David Kaufman Ansell of West End passed in peace surrounded by his loving family early Sunday morning June 30, at Monmouth Medical Center at the age of 82.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years Rosemary (neé Fratantonio); his former wife and mother of his children Susan; and three children, Mitchell (Mary), Allison, (formerly married to George Ryan), and Gena (Greg).
David will be lovingly remembered by his seven grandchildren: Carly, Steven, Matthew, Lindsay, Jake, Max and Griffin. He will also forever be missed by his brothers, Robert (Gabrielle), Richard (Debbie), and Jack (Beth) Ansell.
Born March 11, 1937 in Monmouth County, he was the first son of Leon and Doris Anschelewitz. David graduated from Asbury Park High School, attended the University of North Carolina and obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia. David was senior partner and chairman of the matrimonial and family law department at Ansell Grimm & Aaron. He devoted his entire practice to matrimonial law and was considered one of the top matrimonial attorneys in New Jersey, commanding the respect of his adversaries as well as the judges he appeared in front of. David Ansell was president of the Monmouth County Bar Association, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (New Jersey Chapter), and a trustee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He was also among the recipients of the 2007 Professional Lawyer of the Year award.
In addition, “Super Lawyers” magazine named David to its list of outstanding attorneys in the practice of family law in the state of New Jersey for the years 2005 through 2008.
David was a long-standing member of Temple Beth El in Ocean Township and served on its board of trustees. He was also a member of the Hollywood Golf Club for close to 50 years and served on their board of trustees.
David was well known for his highly contagious spirit and was often referred to as the “original Larry David.” An avid sports and music fan, his passion for the New York Giants, Rangers, and Bruce Springsteen was notorious among those that knew him. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.
A celebration of David’s life was held July 1.
Arrangements were handled by Bloomfield Cooper Funeral Home.
