Obituary: Donald Joel Memberg

Donald Joel Memberg unexpectedly passed away in his sleep at his home overnight on Dec. 10, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of love, community, and friendship.

Donald was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1947, to Belle and Irving Memberg. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn and moving with his family to Rahway, N.J., Donald undertook a long but successful journey to earn his college degree. His journey led him to the University of South Carolina to study his passion, advertising. While a student there, he worked long hours in a jewelry store to be able to send money home to help support his mother and father. From there, he was offered a summer internship in Atlanta at an advertising firm that became a full-time job before he even graduated.

He then transferred one final time to finish his degree at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where he finally received his hard-earned degree in 1975. He always said he had transferred so many times that he had enough credits for a master’s degree.

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Donald’s true calling in life was being a loving husband to Francine and father to their three sons. He met Fran at a young advertising professionals’ group in Atlanta. She also had found her way down south from Lancaster, Penn., via NYC around the same time he did. Together, they instilled a love and respect for Judaism into their sons’ lives.

There was a great sadness in his life that came when Fran passed away in 2016 after struggling for several years with a muscle disease. He worked to fill his soul by helping countless others in his community and his synagogue. He also was blessed with four grandchildren who never lacked the love and affection of their grandpa.

Donald is survived by his three sons, Larry (Lorena), Matthew (Jenny), and Michael (Beryl), his brother, Harvey (Andrea), and his father, Irving, along with his grandchildren, Daniela, Benjamin, Max, and Mila, as well as many other cousins and nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fran, as well as his sister, Fran (the “original” Fran Memberg).

Donald was very active in and dedicated to his synagogue, Kesher Torah, in Sandy Springs.  The friendships and bonds he made there were a big influence in his life, especially after the passing of his wife.

Many thanks, love, and appreciation are extended to his community family who have stepped up incredibly to help in this time of great sadness.

Graveside services were held Dec. 12 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kesher Torah or the charity of one’s choice.  Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.