Jay H. Ginsburg, Esq., of Gwynedd Valley, Pa, died September 20, 2022 at the age of 76. Jay is survived by his wife, Sherry (nee Weiner); Children, Amy Ginsburg, Melanie (Stuart) Furjanic, Matthew B. (Emily) Ginsburg, Alexander Ginsburg, and Reid (Emily) Ginsburg; Grandchildren, Michael, Emily, Allison, Jess, Ian, Julianna, Hanna and Ethan; and brothers Bruce and Donald. He is also survived by his beloved Australian Labradoodle, Melba. He was predeceased by his children Justin Ginsburg and Randall Fedner.
Born in Philadelphia in 1946 to Paul and Evelyn Ginsburg, Jay grew up in Mt. Airy and later Cheltenham, Pa. As a youth he was involved in the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and later developed a love of high-performance cars. He enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Murray Margolis, tinkering with their cars, particularly Jay’s “Seafoam Green” 1958 Corvette, which he cherished. In his teenage years he developed a passion for music and sang with several doo-wop groups during that time. In college he was involved with the R.O.T.C. and loved to share stories with his children of his adventures from that period.
Jay received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the Department of Political Science of Temple University in 1969 and 1971 respectively. He participated in the Oriental Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 and 1969, and received a doctorate from the University of Sarasota in 1976. He Graduated from the Delaware Law School of Widener University in 1988. Subsequently, he taught Political Science, History and International Relations at Penn State Abington Campus and Montgomery County Community College.
Jay began his professional career in real estate with his father Paul Ginsburg. After several years, he decided to continue his education by pursuing a law degree from Delaware Law School. From there, he followed what would become his calling for the next 34 years. He began his legal career taking court appointments, and representing children in dependency matters. In 1993, after gaining the admiration and respect of the Court, he was appointed as Interim Juvenile Master assigned to hear Juvenile Delinquency and Truancy matters for the Philadelphia Family Court. He also served as a Special Master in several civil litigation matters for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. On advice from his beloved mentor, the late Honorable Nicholas Cipriano, he decided to pursue a specialty in the area of adoption law. The self-proclaimed “adoption advocate”, he created a niche law practice. Over the span of his storied carrier, he represented thousands of individuals in their pursuit of adopting a child, and assisting children in finding their “forever family”. He was beloved and respected in his field, receiving numerous awards and commendations throughout his storied career. He freely shared his knowledge of the law, often lecturing at schools, before social workers and agencies, offering comments to the media and appearing on television on several occasions. He regularly received telephone calls, postcards and letters from former clients, updating him on the recent developments in their child’s life. His work gave him purpose and gave him great pride and joy. Even in his final days, he was taking calls from clients from his hospital bed, answering questions and offering them words of encouragement and reassurance. He loved the law, loved serving others and loved children.
Jay loved spending time with his beloved wife of 38 years, his children and his grandchildren, summers at his shore house in Ventnor, NJ, collecting and reading books about the law and history, particularly the Magna Carta and Constitution, gummy bears, coffee ice cream, classical music and British mystery shows. He was President of the Philadelphia Flag Day Association and Past President Grand Lodge of PA Sons & Daughters of Italy- Greater Roxborough Lodge #2217. He was known by all for his humor, infectious laugh, dapper style, signature mustache and warm presence. Donations in his memory may be made to Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, 409 Cherry St, Norristown PA 19401.
“Pay heed to the little one that holds thy hand…For this is the task of mankind.” The Epic of Gilgamesh
