Manny Nosowsky, known for his witty, pun-filled crossword puzzles in The New York Times, passed away in San Francisco at the age of 94. His contributions to the world of puzzles spanned nearly two decades, marking a significant impact in the field of crossword construction.
Nosowsky was a retired urologist who transitioned into puzzle creation following health issues that led to his early retirement in 1983. At the age of 51, he was faced with the challenge many retirees encounter: finding a new purpose. His intrigue in crosswords, initially shared with his wife Debby Nosowsky, transformed into a passion for puzzle construction.
His journey into puzzle-making began with contributions to the Crossworder’s OWN Newsletter before achieving the milestone of publishing his first puzzle in The New York Times in 1992. Editor Eugene T. Maleska helped usher his work into the publication.
Nosowsky was dedicated to crafting each puzzle with care. He initially created puzzles by hand on graph paper, preferring to fill out grids manually even after adopting digital constructing software. His focus was always on ensuring his puzzles carried his hallmark wit and humor, qualities that technology alone could not replicate.
His wife confirmed his passing at a hospital, leaving behind a legacy cherished by avid solvers who found joy in his playful challenges.