April 11, 2012

Obituaries 4/11/12

Sam Ishibashi

Sam Ishibashi, 84, of Princeton, died suddenly on March 1, 2012.

He was a retired Episcopal minister and an elementary teacher with the Princeton Regional Schools.

Predeceased by his wife, Florence Ishibashi, Sam is survived by his daughter, Kris Ishibashi; son-in-law, Eric Morales; son, Matthew Ishibashi; daughter-in-law Danita Ishibashi; and granddaughters, Miranda and Britney.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 22 at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory can be made to: Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10025.

Extend condolences at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

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Gerald H. Freedman

Gerald H. Freedman, 86, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from complications during pre-surgery at the New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Born in New York, he resided in Princeton for the last 47 tears. He was a graduate of Rider University.

In 1965, he started his own accounting firm, Freedman and Company, in Princeton. After a number of years, he expanded it and took on a partner; it became Freedman and Druker. The company evolved into the regional firm of Mercadien, P.C. He eventually left public accounting to operate Kooltronic, Inc. with his wife.

He will be remembered as a strong, hard-working man with a deep sense of compassion toward others. He believed strongly in the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. He was extremely patriotic. Particularly at the time of Passover, the Festival of Freedom, he would remind us that we must not forget about slavery and genocide, as well as the injustice and oppression going on right now in many parts of the world, including our own country. He encouraged us to think about how we are required to help stop it. He said, “As we recall our own slavery, we must recommit ourselves to fight for freedom of all enslaved and oppressed people wherever they are.”

He was a generous philanthropist, giving his support to the many causes that were close to his heart. He was also an innovative thinker, and a man of great intelligence, integrity, and strong values, and he was admired for these qualities. Many people gravitated towards him to benefit from his wisdom and to seek out his advice. Others were drawn to him to hear his wonderful stories and to enjoy his company.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a devoted and loving family man with a great sense of humor, and was famous — at least within the family — for his witty puns. His warm personality and gentle spirit inspired and encouraged us all, and he was treasured by many who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Lee Freedman; a daughter, Deborah Freedman; a son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Bobbi Freedman; a brother, Victor Friedman; a sister, Phyllis Tolkowsky; and three grandchildren, Melissa, Jennifer, and Michael. We will also love him, deeply miss him and never forget him.

Funeral services were Monday at Adath Israel Congregation, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville. Burial followed at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park.

The period of mourning will be observed at the residence of Barry & Bobbi Freedman.

The family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to The Leon Siskowitz Fund at Adath Israel Congregation, 1958 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648; or The Jess Epstein Lunch-and-Learn Fund at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton, N.J. 08540.

Funeral arrangements were by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.