Jeffrey A. Himmelstein

Jeffrey Alan Himmelstein passed away on September 18, 2025 at home with his family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 14, 1941, he was the son of Frieda Himmelstein and Aaron “Archie” Himmelstein, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Lois Perlman; his children, Jason Himmelstein and Jamie Himmelstein; his brother, Larry Himmelstein; and many cousins, whom he loved deeply. Family meant everything to Jeff, and he carried that devotion into every aspect of his life as a husband, father, brother, and cousin.

Despite losing his hearing as a very young child, Jeff overcame tremendous challenges in a world with few accommodations for the deaf. Through determination and perseverance, he taught himself to lipread and navigate life on his own terms which was a testament to his resilience and intelligence.

Jeff’s love of learning and adventure shaped a remarkable career. A trained herpetologist, he traveled the world studying reptiles and amphibians, with much of his research taking him to the Yucatán in Mexico and the Pantanal in Brazil, among other locations. His curiosity knew no bounds, and he credited National Geographic for sparking his early interest in travel and exploration. He shared his knowledge widely, inspiring students and colleagues alike. For many years, he taught at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where his favorite teaching memories came from his years in the classroom from 1969 to 1987, before moving into administration and later teaching at the college level.

A source of particular pride was his appointment by the Clinton administration to the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, where he served alongside Senator John Glenn and Senator Ted Kennedy in the late 1990s.

In 1970, Jeff coordinated what is recognized as the first Earth Day celebration in the United States at Columbia High School known as known as “Earth Day Minus Five.” A true scientist, he understood the importance of educating students about the Earth and developed a unique curriculum for what was, at the time, a novel course: Environmental Science, long before it became common in schools.

Jeff was simply the best, kind, generous, and brilliant. He impacted the lives of everyone he met, leaving an enduring mark as a mentor, educator, and friend. Above all, he was devoted to his family, whose love and joy remained at the center of his life. He will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and love by all who knew him.

Donations in Jeff’s honor can be sent to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson research https://www.michaeljfox.org/

A funeral service will be held at Star of David Memorial Chapel, located at 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL, on September 21, 2025, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

Following the funeral service, a committal service will take place at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Rd, North Lauderdale, FL, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.