Irwin "Irv" Samuel Ginsburg

Irwin "Irv" Samuel Ginsburg, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away May 5, 2026. Born in the Bronx, New York to Mary and Aaron Ginsburg, Irv was the answer to years of prayer for a family who had long awaited a child. As a first-generation American who spoke Yiddish as his first language, he became the first in his immediate family to attend college.

Irv grew up surrounded by doting older aunts, uncles, and cousins who treasured him beyond measure. His childhood was filled with family, love, and close friendships on the streets of New York, where the community helped raise him. The son of a kosher butcher, Jewish life played a central role in his upbringing.

While pursuing his master's degree at the University of Illinois, Irv met Nada Rubin walking across campus on a particularly cold day. By the time he reached the corner, he had secured her phone number—and the rest was history. Nada and Irv were happily married for 48 years until her passing from cancer in 2009.

Irv is survived by their three children, Mitch (Mira) Ginsburg, Amy (Gene) Boulware and Joy (Neil Robertson) Ginsburg. His greatest love was reserved for his grandchildren—Amanda, Hannah, Sammy, and Hess—who were the light of his life. He believed they would achieve impacts beyond anything he could imagine.

His career spanned 35 years as a Human Resources Executive at Amoco. His gift of gab, skilled negotiating, and talent for relationship-building made him someone people from all levels of the company gravitated toward.

Irv never met a stranger. He often said he "collected people," making friends everywhere he went. He lived by the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—and took that responsibility seriously. He was active on numerous community boards, including the Children's Advocacy Center, B'nai Zion Synagogue, Bonsai Society, Taco Tuesday Club, Jewish Federation of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association, among many others.

A lifelong learner, Irv attended classes, discussion groups, and community events until the week before his passing. He was always adding to his hobbies including bonsai, photography, baking and cooking. Irv was an avid reader who loved to have a good laugh. Irv loved a good meal and if he could share it with friends and family that was even better. Irv and Nada traveled the world together and he loved learning about new cultures and people. He was a passionate Democrat who believed all people deserve fair treatment, access to education, healthcare, equity, diversity, inclusion and good wages. He was a regular contributor of letters to the editor at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, calling it his way of speaking out when basic rights are at risk.

Those who knew Irv remember his quick smile, jokes, and sarcastic quips—many known as "Irvisms." He was always the first to offer encouragement and make others feel special. He was a wonderful friend. He will be deeply missed, and he truly left this world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any of the following: The Jewish Federation

Funeral services will be at B'nai Zion Congregation on Friday, May 8 at 10am ET: 6210 Airpark Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Burial will follow at B'nai Zion Cemetery: 605 Lullwater Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Then, a meal of consolation will be held at the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga: 5461 North Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37411