Michael J. Nassau

Born on June 3, 1935, in Riverdale, New York, Michael was raised in Mount Vernon, where his intellectual gifts were evident early on. He attended Yale College (1956), where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his junior year and graduated summa cum laude. He went on to Yale Law School, where he served as Note and Comment Editor of the Yale Law Journal and graduated cum laude in 1960.

After law school, Michael achieved the distinction of earning the highest score on the New York State Bar Exam, a feat he would later attribute, with characteristic humility and humor, to having taken the exam “off cycle,” when fewer candidates sat for it.

Michael began his legal career as a clerk for a federal judge in Connecticut before joining Paul Weiss, where he practiced as a tax attorney. There, he developed deep expertise in complex financial and regulatory matters.

He later joined Kramer Levin, where he rose to Partner and served as Co-Chair of the firm's Employee Benefits Practice.

Beyond his client work, Michael was a builder of the profession itself. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in the legal landscape that followed the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in 1974, and he delivered more than 100 lectures, seminars, and published articles over the course of his career.

He chaired numerous bar committees, most notably serving as Chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the New York State Bar Association Tax Section and was a Charter Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel (ACEBC), a distinction that placed him in the top tier of his profession and is considered its most selective honor.

Despite his many academic and professional achievements, Michael remained deeply modest and unassuming.

To his family and friends, Michael was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of almost any topic, a sharp intellect and an unfailing ability to keep in perspective what’s important in life: family, friends, kindness and warmth. He traveled to over 60 countries, read thousands of books, and never met a PBS documentary he couldn’t wait to discuss.

Michael shared a remarkable 52-year marriage with his beloved wife, Roberta, whose warmth and vibrancy complemented his intellectualism and (endearing) absentmindedness. Together, they built a life rich in family, culture, and shared experiences — from African safaris and cross-country skiing to hiking in the Adirondacks and evenings at the theater, ballet, and opera.

An avid and lifelong reader, he participated in book clubs and engaged deeply with everything he read. At the time of his passing, Michael was rereading Faust, a fitting reflection of his intellectual curiosity and love of great literature.

He spoke French, played chess, could finish the Sunday Times crossword, and was a feminist long before it was fashionable.

As a father, Michael was loving and deeply devoted, taking pride in raising independent, thoughtful children and in the lives they built. He was supportive, caring and prioritized their happiness above all else. As a grandfather, he found immense joy in his four grandchildren, delighting in their individuality and in the time they spent together.

In his final two years, Michael was cared for with consistent and profound devotion by Dahlia Grizzle and her sister June Bennett. He is survived by his adoring children, Stephanie Brinker (Jeff) and Will Nassau (Chloe), and his cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Charlotte, Neely, and Eli. He is also survived by his loving sister, Susan Farber, and caring niece, Lesley Gerber.

Michael lived a life defined by intellect, curiosity, and quiet devotion to those he loved. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his wit, and the steady, grounding presence he brought to his family.

A Chapel Service will be held at Riverside-Nassau North Chapels, 55 North Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY, on April 30, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will immediately follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery Jewish, 685 Fairview Ave, Fairview, NJ.