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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Kate Campbell says:

February 19, 2022

I am sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I worked with him at DHHR when he was the Cabinet Secretary. He was one of the good guys. Always working to solve problems and with such humor and kindness. I would see him years later in Charleston and he would always stop to chat asking about my boys. He will be greatly missed. He was loved by many and did great work. Prayers for your family.

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S says:

February 18, 2022

I was saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. It was a privilege to take care of Paul in the past. At first I was intimidated by his accomplishments but later realized his “down to earth personality”. I greatly enjoyed our visits and his humor. May his memory be eternal.
Steve Cassis

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steve futterman says:

February 18, 2022

I grew up across the street from the Nusbaums in Silver Spring. I remember playing ping-pong with Max, Mark and Paul. He was the kid brother, so we always took the opportunity to tease, him, but Paul was so good-natured, it didn’t phase him one bit. We would play “Running Bases”, a combination of Dodge-ball, Softball and Tag (ask your parents). When it was Paul’s turn to run, we could always get him to start laughing so hard, he would stop running and get tagged out. That was who he was, even as a kid. Kind, always in good mood and happy. I guess I always knew Paul would be an entrepreneur. When we were outside doing kid stuff, Paul taught himself to be a mixologist(is that how you spell it?) and hire himself out as a bartender….at 13 or 14 years of age! When I learned that he was getting a Masters in Hospital Administration, I said, “What is that”? When it was just an idea in the world, Paul already knew. He seemed to find his passion early and maintained it throughout his life. We all played baseball and softball as kids, teens and into young adulthood. I had not seen Paul for 40+ years and, after initial hellos. he said to me, “I remember that you could throw a curve-ball in slo-pitch softball”! That was Paul….kind and thoughtful… and apparently blessed with a great memory. Our condolences to your family and to his many friends.

Steve and Ellen Futterman

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D'Alessio family says:

February 18, 2022

Our deepest condolences to all of the Nusbaum family. Paul was a great person may he rest in peace

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John Fitzgerald says:

February 18, 2022

Dear Harriet and family, it is a great sorrow to lose such a good friend, husband, and father as Paul. He was a great man and a close personal friend. We are praying that he is at peace in the arms of the Lord and that all God’s grace be granted to you and family in this time of sorrow. John and Bonny Fitzgerald and family.

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