John "Jack" Brandner

John Ashworth Brandner, known to most as “Jack”, was born on August 9, 1938 in Patterson, NJ. He was the youngest child and only son of Agnes and Herman Brandner. Jack graduated from Westwood High School in 1956 and received a scholarship to Union College, from where he graduated in 1960. Jack was enrolled in ROTC and following college, gave two years of service to our country through the Army Reserves.

Though Jack majored in mathematics, words and language were always in his heart. Taking a brave turn towards journalism, Jack eventually landed in New York City, and experienced his most fulfilling positions in editing and medical writing for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Academy Professional Information Service. Jack’s talent for language also touched those closest to him, and with it he left behind an archive of letters and treasured writing.

With the help of a computer dating service, New York City was also the place where he met and fell in love with his wife, Susan, and where both of his daughters, Andi and Jacquie, were born.

Jack’s life was marked by his search for meaning and finding his path in the world. He was a very deep thinker, one who was willing to wrestle with the toughest of human questions, until his mind no longer allowed it. In another brave turn, perhaps his most significant and powerful, Jack chose to become a Jew. He studied and converted through Congregation Beth Chaim of West Windsor, where he remained a devoted member for over 40 years. The choice to become Jewish shaped the rest of Jack’s life and continues to give inspiration to his family.

Always with a perfect word or bit of wit, Jack left an impression as an incredibly kind, gentle and sincere man. Though all really seemed to see these qualities in him, the two who benefitted most are the two who were lucky enough to to call him “Daddy”.

Jack was preceded in death, 6 weeks earlier, by his eldest sister, Marjorie. For her entire life, she had a room in her home referred to as “Jack’s Room”.

Jack is survived and cherished by his wife of 51 years, Susan, daughter Andi and son-in-law Tabb, daughter Jacquie and son-in-law Saul, sister Dorothy, sister-in-law Arlene and brother-in-law Jef, grandchildren Milo, Chana, Esme, Tamar, Sarah, Michal, and Naomi, nephews Gene, Seth, Rick, and Steve, and niece Corin.

May the memory of Jack Brandner, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, always be for a blessing.

Nov. 4, 2019 / 6 Cheshvan 5780

Donations can be made in Jack’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association

Or

Jewish Family and Children’s Service

707 Alexander Rd, Suite 102

Princeton, NJ 08540