Aaron G. Nierenberg

Aaron G. Nierenberg passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 85. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a long-time resident of South Orange, NJ, where he and his beloved wife, Claire (Mayers), lived for over fifty years, Aaron was born in The Bronx, NY, the only son of Gertrude and Irving Nierenberg, and grew up in Lakewood, NJ. He received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University where his involvement in ROTC enabled him to serve as an officer in the US Army. After earning a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education, Aaron was on the faculty of The Graduate School of Education at Seton Hall and later served as Dean of Students at Upsala College where he also started a Graduate Program in Counseling. When he left the world of education, Aaron used his counseling skills in the corporate world as a consultant to outplacement firms and then at the Career Center at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick where he advised and counseled employees.

Aaron was a member of Congregation Beth El in South Orange for over 50 years. He served many terms on the Board of Trustees including two years as Board President and was active at Beth El until his passing. He was loved and respected by fellow members across the ages for his kindnesses, his witty comments, and his wise advice (even on their careers). He was an important source of congregational history and was the devoted leader of the morning minyan service. Aaron also served as chair of the Education Committee at the Solomon Schechter Day School (now the Golda Och Academy) and was a founding member of the Academic Division of UJA.

Aaron was a loyal fan of the Yankees as well as closely following the achievements of the Rutgers University teams. He enjoyed walking in his favorite neighborhood in South Orange, doing the NY Times crossword puzzle, being challenged by the paper’s Spelling Bee, and playing bridge both on the computer and with friends. Relaxing at home with a good mystery and playing bridge on the computer and with friends always brought him pleasure.

Aaron was deeply grateful for his loving family and was to grateful of the opportunities he had to share in their lives. In addition to Claire, his cherished wife of almost 58 years, he leaves behind his beloved daughters, Marla and Rachel, his five adored grandchildren, Grayson and Rebecca Pasternak, Jacob, Benjamin, and Joshua Hanan, and many close friends and family. A funeral service for Aaron was held on October 18 at Congregation Beth El and burial followed at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge.