Benjamin L. Nightingale

Benjamin Leonidas Michael Nightingale, loving husband to Gillian Friedlander, father to Elana (Eli) and David (Christine), and grandfather to Wilson (11), Tilly (8), Alexander (7), Noah (5), Isabelle (2), and Benjamin (10 months), passed away peacefully on November 12, 2022. Ben's life began on November 10, 1937, in Staten Island, New York. He grew up in South Philadelphia, followed by Los Angeles, with life eventually taking him back to New York. Over his 85 years, Ben filled too many roles to count, showing a remarkable ability to master the task of the moment. Through it all, his life was marked by music, writing, and family. He wrote articles for myriad publications, published fiction and nonfiction stories alike, and was perpetually working on a book about his life (a project his children will now inherit). He sang professionally as a tenor with the New York City Opera Extra Chorus as well as in public to embarrass his kids. And in 2010, he starred in a one-man show, "Too White To Be Black," at the Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY. In 1977, Ben met Gillian playing tennis at Midtown Tennis Club in Manhattan. Their love was immediate, and they went on to ride the roller coaster of marriage for 42 years-buoyed by Gillian's unwavering commitment and Ben's sense of humor. Together, they gave their kids the gifts of love, laughter, and perseverance, along with camping trips to Lake George, walks in the woods at Cranberry Lake, card games, and Judaism. He will be missed tremendously, but his story and legacy will live on (and you can read more about them here and here ).

Donations in Ben's memory may be made to WJCS Jewish Programs, Attn: Susan Lewen, 845 N. Broadway White Plains, NY 10603, or at https://www.wjcs.com/donate/donate-now/ (Program: Jewish Programs; Specify in Comments: Addressing Alzheimer's).