Irwin Mogel, age 93 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born in 1931 in Brooklyn, NY during the depression years, Irwin’s childhood was filled with many trials and tribulations. He spent his childhood caring for an ailing mother and taking on responsibilities way beyond his years. He carried that caretaker attitude throughout his life by working hard in every conceivable way.  His work ethic was unmatched.

Irwin met the love of his life, Roberta, when he was 16 and she 14, and they share the same birthday of March 29th. They married when he was 20 and she 18, and after a 2-year stint in the Army Irwin went to trade school to become a hairdresser. He got his first job at Macy’s where they changed his name to Mr. Paul because they didn’t think “Irwin” was a good name for a stylist.  They started their family and raised three children in Brooklyn and then Spring Valley, NY.

Irwin was a guy from a generation when as he always said, “life was much simpler” and he carried that line of thought throughout his life.  He derived happiness from the ordinary things. He continued to work hard, enjoy his family and nurtured relationships with extended family and friends who visited throughout the years.  He loved to do work on his home and everything was impeccable on the inside and out. On Sundays or Mondays, you could find him on his riding lawnmower, planting a garden, painting a door or a myriad of other household chores.  It all gave him great joy and a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Irwin worked as a hairdresser for 60 years, taking care of hair for such notables as Joe DiMaggio, Dan Rather, Golda Meir, and the Rockettes. He always like to tell people he was a hairdresser to the Stars.  He had a flock and following of customers who he loved and cared for like family.

As he got on in years, it became increasingly more difficult for him to stand on his feet as he suffered from neuropathy and he lost more and more of his ability to walk and stand.  The last few years were very difficult with many hospitalizations and health issues.  His large personality never wavered however and he could still crack a joke or get into a political argument with his cronies.  He spent the last 8 months of life in a beautiful room that was added on to his daughter’s home and got to live out his life under the care of a faithful aide, his loving family and his compassionate and caring wife.  Their marriage was a testament to all those who know them.

Irwin leaves behind his adoring wife Roberta of almost 73 years, his daughter, Jodi (David), son, Wayne (Angel), and daughter, Karen (Michael). He was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Danielle (Ramsey), Brian (Desiree), Jamie (Greg), Alissa (Brett), Jordan (Stephanie), Jarrett, Matthew (Jessica), and Jenna (Bryce). A bonus blessing of a long life gave him 16 great grandchildren and he got to know them all. He was also loved dearly and will be forever missed by his sister, Geri Gelman.

He will be remembered with love and affection forever and always.

Graveside life celebration services officiated by Rabbi Eric Cohen, Ph.D., will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, beginning at 3:30 p.m., at the Flemington Jewish Community Cemetery, 67 Capner Street, Flemington, NJ, 08822. Everyone is kindly asked to arrive at the cemetery beginning at 3:15 p.m. and to follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors.

If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed with the link being active at 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. 

Shiva will be held at the Mogel/Shankoff residence in Flemington on Monday and Tuesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m., and 5:00-7:00 p.m. each day, with services taking place beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening and to which all are welcome. There is ample neighborhood parking, but kindly ensure you respect the neighbor’s driveways and please go slow when traveling the roads near the home.

Shiva will also be held on Wednesday at the Kaplowitz residence in Connecticut from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

All arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Irwin’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

As is custom in the Jewish faith, no flowers please; memorial contribution’s in Irwin’s honor and memory may be made to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, via mail to P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or online by clicking HERE.

May the Mogel, Shankoff, and Kaplowitz families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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