Mike Kirshenbaum, 96
Mike Kirshenbaum, a retired director of personnel for the Department of the Navy, died at Southampton Hospital on Friday at the age of 96. The cause was attributed to congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
Over his 36 years as a civilian employee of the Navy, Mr. Kirshenbaum rose through the ranks, starting as a messenger and becoming director of personnel for the Military Sea Transportation Service, Atlantic Area. His career was inspired by disappointment, his family said, at not being able to enlist during World War II. He had a contracture in his foot, the result of early childhood polio.
His given name was Moe Kirshenbaum, but everyone called him Mike, said his wife, Elaine Kirshenbaum. He was born on Dec. 12, 1919, in Brooklyn, was raised there, and graduated from Brooklyn College.
He met the woman who was to become his wife, a student nurse, while a patient at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital for what she said was nothing too serious. The couple dated for a few years before marrying and settling in Valley Stream.
The Kirshenbaums visited Amagansett for more than 30 years, renting first, and eventually buying in the East End Residents Association on Napeague. They became full-time residents a decade ago.
Mrs. Kirshenbaum had an antique store, Elaine’s Room Antiques, on Pantigo Road in East Hampton for several years, and he was often there.
His family said he had a great sense of humor and a kind spirit and was well liked. His Jewish heritage was important to him, and he enjoyed celebrating the Jewish holidays with his extended family.
In retirement, Mr. Kirshenbaum enjoyed reading, going to the Amagansett Library, and eating pizza at the nearby Astro’s. He often sent friends and family newspaper clippings and articles of personal interest.
A dedicated family man, in addition to his wife, the former Elaine Sandlofer, to whom to he was married for 63 years, he is survived by his daughters, Joan England of Chevy Chase, Md., and Susan Kaye of Manhattan Beach, Calif. Three grandchildren also survive.