Obituary

Paul Nusbaum, 71, of Charleston, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Paul was born July 2nd, 1950 in Washington, DC to the late Max and Clare Nusbaum. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland then graduated from University of Maryland in 1972. He went on to Virginia Commonwealth University where he received his Masters of Hospital Administration. He completed his residency in Hospital Administration at Charleston Area Medical Center.

Forty years ago, he married the love of his life, Harriett Fitzwater. A few years later they welcomed their son, Michael, and daughter Brooke soon after. He was a generous father and cherished many adventures with his family. He loved them unconditionally and delighted in their accomplishments.

Paul’s passion was public health. He provided healthcare consultation for hospitals and nursing homes and was known for his integrity and work ethic. In 1985, he went into business with his best friend Steve White to develop long-term care facilities in West Virginia. He served as the Secretary of the WV Department of Health and Human Resources during the Wise administration from 2001-2005. He was a proud public servant, serving many administrations under the Capitol dome on various boards and advising roles.

Paul was proud of being really good at gin rummy and not as good at golf, both practiced often at Berry Hills Country Club. He loved to cook, particularly deep-fried turkey and “the cake”, his mother’s famous cinnamon chocolate chip coffee cake. Over the years, he baked thousands for his friends and coworkers. It wasn’t a holiday without one.

Paul was a force and above all, loved engaging people in conversation. He always had a joke or story to share. He prided himself on being able to fix things for people and would always call so and so. He never met a stranger.

Paul is survived by his wife Harriett Fitzwater, son Michael (Sydney) Nusbaum, daughter Brooke (Andy) Nusbaum, his siblings and their spouses Mark (Cindy) Nusbaum of Naples, FL, and Donna (Bruce) Genderson of Rockville, MD. He was overjoyed to be expecting his first grandson in the coming weeks. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday February 18, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Paul’s honor to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department.

You may send condolences to the family at: www.barlowbonsall.com

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.

You may watch the service by live streaming, please click on the link below:

Funeral Service

Date & Time: February 18, 2022 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Venue: Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home
Location: 1118 Virginia Street, East Charleston , WV - (Get Directions)
Phone Number: (304) 342-8135

Kanawha County Health Department

Address: P. O. Box 927, Charleston, WV 25387 - (Get Directions)
Phone Number: (304) 344-5243

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16 responses to Mr. Paul Nusbaum

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Rick Clark says:

February 25, 2022

Harriett,
We are so saddened by the loss of Paul. For over 45 years, we were colleagues and close friends. I will always remember the times that Paul and I spent together working and playing.
I know how much Paul loved his family and he will truly be missed but never forgotten!
Sending love and prayers to you, Brooke and Michael during this sad time.
Rick Clark and Marti Touchstone

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Julie Farriss says:

February 22, 2022

We are saddened by the loss of our family friend. Paul was such a Big personality and we appreciated his kind gestures and his concern always for all of us throughout the years. We pray for comfort and strength for Harriett, Michael and Brooke during this time and always. Our deepest sympathy, Julie and Bill Farriss & Grey Goodwin.

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Julie Morris springforkkid@aol.com says:

February 21, 2022

I worked for Paul in the 90,s at Valley Health Village Nursing Home , Paul was a great BOSS he was always out on the floor helping he would push the food trays around to the South for us,gave a GREAT BONUSE !! I ran into him at Krogers and thanked him for beiing a good boss and running a Great Nursing Home ..

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Charlene Vaughan says:

February 20, 2022

It was with great sorrow to learn of Paul’s passing. My sympathies go out to his family.
Paul was a strong leader with a good heart, and quick to laugh.
I shall never forget his trust in me to be his General Counsel while he was Secretary of the WVDHHR. It may have been a first for the AG’s office. Nor shall I forget his trotting across the Capitol Complex with a tray of his home baked cake. I adored Paul and his clever antics!
May you rest in peace my friend.

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Patricia McGill says:

February 19, 2022

Dear Harriet, I am so sorry to hear of Pauls passing. I am out of town and unable to attend his services but want you to know that I am thinking of you and your loss. I always enjoyed Pauls sense of dedication to healthcare and his wonderful sense of humor. May you find comfort in the many memories you have of Paul.
Pat McGill

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