Former Teaneck Deputy Mayor, Entrepreneur Adam Gussen Dies At 51

TEANECK, NJ — A father of two and former Teaneck deputy mayor died on Tuesday at 51.

Adam Gussen chronicled his cancer journey on Facebook and Instagram since last year.

In May 2024, he said he had been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer that had spread to his pelvis.

Still, he remained upbeat, calling on friends to visit and taking up new hobbies. On July 4 he wrote, "Looking for a crochet tutor. Must be friendly, patient and willing to come to Morristown Medical Center for sessions. Asking for a friend."

Many Interests

Months before that, he had started a baking company to make challah and other Jewish food, Cafe 482.

He had run unsuccessfully for Congress as a Democrat in 2012. He served on the Township Council from 2008 to 2014, the last four of those years a deputy mayor. He had played football for Teaneck High School and Rutgers.

He gained some local admirers through an unusual sport: pumpkin chunkin, or launching pieces of pumpkins.

Mayor Mark Schwartz gave a eulogy for Gussen at a service Wednesday.

"Everyone here knew his bigger than life personality and his eagerness to welcome new people to the neighborhood," Schwartz wrote, "not just with an intro but with an invite to come over to his house after shul for a kiddush."

On Instagram, he described himself as a "Sales guru, cook/baker/brewer, deputy mayor, punkin chunker."

His family will sit shiva through next week.