Skydiving birthday boy: ankle broken, spirit intact

Aaron Rosloff, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year by skydiving for the first time, decided to mark his 91st by jumping again — for joy and a cause.

On July 1 Rosloff took his second leap at Cross Keys Airport in Williamstown. The Kendall Park resident has so far raised about $3,500 for the South Brunswick Food Pantry from pledges made in honor of his latest feat.

Although he broke an ankle in the process, he said he plans on making the jump an annual event.

“God knows, I’m in my 90s so it’s hard to make long-term plans, but if my health holds out I’m certainly planning on it,” said Rosloff.

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Joining him for the second year were two fellow congregants of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick, president Gary Bergman and newsletter editor Michael Weiss.

Bergman said his own instructor asked him why he was “letting” Rosloff jump.

“My answer was, ‘I’m here to support Aaron,’” said Bergman.

“Why wouldn’t I keep on jumping?’ asked Rosloff, whose birthday was July 3.

His encore jump from 13,500 feet bested last year’s 8,000-foot jump, although the landing was far less successful.

The broken ankle he sustained has landed him in a cast and “an eight-week recovery period,” said Rosloff.

Freefalling at 100 miles an hours “is a wonderful feeling” said the nonagenarian. An airplane mechanic during World War II, he was a crew chief at Foster Field in Victoria, Tex., and flew test planes.

“I’ll do this on my 100th birthday,” added Rosloff, “if I’m still able.”

To donate to the South Brunswick Food Pantry in honor of Rosloff’s jump, send checks to South Brunswick Human Intervention Fund, PO 130, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. Write “Aaron’s Jump” in the subject line.