellectual curiosity fueled by boundless energy. But to his family and friends, he was warm and loyal beyond measure, quick to flash a broad smile and endearing giggle, a mesmerizing raconteur who shared his worldly perspectives without braggadocio, an avid and accomplished tennis and bridge player whose favorite game was anywhere he could root for one of his grandchildren, a cherished patriarch and mentor whose loving memory will never cease to inspire. Funeral will be held at Menorah Chapel, 2800 Vauxhall Rd., Union, NJ on Tuesday January 29 at 1:00 pm.