Obituaries

Arthur B. Wallace, 71,  passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2025 at home.

He leaves behind his devoted sister Sandra of Henderson, NV and brother Howard Alan of California, as well as nephews and nieces. Michael, Leah, Jace, Samara and David.

Arthur graduated from Berkeley College of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree and later earned his Master of Education degree from Cambridge College.

He was a music teacher for the town of Watertown where he excelled at his craft. During his years of teaching he was vastly recognized in his work for his talent for bringing together wonderful concerts during his tenure at Watertown.

He lived as “life is a song, love is the music.”

Graveside service on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:45 am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

Neil Gordon passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 82. He is survived by his sister Diane Snyder; his sons, Lane (fiancée Marie) and Ethan (wife Jennifer); his four grandchildren, Ava, Abby, Alana, and Mitchell; his nieces and nephews; and his friends, whom he loved dearly.

Son of Jack and Isabelle Gordon, Neil grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. He was married to Judith (Siegal) Gordon for more than 50 years. The two of them raised their children in Framingham. He owned and ran E.J. Ardon Company, later Ardon Vinyl Graphics, in the Fenway area, until he retired. He spent his final years living in Westborough.

His family will remember him for his eccentricities, his passion for photography, and the fun articles of interest he frequently sent them. Over the last few years, he became an avid fisherman, alongside his good friend Arnie. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his grandchildren, who adored him.

Throughout his entire life, Neil was a passionate amateur photographer. For many years, he has been an active member of the Photographic Historical Society of New England (PHSNE), where he proudly gave a presentation earlier this month. Over the years, he put up photography shows, most recently in his condo development. He regularly gifted prints of his photos to his friends and family.

Neil traveled near and far to enjoy his favorite foods. Frequent haunts included The Clam Box in Ipswich, Rein’s Deli in Vernon, CT, and anywhere that served a good hot dog. Once, he even braved the Fourth of July traffic to get a lobster roll from Belle Isle Seafood in Winthrop. Every morning, he set out to his local McDonald’s to make friends and eat his Egg McMuffin. The culinary world of greater New England will feel his loss.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Friends of Woodlands & Waters (woodlandsandwaters.org), a nonprofit that supports the Assabet River, one of his favorite places. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7th at 11:45 AM at Arturo’s, 54 E Main St, Westborough, MA. The family also welcomes visitors on Thursday, January 8th, from 5-8 PM. Contact the family for details.

Dr. Theodore E. Spielberg, 87, May 6, 1938-December 21, 2025, Wellesley, MA.

Beloved husband of Dr. Deanna Spielberg to whom he was married 64 years.  Father of the late Alissa Rebecca Spielberg, legal expert in the field of Health Law and Ethics.  Loving brother of Joan Rich and her husband James Rich of Kensington, MD.  Dear brother-in-law of the late Elaine Karlin and her husband Mark Karlin of Buffalo, NY.

Graveside services were held at Sharon Memorial Park on Friday Dec. 26, 2025. A celebration of his life is planned for May 2026.

Dr. Spielberg was a gifted internist and endocrinologist trained primarily in the Boston area after attending the High School of Music and Art in New York City where his love for music flourished; NYU as a philosophy honors major and the Downstate Medical School.

He served as a Major in the US Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War.

He was a member of the staff of Newton-Wellesley Hospital for over 44 years.  A cherished physician to the Newton-Wellesley Community and held many medical patents such as the invention of a circulation supporting device still currently in use post-surgery, tangible examples of his unique combination of scientific knowledge and psychological supportiveness.

Donations in his memory may be made to Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road Wellesley, MA 02481 or Brocton VA Hospital c/o Spinal Cord Unit, 940 Belmont St., Brocton, MA 02301.

Norman Stanley Zalkind- of Newton, age 87, on December 20, 2025.

Founding partner of the law firm Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP.

Beloved husband of Emma Vesey. Devoted father of Susan Zalkind, Ivan Zalkind, Kurt Shapiro, Ariel Keefer and her husband Jamie. Proud grandfather of Evelyn Keefer, Lily Keefer.  Cherished brother of Joanne Jacobs.

Memorial service to be held at a later date.

Donations in his honor can be made to Healthcare for the Homeless: bhchp.org or the Southern Poverty Law Center: splcenter.org

Stanton Wayne Tobias

May 15, 1941 – December 20, 2025

Stanton Wayne Tobias, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed peacefully on December 20, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 84 years old.

Born on May 15, 1941, Stanton lived a life defined by quiet strength, intelligence, and devotion to those he loved. He was a steady presence—thoughtful, principled, and deeply caring.

He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Jane Ann Tobias, and a proud father to his daughter, Pamela Susan Tobias, who were the center of his world. His family meant everything to him, and his greatest joy came from being present for them in both big and small moments.

Stanton was charismatic, kind, and well-liked by everyone who met him. His smile lit up a room, and his laugh was infectious. He was also known for his sharp mind, dry wit, and understated humor. He valued hard work, honesty, and perseverance, and he carried these values throughout his life.

In his final days, Stanton faced his illness with grace and dignity. He was surrounded by love, comfort, and the presence of those closest to him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A private service will be held by the family.

Drogin-Ronald of Boynton Beach, Fl and Wells, ME, (formerly of Framingham, MA) passed away December 19, 2025. Beloved husband of Sheri (Feldberg) Drogin. Loving son of Louis and Jeanette Drogin. Devoted father of Phillip (Karen), Sam (Debbie), Jessica (Jeffrey), William (Brenda), and the late Whitney Shopnick. Proud grandfather of Jaclyn (Robbie), Jennifer, Jordan, Benjamin, Joshua, and Jaiden. Loving brother of Pam Lewis.

Funeral Services at Roxbury Mutual Cemetery, 19 Washington St., Woburn, MA on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Shiva information to be announced at the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory may be made to Wentworth Homecare and Hospice, 9 Andrews Road, Somersworth, NH 03878, or the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458.

Jo Ann Goodman, 69, of New Bedford, formerly of Newton, passed away on December 17, 2025.

Born in Boston, Jo grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. Jo was the beloved wife of Michael Goodman, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage. Together they built a life centered on family, and their beloved son, Milo Goodman.

Family and friendship were central to Jo’s life. She maintained lifelong friendships and valued time spent with those closest to her, remaining present and engaged across many years and chapters of life.

Jo was the treasured daughter of the late Daniel Lazovick and the late Aileen (Friedman) Lazovick. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Marcia Lazovick, and her husband, Robert Ciolfi.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Newton Cemetery & Arboretum, 791 Walnut Street, Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association.

Funeral Services at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:00 am. Following interment memorial observance will be at the home of Cynthia Gilbert, 104 Summit Ave., Brookline, MA. Shiva will continue WED-FRI 3:00 – 7:00 pm.

Nathaniel Morse, lovingly known as “Nat” to friends and “Bubba” to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, 6 days shy of his 86^th birthday, surrounded by family and friends.  Nat grew up in Newton, started his family in Framingham, and later retired to Falmouth, his happy place.

Nat is survived by Arlene Morse, his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 63 ½ years, Betsy and Steve Blackwell, daughter and son-in-law, and Bradd and Hillary Morse, son and daughter-in-law.  Nat is also survived by his grandchildren, Jesse and Brianna Blackwell, Shayna and Ryan Boudreau, Ben and Harley Morse, Jake Morse and Tanu, and Raquel Egeland and Henry Kaufmann, his step-great granddaughter, Emma Kaufmann, and his grand-dogs, Sofie and Sam.  Nat is predeceased by his parents, Lillian and Myron Morse, and younger brother, Richard Morse.

He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and favorite pastimes, including biking on the Shining Sea Bike Path, spending time in the pool with friends, and cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots. An enthusiastic participant in many activities, he enjoyed dancing the jitterbug with Arlene, volleyball, tennis, golf, and bowling, and treasured every opportunity to travel and explore new places. Above all, time spent with family meant everything to him, especially moments shared with grandchildren, who he lovingly took on bike rides to Pie in the Sky.  Known for a playful spirit, he loved to tease, joke around, and, most of all, make people smile.

He also gave generously of his time to others, volunteering with the Rotary Clubs of Framingham and Falmouth, supporting the Falmouth Road Race, and proudly serving as a member of the Brotherhood of the Falmouth Jewish Congregation.

Nat was a lifelong entrepreneur and a third-generation leader of his family’s business, Benjamin Morse Incorporated, established in 1909 as the first commercial photography business of its kind. Building on that legacy, he went on to found The Computer Slide Company and later The Morse Group Promotional, which remains in operation today—thirty-four years later—under the leadership of his daughter, Betsy.

Donations may be made to Falmouth Jewish Congregation (Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund), 7 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, Massachusetts 02536, https://www.falmouthjewish.org/donations/.

Funeral service on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel Cemetery, 350 Grove St., West Roxbury, MA 02132.  Shiva will be observed on multiple occasions following the service. Family and friends are invited to reach out directly for specific times and details.

As Bubba would say, “Keep smiling.”

To view livestream of funeral service click here

Kenneth Alan Sweder of Boston and Chilmark, MA, December 13, 2025, passed away after 81 remarkable and joyful years from pancreatic cancer. An adored husband of 57 years to Gerri, beloved dad to Justin (Heather Barber) of Arlington, MA and Rebecca Platt (Charlie) of Newton, MA, proud Papa to Noah, Zoë, Jordan, Simon and Stella, valued brother to Gerald (Nancy), and uncle, cousin and friend. Ken made an indelible impact with his positivity, integrity and warmth.

Born on the Lower East Side to his doting parents Edna and William accompanying his beloved older brother Gerald, and raised in Kew Gardens Hills, his childhood was full of happiness and fun. He attended Muhlenberg College where he had an impressive tenure as President of the student council and NYU Law School where he served as the Editor of the Law Review.

Ken had a fulfilling and distinguished career in Boston. He served as the Assistant to the President of Brandeis University, followed by an immensely satisfying career as a corporate litigator. From Kaye, Fialkow, Richmond and Rothstein to Stroock and Stroock and Lavan to co-founding his own practice, Sweder and Ross, Ken took great pride in his role as the lawyer in many of Boston’s high-profile cases and serving the public good, including arguing a MA Supreme Court case in support of the Separation of Church and State.

His community leadership and devotion to social justice defined his life. He served as president of the New England region of the American Jewish Congress and Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. He was devoted to a number of important causes including as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, Trustee on the Board of Facing History and Ourselves, and as an advocate for affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard.

Beyond his community and professional pursuits, Ken delighted in being the most engaged, loving, fun, dynamic and playful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He never missed an opportunity to root on one of his adoring grandchildren at their sports events or host a dinner party in Chilmark to connect with dear friends. Ken’s kindness, openness, generosity of spirit, and loving personality will be deeply missed by many loving circles of family and friends.

Services at Temple Israel, Boston, MA on December 14, 2025 at 2:30 pm. (Parking in garage). A private burial will be held in Chilmark, MA. Memorial Observance will be at the home of Rebecca and Charlie Platt following service today 5-7:30 pm and Monday 5:30-7:30 pm. Donations can be made in his honor to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (jcrcboston.org) or Harbor Homes MV //www.harborhomesmv.com.