Dr. Jack Needleman, a beloved and esteemed pediatrician, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at 82 years old, with his wife by his side on August 15. The son of Max and Naomi Needleman, of blessed memory, Jack was born and raised in New York City.
Jack was a diligent student and a hard worker. He earned his A.B. from New York University, followed by a Master of Science degree from Columbia University School of Public Health. For the next several years, Jack served as a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service, where he was frequently recognized for his exemplary service and received an honorable discharge. Jack’s medical career began with an M.D. from New York Medical College. Jack pursued post-graduate training at the Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he met his beloved wife, Martha. He also completed a fellowship in adolescent medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Jack’s professional life was largely devoted to the Somerset Pediatric Group, where he practiced pediatrics for 40 years. Jack loved being a pediatrician and taking care of children throughout the community. He was patient, kind, and gentle, and often a little silly. He loved to remind small children to make sure they “screwed on their bellybuttons” each night “so their bottoms wouldn’t fall off.” Even in a raging blizzard with three feet of freshly fallen snow, Jack was determined to get into the office so he would be available for families with sick children. He would spend time on the phone in the evenings, often just reassuring parents that a lukewarm bath would help with a fever and that sitting in the bathroom with a steamed-up shower would help a croupy cough. Jack was incredibly honored when the Rotary Club in Branchburg, NJ awarded him The Paul Harris Fellowship Recognition for his dedication to working with children who have special needs. Throughout his career, Jack also enjoyed teaching medical students and had many academic appointments.
Jack loved his family fiercely and they loved him back. His loving family includes Martha, his beloved wife of almost 50 years, 4 children: Matthew (wife Katherine), Jane (husband Kenneth), Nina (husband Ryan), and Drew (partner Ari); and 6 grandchildren (to whom he would often sneak chocolate): Zachary, Sarah, Max, Daniel, Eleanor, and Anna. Weeks on the beach in Delaware with his whole family were some of his happiest times. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Martha by his side and with whichever children and grandchildren were available for the adventure. While his hugs, fish jokes, and reminders to “work hard but make sure to get some sleep” will be heartbreakingly absent, the memories of more things than could ever be written in a few paragraphs will be treasured forever.
Funeral services are Wednesday, August 20th, starting promptly at 12:30 pm at Orland’s Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Dear Martha and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Jack certainly was an incredible person who lovingly touched many lives. It was always a pleasure for us to see you walking around RAY and stopping to chat.
And, of course, the addition of your sweet dog, Goldie, gave us more opportunity to see you both out walking her.
Please know that you are in our prayers at this difficult time. Jack will be dearly missed.
Bob and Sue Mrazik
1702 Pierce Way
I’ll never forget Dr. Needleman and the great care he took of me and spending time with Nina and the Needleman family when I was a child. I’m so sorry for your loss of an amazing man.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Needleman’s passing. I had the privilege of working alongside him for 11 years at Somerset Pediatrics. He had a special way of bringing comfort to children with his gentle demeanor, warm humor, and just the right touch of silliness.
I will always be grateful for the trust and confidence he showed in me throughout our time together. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. He will be remembered fondly.
An amazing doctor and person, he always made me feel that no matter how bad things looked, he would make the best decision for my son’s, my youngest was attacked by a dog in the face, he handled it extremely well. Same child is applying for veterinary school. We are so sorry for your loss, our deepest condolence.
Dear Needleman Family,
Words fail me to express the profound sadness my family and I feel upon hearing of the passing of Dr. Needleman. He was an extraordinary doctor, renowned for his witty humor. Even as a first-time mom, filled with fear and uncertainty, he managed to lighten my mood with his jokes. My family and I will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
All of our love,
Mother of Antonio, Eliana, Graziella & Vittoria Mancino
He was a truly wonderful doctor, the type of doctor who was so kind and compassionate. He took care of my two children. One of my favorite memories is when I brought my 18 year old son to see him and he kindly said to me that he was too old to be coming there, I had to find another doctor…I would have stayed with him forever! He was one of a kind and loved by many! My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
As I read Dr. Needlemans obituary, I started to tear up. Having three children in four years I felt I was always in the office for something. I remember one time, Dr. Needleman wrote me a script and handed it to me, just as I realized I left the house without my wallet and I started to cry. He offered me some cash and told me he’d get it from me at the follow up appointment. That doesn’t happen very often. He was a kind man and a great doctor.
As I continued reading, I laughed out loud. I have five grandchildren and just a few months ago, I “tightened up my youngest grandsons bellybutton” and we both giggled. Good memories.
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Needleman provided us and so many other parents with a sense of calm, confident and thoughtful pediatric care, putting our children at ease, always taking the time to greet, offer a heart felt hello and chuckle at how big the kids were getting. We loved seeing him around town, on the field at the store and at the office for nearly two decades. May every member of the Needleman family find some comfort and peace in the fact that thousands of lives have been made better because of his kind heart, exceptional approach to pediatrics and unwavering commitment to community.
I will always have a special place in my heart for Jack Needleman. When I started at SPG 34 years ago, he was such a welcoming face. He had the gentlest soul of anyone I ever met. Always a smile and usually a joke. Professionally he was a joy to watch. The kids loved him. And the staff did too. There was never a question too dumb to ask him. He was patient and knowledgeable. Always willing to help. But personally he was just a sweet kind man. Always asking how I was, how the family was, and offering help and suggestions to make life a little easier. He was also the best person to go to for restaurant recommendations. He always knew the best places to go to eat and where you would find the best burger, ribs, ice cream, etc. My family enjoyed many places in Rehoboth based on his recommendations. He has been greatly missed at SPG since his retirement, and still has patients ask about him.
My condolences to all of the family. You were so important to him. I heard many stories over the years about all of you. You will all be in my prayers at his difficult time
With love,
Sue Braun
My deepest condolences to the Needleman family. I had the privilege of teaching both Matthew and Jane in the Branchburg School System. I remember Dr. Needleman taking the time to come into the classroom and teach a class about the dangers of smoking. He brought in samples of healthy lung tissue and the lung tissue of a heavy smoker. I imagine that lesson left a lasting impression on the pupils because I still remember it after all these years. Dr. Needleman was a very caring man, and I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Dr Needleman will be missed sorely. Both my girls have fond memories of him at Somerset Pediatric Group. Heartfelt condolences to his family.