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Richard Nirenberg Obituary
Dick was born Sept. 20, 1937, in Troy, New York. He was the oldest of five children, growing up in South Orange, New Jersey.
His love for musical theater began early and grew as his ability to play piano by ear became evident. His love of music and entertainment continued during his service in the Army in the late 1950s. He was a DJ in the American Forces Network stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Once discharged, Dick married and moved to the Midwest, graduating from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Richard worked in public relations for several American universities throughout his career including Northwestern University, Evanston; Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, and William Patterson College in Wayne, New Jersey. One of his favorite stints was at Knox College in Galesburg, where he wrote a sketch musical called "Galesburg and the Rest of the World." It was produced as a fundraiser for the Orpheum theatre restoration - certainly one of his proudest moments.
Richard loved hosting friends and family, treating them to his favorite restaurants, shows and venues. He shared his love for music and bad jokes, coffee ice cream and popcorn and all of the MGM classic movie musicals.
Surviving are Dick's loving wife, Barbara of Reno; her children Peter Morton (Nicola) of Carefree, Arizona; Janice Yancey (Larry) of Saint Augustine, Florida; Dick's daughter, Leah Vergotine (Rodney) of Oak Park, Illinois; and son, Adam Nirenberg (Kelly) of Oak Park; Grandchildren Phillip and Emily Yancey, Natalie Bannon (Steve) and Eric Morton, Jared and Zachary Vergotine, Sofie Nirenberg, and Ellyssa Seager (Brian Greene). Also surviving: brother Louis Nirenberg (Marge) in and sister, Nancy Adler as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick was predeceased by his sister Barbara Aronson; brother, Robert Nirenberg; daughter and son-in-law Rachel and Gary Seager.
Memorial donations may be made to the following organizations:
Alzheimer's Association, Northern California and Northern Nevada, 2290 N. First St., Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131, (408) 372-9900.
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&
Veterans Administration Sierra Nevada Health Care System
https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/53164095
Formal burial and funeral will take place Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 14 Veterans Way, Fernley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Nirenberg
6 Entries
John Burnett
August 25, 2023
Dear Barbara and family:
I saw the obit of Dick's passing and wanted to say what a wonderful man he was and how grateful I am to him when he gave me encouragement and advice in a time I needed it. Just know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Gorski
April 12, 2021
Dick Nirenberg was one of my mentors. It was a blessing to be a student intern for a year in the PR office at Thornton Community College – long time ago. We shared a passion for movies, stage & music, as well as PR. Sometimes when I went to Chicago to drop off press releases (pre computers/ faxes), I would be tasked with picking up a cigar or two. Love those memories. Dick did well, at least by me, and I think about the opportunities and experiences afforded to me often. While I did not realize that Mr. Nirenberg passed away until today, please know that (1) I have tried finding Dick for years, and (2) he has and continues to be in my prayers. My sympathy to the family of a man who made a significant difference and made life fun. It sounds that he lived a good life pre & post TCC. You should be proud.
Lou Nirenberg
January 7, 2018
I'll miss you bro. See you on the other side. Love Lou.
Louis Nirenberg
January 7, 2018
Marge and I will miss you, big brother. See you when ( and if) I get there! Love Lou. Shalom!
Marty White
December 21, 2017
I worked with Dick in the Public Relations Office at Knox College. He was a very talented and interesting man. Sending condolences to Barbara and the family. --Marty (Arnold) White
Kendra Hardine Brooks
December 21, 2017
A great person has left us. Thoughts are with families.
Kendra
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