Norman H Schachtel

Dr. Norman H. Schachtel, age 96, passed away on January 16, 2024 and was known for many achievements and interests, the greatest of which was his 69 year marriage to his beloved wife, Judith (Krupnick), and for raising three sons, Thomas (Lori), Daniel and John (Beth). He leaves behind 4 grandchildren - Matthew, Jeffrey, Allison and Brianna (Sam), and 1 great-grandson, Connor. Norman was the son of Morris and Anna (Osder) Schachtel and was predeceased by 4 sisters and a brother.

Dr. Schachtel was highly devoted to his family, his private practice patients, and the multiple NJ hospitals where he served as the head of physical medicine. After retiring from his medical and administrative responsibilities, he spent several years as a consultant for the State of NJ Department of Disability Determinations. Norman was a WWII veteran who left high school weeks before his graduation and joined the US Navy in 1945 as a pharmacist‘s mate 3rd class.

Following the war, he received a B.S. at George Washington University and then attended the University of Bern (Switzerland) Institute of Medicine where he received a Doctor of Medicine. Selecting that school and its pioneering field of physiatry, electromyography and nerve conduction required him to take classes in a foreign language while simultaneously learning that language. He subsequently received a fellowship at New York University Hospital for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Dr. Schachtel was an avid sailor, photographer and fisherman who loved being on the water. He also enjoyed skiing as well as riding his bicycle, which he did into his late 80s. He inherited from his father a fascination with electronic and remote controlled vehicles of all types and he loved sharing the fun as he engaged in these activities with his sons and grandchildren. He will forever be missed and departs as one of the last members of the Greatest Generation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association.