R’ Nosson Dovid Greenwald, a long-standing, beloved member of the Melbourne Chabad community, passed away early Wednesday morning, Rosh Chodesh, 30 Tishrei/22 October 2025.
He was 74.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan on 9 May 1951/ 3 Iyar to Avraham (Arthur) and Lasha (Lillian) Greenwald. Nosson’s maternal grandfather, Yehuda Hochman, better known as “Tatte” to the entire community, lived with the family and his deep religious faith had a profound impact on Nosson’s entire life.
Over time, Nosson took on more mitzvahs and was an active member of the Chabad community in Oak Park, Michigan for many years. He wrote many letters to the Rebbe asking for advice and treasured the many letters he received in response. In March 1979, he married his wife Bela. After receiving a bracha from the Rebbe, Nosson and Bela immigrated to Australia in 1983 with their children.
An educator at his core and a Bachelor of Mathematics, when he wasn’t teaching university students, Nosson also worked in scrap metal. He also worked as an air traffic controller in Detroit at one time.
Nosson was known for his genuine kindness, warmth, generosity, humility and friendliness. He was known for his accepting nature and for being non judgemental, always extending invitations for Shabbos and yom tov meals to every Jew he came across. He welcomed everyone with sincere warmth and friendliness, no matter the reason they were visiting, from strangers he picked up in the street to the traffic warden. As one friend said, “Nosson pursued mitzvahs like most people pursued money.”
Nosson didn’t have the easiest life – two of his children passed away – but he always remained positive. He was famous for always saying “Baruch Hashem” and taught the non Jewish nurses at his aged care facility what it meant and to say it too.
Nosson was an inspiration and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Bela and children, Rochel Leah, Chaim, Chana, Shalom Ber, Brocha and Miriam and many grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Rivkah Nachlas and Chaya Wiener of Detroit, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Yehuda Leib obm and daughter Hadassa obm.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Nosson was a true yid, he will be missed greatly:(
A very kind man, who raised very kind children
May Hashem give the family strength and comfort. Moshiach NOW!
He was a very nice Man
May H-shem comfort the family.
I was sent by the Shliach of the Old Age home multiple times to lay Teffilin on him in his later years, as he was too weak.
Once, he said that he had done Rashi and just needed help with Rabbeinu Tam 😂
He was also a big inspiration to me as a teenager.
A kind man who brought up kind children .. Chaim our thoughts are with you
Always with a smile.
Always out to help others.
A humble man with no ego to him.
He will be sorely missed.
Mr. Nosson Greenwald was a special man.
About 25 years ago, there was a family in Melbourne going through many challenges. Nosson would drive their children to school every day for over a year.
At his son Yehuda Leib’s shloshim, he was barely able to speak. When asked to share a few words on Zoom, he simply said, “Zol shoyn zayn di Geulah.”
I was deeply moved.
A dignified man who I had the honour of giving rides to doctor appointments with the בית רפאל shuttle always appreciative what people and Hashem have done for him
Nosson was a very humble and gentle person, his parents were very sweet and his sisters are very, very nice people. Bela – so sorry to hear about Nosson! Remembering our days way back in Oak Park!! Hamakom yenachem eschem besoch shaar aveley Tziyon v’Yerushalayim!
Esther (Getz) Moses
Oy!
How can I get the phone number to call in Australia?
I grew up as kids with Nathan and his sisters in Oak Park Michigan. . He was such a gentle, kind, friendly and thoughtful person. He touched so many lives. Even though a beautiful light has gone out on earth he will always shine in our hearts. Sending condolences to his family especially his sisters Rivkah and Chaya who loved him so
dearly and did not get to see him that much.
May he RIP