It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Jack Feinberg on January 20, 2016, at 87 years old. He left this world in peace, surrounded by his loving family. For 64 years, Jack was the beloved husband of Gift of Life’s founding mother, the late Arlene Feinberg. Jack and Arlene’s unilateral search for a bone marrow donor for their son Jay, remarkable in its scale and success, is what planted the seed for Gift of Life’s conception.

 

So, while we often refer to Jay as Gift of Life’s founder, we don’t mean to detract from Jack or Arlene’s legacies. Jack was truly the founding father of Gift of Life, and his hard work and dedication have saved hundreds of lives of blood cancer patients all around the world. He was and continues to be a true hero: the work he did while alive will result in many more lifesaving bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants in the years to come. Jack contributed so much to the world, and it is a richer and better place because of him. 

 

Even beyond searching for Jay’s donor, Jack was apt to help other patients in need. He occupied a small room in a donated office space in Roseland, New Jersey, which is where the magic happened. In assembly line fashion, Jack would construct blood test kits to send out to the immediate families of patients so that they, along with extended family, could test their tissue types to see if they were a match. We use cheek swab kits today, but at the time (around 20 years ago), they required a blood sample to test an individual’s tissue type. Jack would also take care of shipping the kits and made sure to track them, on huge accounting ledger pads.

 

“There was nothing he wouldn’t do for any other person in need,” said Jay. “That’s just the kind of guy he was. Always doing for others.”

 

Along with Arlene, Jack made it his life’s mission to find a bone marrow donor for his son. And he did—despite overwhelming odds. All those who had the pleasure of knowing him would be quick to say he was a man of integrity and honor. He loved and was loved by his family, documenting family gatherings and milestones through photography (and even processing the film in his own studio). Jack was a model husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Though he will be missed, he will certainly be remembered—having left countless pleasant memories behind with everyone whose lives he touched.