Joan Kirzner

Joan Kirzner passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024 after a short illness.

Joan was born on July 4, 1933 in New Brunswick, NJ to Gussie and Pincus Halfon. She lived in Highland Park for about 75 years.

At a young age, Joan acquired her entrepreneurial spirit working in her mother’s candy store and selling burlap bags in her father’s business. While attending Highland Park High School, she was introduced to Jerry Kirzner, a striking Cuban immigrant. They instantly fell in love. Joan married Jerry immediately after finishing high school. They bought a house in Highland Park and started a family. Together they managed their retail outlet at Englishtown Auction Sales.

Joan was active socially, a longtime congregant of Ohav Emeth, and knew almost everyone in Highland Park. Her 4th of July birthday parties were epic family celebrations. Joan was a game enthusiast, enjoying many including Mahjong, Bingo and trips to Atlantic City. She was always the life of any party and loved by all who had the privilege to know her.

After Jerry’s passing in 2013, Joan was actively involved in the Highland Park Senior Center.  In 2017, she moved to Arbor Terrace in Teaneck.

Joan was especially proud of her family. She is survived by her: brother, Howard Halfon; children, Sara Eisner (Andy) and Sam Kirzner (Debbie); grandchildren, Rebecca Kirzner (Alanna), Jessica Kirzane (Daniel) and Gabriel Eisner (Jordana); great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Esther, Bina, Eitan and Sienna.

She will be greatly missed.

Donations can be made in Joan’s  memory to the American Heart Association, heart.org.