Nieson Shak

Nieson (Ned) Shak, 89, of Scotch Plains died May 11, 2015. He had also lived in Cranford, where he raised his family.

Mr. Shak graduated from Rutgers University with electrical engineering, economics, and business administration degrees. His early career was in marketing and finance and, in later years, he became an independent commodities trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange, a profession he maintained throughout his life. 

He was a member and former trustee of Temple Emanu-El in Westfield and a member and former president of Temple Beth-El in Cranford. He was a philanthropist and supporter of many organizations. He served as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, and the Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, and was a trustee of the Jewish Community Endowment Foundation.

In a book he authored to help his descendants shape their identities, he wrote: “I was born a Jew. I remain a Jew. I am a Cohen, a Descendant of Aaron. Too many of my ancestors sacrificed, suffered, and died so I could be here today. I owe them, I have an obligation.”

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Predeceased by his second wife, Charlotte, in 2008, he is survived by his sons, Steve (Gail) of California, Jay (Beth) of Connecticut, and Dan (Anna) of Nevada; a stepson, Alan (Randi) Pollard; a brother, Gerald Shak of Maplewood; his cousin, Bob Pearlman; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held May 13 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service of Central NJ.