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.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87989132461
So sorry. We love you.
Dear Aunt Ellen and Jill,
Charlie and I want you to know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We pray for you to have peace and find comfort in each other and from all your loved ones.
Warmest love and condolences,
Vicki and Charlie
That is beautiful for a wonderful guy
Beautiful memories and very well written about a truly amazing man. Rest in peace Sandy. You will live on in all our hearts.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful guy. He will be missed by so many of us. We are sending love & support to his entire family.💔
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We are so grateful to have shared many years of friendship with Sandy and Ellen. Our memories together are countless: cheering on our beloved Canes, traveling near and far for every football game, reveling in the thrill of National Championships and Final Four appearances. We were lucky—so lucky—to experience it all side by side.
Sandy was an extraordinary person. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit touched everyone around him. He gave freely of himself, and his presence made every moment brighter. His memory will be a blessing always.
I was a student of Mrs. Nusbaum in middle school. As an adult, I had had the pleasure of working in the office with Sandy, once of the nicest guys ever! They don’t make them like Sandy anymore.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the entire Nusbaum family. RIP Sandy
Ellen, So sorry for your loss. Wonderful tribute to Sandy. Our deepest condolences to you and your family😪
Meet Sandy right after he beat cancer on a plane to New Orleans to watch our Canes play Tulane.We became freinds after that . He loved the U and gave his support in so many ways. it was my honor to nominate Sandy
into Iron Arrow for all he did for our University. I will miss him greatly.
No words. Just memories. One of the best. One of our besties. Love to all of you.
Dear Aunt Ellen- Our deepest sympathies are with you and the family during this difficult time. Please be assured of our love and continued thoughts and prayers in your behalf. Love, Jonathan & Amy
Dear Ellen, Jill, Jon and Max-I’m so sorry for your loss.
The world has lost one of its most wonderful people. Sandy was my next door neighbor, my friend, my advisor, fellow cat lover, fellow Canes fan. He will be so missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
I was just going to call to say, “let’s meet at Eddie Hill’s when you’re back this way.” I’ll miss you, my friend.
Dearest Elllen,
To miss such a lifetime partner is one of life’s greatest challenges. I can share what a wise person told me when my late husband past, “ You never get over it, you work and get through it”. May you and your family embrace the memories.
Love,
Jenique
Sending love and hugs to your family. Deepest condolences to you from Eleanor Morris.
What a great person and a big loss for anyone who knew him. He will live in our hearts forever. His good deeds and his humanity will live on in our hearts and minds.
Dear Ellen , Jill, Max and Jonathan,
There are no words. Sandy was always present to discuss life, family, friends and certainly our Canes. He loved to talk about Max and I would share with him stories of our Max. Ellen, sending hugs and tears…
So sorry for your loss May his memories be a blessing
Dear Ellen So sorry for your loss May his memories be a blessing
Dear Ellen, Jill, Max, and John,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Sandy. He was such an inspiration to others, especially during his battle with cancer.
His love will live on in your hearts through the cherished memories you hold dear.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
In love and sympathy,
Phyllis
I knew Sandy for over 40 years. Enjoyed many weekends at tailgate gatherings, UM games, travel to away and bowl games, and pleasurable dinners including at his favorite “Joes”.
Sandy was a giving, loving and generous friend. One of the best. I am sure there is a special place for him in heaven. I extend thoughts and prayers to Ellen, Jill and the rest of the family.
Asif Jamal and Family