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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Gail Pitchford says:

February 18, 2022

Dearest Harriet and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your beloved Paul’s passing. Guus and I send our deepest sympathy. I have so many wonderful memories of Paul during my time working at One Valley Bank. He would come to conduct some banking business, make me laugh like crazy and my day at work would be much better.

We are out of town and will not be able to be at Paul’s service…..I am so sorry. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending lots of love.

Gail Pitchford and Guus Lobach

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Marty Feldman says:

February 18, 2022

Words cannot adequately express the loss I’m feeling from the sad news about the loss of my dear old friend since 3d grade at Arcola Elementary and 3d grade Hebrew School. We spent countless hours paddling the ball back & forth across the ping pong table, playing sandlot softball, bowling, playing poker,…… Despite landing our adult lives 3000 miles apart, Paul remained a very special friend who would always remember special occasions and important milestones. His enormous heart of gold and sense of humor will be forever emblazoned in my mind. Paul fell right next to the proverbial tree Max & Clare planted on Markwood Drive. I just wish I coulda had the opportunity to say a proper good bye to my dear old friend of 64 years. “Pinchas Newsbomb” — You left a wonderful legacy with your indelible mark of positive energy that this world needs much more. Thank you dear friend.
Fare you well, fare you well, we loved you more than words can tell….

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Christy Phillips says:

February 18, 2022

I’m so thankful for the days I got to sit with Mr Nusbaum at Memorial Hospital,he became dear to my heart. I’m sure going to miss him

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Kenneth P Bowen says:

February 17, 2022

Harriet & Family,

So sorry to read about Paul’s passing. He and I had lots of great fun
paying golf and cards. Paul will be missed by his many friends.

Ken Bowen

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Stanley Stern says:

February 17, 2022

As a beloved fraternity brother of Phi Epsilon Pi at University of Maryland Paul will be missed by all who knew him. The brothers of Phi Ep send their deepest condolences to the entire Nusbaum family. May his memory be a blessing.

Stan & Judy Stern

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