Theodore Nussbaum
Theodore "Ted” Nussbaum Obituary
After a journey of 43 years together, my husband, Theodore Nussbaum passed away on Nov 3rd, at the age of 90. One ordinary morning eight months ago, he was on his way to the library, and wound up in ER and then Rehab, a few blocks from home, a million miles from his life.
Ted grew up in Rockaway Beach, and after college he was a typist in the military. Intrigued by the law and respectful of it, he went on to become an attorney, and eventually a partner in Mayer, Nussbaum, Katz & Baker, P.C. representing Atlantic Records. Years later, he opened his own practice in the industry. He wielded granular knowledge of music contracts, licensing, and royalties.
He was a humble story teller of his experiences, and focused on the influence the artist had on the music industry rather than name dropping. He told of artists’ life experiences as reflected by the times and the impact it had on their lives.
Wanting to make a difference, he volunteered as an arbitrator in Small Claims Court in NYC for 25 years to ascertain that people of limited means saw justice, and published a lively blog as “Arbitration Man.”
He was the quintessential New Yorker and master words man with worldly curiosity. He was a voracious reader, and delighted in sharing biographical aspects of obituaries and wedding announcements. Book signings and lectures at Roosevelt House captured his interest.
He loved music and would often pour himself a brandy and listen to a CD or the radio. He attributed his ability to listen to and appreciate music to a professor at Queens College.
Also in earlier years, he spent time with an old-time gardener and learned to love working the soil. He was the resident gardener at home. In time, Central Park became his garden.
Ted was a man of substance who always wore a jacket, sensible shoes, and a hat and carried a brief case. He took courses at Hunter College and basked in intellectual stimulation. He severed ties with the computer, and claimed to be the only person without a cell phone.
He was a member of the Met Mob, a group of friends who regularly met at the Metropolitan Museum for culture and conversation.
He had a collection of what he referred to as “Pocketa Pocketa” items, mostly old hand made tools. He arranged them around the perimeter of a room which then became known as Ted’s Museum. He gave personal tours of his collection, describing the craftsmanship of each item, and creating background information about the ghost user.
He will always be in the hearts of those he left behind: Anita Poll, wife; four children Larry (Ayelet) Nussbaum, Elizabeth Richer, Neil Nussbaum, Jonathan (Victoria Hoiles) Nussbaum; a brother Henry Nussbaum; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many loving in-laws and friends.
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Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”
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