Irwin Schatell

It is with deep sadness that the family of Irwin Schatell, 94, of West Orange, announces his passing. Irwin died Monday, December 23, at the Arden Courts Memory Care Assisted Living Facility in West Orange, where he had been a resident since February, 2024. There was a graveside funeral service of Jewish tradition on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook. Born in Union City and a lifelong Jersey resident, Irwin lived in Rutherford, Cresskill, and East Orange, before establishing roots in Livingston for the next 43 years. Upon the death of his beloved wife, Ellen (née Lipton) in 2010, Irwin moved to Verona where he lived for the next 12 years before entering Arden Courts.

Irwin graduated from Emerson High School in Union City, received a bachelor’s degree from NYU in marketing, and went on to earn a master’s degree in history from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Irwin spent his career in advertising, primarily working for Venet Advertising for almost 30 years, from which he retired in 1993 as senior vice president in charge of print production. Whether by bus or car, he faithfully made the early morning commute into New York City from across the Hudson, with his family often joking that he needed to be the first to arrive to unlock the door. While living in Livingston, Irwin was a congregant of the Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center, where he could be seen “schmoozing” with his pals. Irwin loved a good bagel with a little “schmear,” and don’t forget the pickled herring. An avid reader, history maven, political commentator, and all-around news enthusiast, Irwin loved spending time at the library and always made sure to return his books on time. Irwin also enjoyed playing football with his kids and was sure to make time to watch the sport on TV. Irwin had a green thumb and took pride in his garden, where his tomatoes and zucchini were the talk of the block.

Irwin was a proud and devoted father of Brian (Jane), Robin (Amy), Robert, Jeff (Nicole), and Scott (Jackie), and a most adored grandfather of Nina, Emmett, Melissa (Eric), Jennifer (Zack), Ethan, Jessie, and Dylan. Irwin was a loving son to Nat and Eva, and was predeceased by his warm and kind brother, Norman. Irwin will be fondly remembered by his niece, Amy, and nephew, Glenn. Irwin is survived by his 95-year-old cousin, Herbie, who he considered his best friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Friends of the Livingston Public Library,” Livingston N.J. 07039.