Nathan Neiberg

April 28th, 2022

My uncle Nate used to come visit my mom, his sister Rosalie, at 7 AM on his way to work when I was in grammar school. It did NOT seem weird to me that he would come so early in the morning. Mom was always so happy to see him: give him coffee and rye bread toast. As time went on, I understood this very special relationship more and more. When Mom developed dementia, Uncle Nate was very supportive. He would lovingly describe his conversations with her, how she remembered life before the war and after, how Mom was “the only one he could really talk to about these things.” In the past almost decade, each phone call with Uncle Nate was a treasure. Now I was the one who said you are “the only one I can talk to about these things.”
I am so grateful that I was able to visit with him in Florida in May 2021. In his nineties, Uncle Nate continued to be his usual self – engaging in provocative conversations (Covid, Trump, great grandchildren), observing the lush surroundings during walks (beautiful landscape, birds singing, blue sunny skies), driving to the grocery store, enjoying food that I attempted to cook like my mother did (barley soup), and winning all the gin rummy rounds. I was in awe that he was so vibrant and active.
To my cousins and their families, thank you so much for the heart felt eulogies that you shared with us at the funeral. Thank you for carrying on his legacy.
With gratitude and love,
Renee Samelson
Oldest daughter of Rosalie Samelson, Nate’s youngest sister

~RENEE SAMELSON
~NIECE, WESTERLO, NY 12193