Obituary of Albert Bortnick

After a long and healthy life, and a very short illness, Albert Bortnick, 97, of Princeton passed away Friday, January 20, 2023 peacefully at home in Princeton. 

Albert was the second son born to Isidore and Lena Bortnick in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Jersey City. He and his brothers shared friends, laughs, food and enjoyed each other’s families.  He served as a radar technician in World War II, and a month before he was scheduled to be sent overseas, the war ended.. He came back home and enrolled in New York University, where he became Phi Beta Kappa (he would cringe knowing this was included because his humility trumped his achievement), edited the newspaper, and met the love of his life, Judith Joyce Karmiller.

Albert and Judith (Judy and Al as they were known) were married on March 25, 1951 and enjoyed a warm, loving and fun 70 years together.  Albert was an English teacher in the New York City School Board and then became a Vice Principal in various high schools in the Bronx, NY.

Albert and Judith raised their two children in Rockland County, NY and lived there until relocating to the Princeton area 15 years ago.   After retiring from the NYC School Board, Albert and Judith both taught at Monclair State University, and spent their time traveling, visiting children and grandchildren in Germany and Canada.  They loved life together.  They had many wonderful times with friends, family and long dinners discussing most recently read novels ,seen movies and were open and curious to whatever their grandchildren were interested in.  

Albert was predeceased by his wife Judith Joyce Bortnick, parents Isidore and Lena (Schwartz) Bortnick; brothers Joseph (Joe) Bortnick and Jacob (Jack) Bortnick, sisters-in-law Marilyn Bortnick and Cecilia Bortnick.  May their memories be a blessing.

He is survived by son Evan Bortnick, daughter Bonnie Hillman, son-in-law Hart Hillman, daughter-in-law Anna Bortnick, granddaughter Alexandra (Sasha) Bortnick, grandson Sam Hillman, and grandson Jake Hillman. He will be sorely missed for many reasons, but particularly when any of his family and friends need a precise definition for a word.

The family extends a deep thank you to Dr. David Barile, Dr. Ramy Sedholm, the entire staff of Greenwood Hospice Care, including the two Kellys and Chaplain Byron.  A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00AM on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Star of David Memorial Chapel of Princeton 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton 08542. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Star of David Memorial Chapel of Princeton 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton 08542. Burial will take place with immediate family only in Washington Crossings National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood Hospice Care or ACLU. 

Zoom Link for Albert Bortnick's Memorial Service