Obituaries

To view the service at Temple Israel click here

“…More than a Memory, She is a Living Presence in our Lives and That of Others” 

On Friday, November 5, 2021, Sandra Gusky Krakoff of Palm Beach, FL and Boston, MA passed quietly just after sunset surrounded by her three children. She will always be remembered for her fierce independence, her courage, strength, and force of will which she always used to lift up those in need. Born November 27, 1937 to Jack and Helen Recht Gusky in Pittsburgh, PA, she met the love of her life, Robert L. Krakoff, at Taylor Allderdice High School. Sandy was truly a pioneer of her generation regularly breaking glass ceilings in both her professional and personal life.

Sandy received a Bachelor degree in Journalism and Advertising from the Pennsylvania State University in 1958.  She was the first in her family to attend college.  Graduating in just 3 years, she married Robert Krakoff in 1959.  She always sought to uphold the great Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, “repairing the world.” Her legacy began with the support and advancement of her family, children, and grandchildren. She always strove to better the lives of others with her investment in community and commitment to fighting the scourge of cancer.

Her drive to constantly improve oneself was central to her life, but she also embraced the beauty of the world around her. She not only studied art and design at Penn State, but Sandy stood out as a true style icon and arbiter of taste.  She exemplified a life of: “if you can dream it, you can be it.” In her 50 years with Bob Krakoff, she built a partnership, family, and career that spanned the heyday of motor city to traveling the world with Trans World Airlines. A supporter of the arts and collector, Sandy supported the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL.

Supporting her husband Bob through Harvard Business School (‘59), she began her long string of professional firsts working as an office assistant for one of the world’s earliest mainframe companies in Boston. While raising three children in Fairfield County, CT in her position as Director of Public Relations for the local YMCA, she secured the building of a community pool that became the centerpiece of the Westport, CT community and was enjoyed by her own grandson some 25 years later. After receiving a Certificate in Personnel Administration from Fairfield University, she was tapped to become the Managing Director of Katherine Gibbs School in Norwalk, CT in 1983. Sandy managed to uplift a minor secretarial program for women from low-income backgrounds to a noted professional school.

Her success led her upon relocation to Boston in 1986 to the firm, Alan R. Stone, Esq., as senior attorney placement consultant. She built a renowned, professional practice for paralegal placement. Sandra was listed as a noteworthy personnel consultant by Marquis Who’s Who. Alan R. Stone was successfully sold in 1999, whereupon Sandy was able to launch serious advances in her philanthropic work.

Sandy redefined the philanthropic landscape by not only leading by example but leveraging the power of community and relationships. As a consequence, she was honored by many organizations over the years, from the Big Sisters of Boston to 2017 Woman of the Year for the Greater Palm Beach Jewish Women’s Foundation. Some of her most notable work besides orchestrating galas for the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association was the founding and co-founding respectively of chapters in Palm Beach and Boston of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She was also a member of the Board of the MorseLife Health System in West Palm Beach, FL. Most recently, she has been a member of the executive leadership council for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute.

Sandy is survived by her three children (Roger, Hope, and Reed) and seven grandchildren (Alexandra, Justin, Helen, Sophie, Lily, Oscar, and Maude). Her Yorkie rescue, Bijou, will miss her greatly.  A public memorial service in her honor will be held on Friday, November 12 at 11am, Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02215. Parking preferred on the Riverway.

Please honor Sandy by contributing to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, https://give.bcrf.org/SandraKrakoff or

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/SandyKrakoff

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Nov 8, 2021 01:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Graveside for Martin J. Shapiro

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83010938636

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International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbSDFK2NT6

Martin J. Shapiro, of Chestnut Hill, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on November 5, 2021. Son of the late Charles Shapiro and Esther (Franklin) Shapiro. Beloved husband of 63 years of Bette  (Perlstein) Shapiro. Devoted father of Susan Casper and her husband Robert , Eric Shapiro and his wife Julie, Jennifer Chisholm and her husband John, Ken Shapiro and his wife Lisa.  Proud grandfather of Charlie, Jessie and Benny Casper, Olivia and Max Shapiro, Jonathan, Michael, Harrison and Aaron Chisholm, and Joshua, Alex and Lily Shapiro. Loving brother of Skip Shapiro and the late Rick Shapiro.

“Marty” grew up in New Bedford MA and received a BA in Math from Boston University. During college he met his beautiful wife of 63 years, Bette ,while working one summer at Camp Young Judaea in Amherst, NH. He and Bette were blessed with their 4 wonderful children and 12 grandchildren.

Marty worked briefly after college at Sanders Associates as a systems analyst until he switched  to a more entrepreneurial track when he went to work for his father in law, a beer and wine distributor in Shirley, MA. There he worked his way through Phoenix Spring Beverage Company, ultimately becoming President and CEO, and then owner of Martin Distributing. Always the businessman, Marty also dabbled in real estate, started and ran Nashoba Trucking Company, and ultimately started the recycling company MASS CRINC when the bottle bill passed in Massachusetts. Marty later became President and CEO of Clean Environment Company, a parent company of MASS CRINC.

Aside from business, Marty was very philanthropic and civic minded. He was President of the board of Leominster Health Systems and served on the board at Temple Agudat Achim in Leominster, MA.

On the personal side, he was a mild tempered man,  extremely thoughtful and profoundly articulate. Many around him held great esteem for his insights and wisdom. His children especially found him to be very impactful in his guidance and nurturing. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services at Congregation Agudat Achim, 268 Washington St., Leominster, MA on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Agudas Achim Cemetery, 320 Rollstone Rd., Fitchburg, MA. Shiva will be at the home of John and Jennifer Chisholm located at 51 Longfellow Road, Wellesley MA, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN DRIVEWAY PLEASE PARK ON THE ROAD, on  Monday after burial from 5-8 pm, and Tuesday 5-8 pm.  The family requests that all in person attendees be Covid vaccinated and masks  are required at all inside venues. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or The Jaffa Institute, 171-06 76th Ave., Flushing, NY 11366.

Sonya T. Speen, 90, longtime resident of Framingham, entered into eternal rest on November 2, 2021. She was born in Boston, raised in Dorchester and lived in Framingham for over 60 years. Her husband of 61 years, Robert Speen, passed away in 2016.

Following her graduation from the Massachusetts College of Art, she embarked on a lifelong artistic career, first as a teacher, then as a graphic artist and fashion illustrator, working in department stores and advertising firms before starting her own STS Advertising commercial art and design business, working from home as a freelance artist for over 45 years until retirement. This allowed her to be home with her family while maintaining a thriving career. She was a longtime member of Temple Beth Am in Framingham, producing the monthly Temple newsletter for many years.

Sonya was a creative, artistic, flamboyant and loving soul. She loved fashion and the theater, attending shows in Boston as much as possible and discovering, in mid-life, her own affinity for singing and performing through work with a local theater group. She also loved spending time at her home on Cape Cod where she enjoyed gardening and mining antique shops throughout the Cape for hidden treasures and collectibles.

Most of all, Sonya adored her beloved son Jeff and his wife Trish, the center of her life. In addition to her son and daughter-in-law of Hopedale, MA, she leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom she cherished dearly, and her best friend Carolyn of Bradenton, Fl.

Graveside service to be held at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA, Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 11:45 am. Family and friends invited to attend. Due to COVID concerns, the family will not be sitting Shiva. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sonya’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA 01701.

A link to view the funeral service can be found here.

George Jeffrey Markley-of  Fairfield, CT, on November 2,2021. Services are private. Remembrances in his memory may be made to Congregation B’nai Israel, 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or Rabbi Markley’s Discretionary Fund at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494.

BOLDE, Nathaniel J. “Nat”, 88 yrs., of Needham, MA, passed away Monday, November 1, 2021. Son of the late Abraham C. Bolde and Ruth (Flitter) Bolde. Beloved husband of Eleanor S. “Ellie” (Berman) Bolde. Devoted father of Michelle Halet (Scott) and Betsey O’Brien (Kevin). Proud grandfather of Jonathan, Eric, Alexis, and Derek. Loving brother of the late Deborah Friedberg. Services were private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Boston English High School Alumni Association, 980 Washington St. Suite 200, Dedham, MA 02026 or BIDMC-Needham, “Anticoagulation Clinic”, 148 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492.

Dr. Alfred S. Lanes- of Newton, on October 31, 2021. Noted Boston dermatologist.  Beloved husband of the Late Gerda (Fuchs) Lanes. Devoted father of Stephan Lanes and his wife Marsha, Donna Holzinger and her husband Steve, and Jennifer Gozlan and her late husband Marc. Devoted grandfather of Oliva, Harrison, Chloe, Kyle, Abigail and Nathaniel. Dear brother of Gerald  Lanes. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, on Tuesday November 2, 2021 at 10:45 am. Remembrances in his memory may be made to Mazon, a Jewish response to hunger www.mazon.org or St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325,www.stjo.org.or The Boston Symphony Orchestra, 301 Mass Ave., Boston, MA 02115.

The funeral recording can be found here.

Finkelstein, Herbert, of Newton, MA passed away October 29, 2021. Beloved husband of Libby (Forman) Finkelstein for sixty-five wonderful years. Devoted father of Gayle Stacher (Barney Stacher), David Finkelstein (Tara Curtin), and Jill Finkelstein. Proud grandfather of Emma Stacher and Macy Stacher Dear brother of Janice Hurwitz.

My husband, our father and grandfather was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family.  He worked in the apparel industry for more than fifty years developing an impeccable taste and style that left those of us wearing blue jeans lacking.  His handyman capabilities were tested on a regular basis where he conquered the issues of living and raising a family in an older home.  Upon retirement he discovered the spice rack and launched into ‘new career’ as the chef of the house.  His explorations into the spiced shabbat chicken dinner were an incredible foray into the many types of paprika to draw out the hidden flavors of chicken and vegetables.  Family was everything.  If one ever needed advice, he would take the time, no matter what was going on, to remind us that failure is a part of learning and growing.

Services at Temple Emanuel Memorial Park (Lindwood Cemetery) on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Herbert’s memory may be made to Hebrew SeniorLife, or Temple Emanuel Newton.

Grant, Rosamond, R.N. of Newton on October 28, 2021. Loving wife of 61 years to the late Harvey M. Grant. Devoted mother of Michael S. Grant and his wife Susan and the late Michele E. (Grant) Epstein. Dear grandmother of Shayna, Eli and Netanya Epstein, Rachel and Jacob Grant and great-grandmother of Noa. Dear sister of the late Malcolm and Sumner Flash. Sister-in-law of the late Charlotte and Ned Carpenter. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. As a graduate of the Beth Israel School of Nursing she became an instructor and supervisor for many years. She was President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood and earned the Advocate Rose for her work at Hebrew College. Services at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 10:00 am. All attendees must be vaccinated and masked. A memorial observance will be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her memory may be made to the Harvey and Rosamond Grant Education Fund, Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA 02459.

Bryan Michael Gleason was born in March, 1950, in Boston, MA. He attended St. Columbkille High School, served in the United States Army, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Northeastern University, and a Master’s of Business Administration from Babson F.W. Olin College. He was married to his wife, Lisa Gleason, for more than 39 years.

Bryan took pride in his long and successful career in finance, holding the Chief Financial Officer position for a number of technology companies in the greater Boston area. Alongside his career, Bryan was equally devoted to being the center of his family and household, alike, and reveled in being a family man.

Bryan had a lifelong love of appreciating and playing music, most-recently devoting time to expanding his musical pursuits with a burgeoning recording and songwriting practice in his home studio, and issuing several albums of his own.

Bryan leaves behind his beloved wife, Lisa, as well his children, Michael, Amy, and Matthew.

The funeral will be private, due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice, in Bryan’s memory.

NEWTON, Mass. -Retired educator Mary Ann (Crocker) Longman, 90, formerly of Sandy Point Farms, Portsmouth, RI, died Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Lasell House in Newton, MA. She passed away peacefully. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Cdr. Richard D. Longman (USN, retired).
Born in Studio City, CA on September 11, 1931, she was the daughter of Vernon and Sadie Crocker.
Mary Longman graduated from UCLA in 1953 and began a long career as an elementary school teacher. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education and remained dedicated to the teaching profession until her retirement in 1986. Mary was active in the American Association of University Women, a group dedicated to advancing gender equity for women and girls through education, research and advocacy. She was a past president of the Rhode Island chapter of AAUW.
On September 19, 1954, she married naval officer Richard (“Dick”) Longman and began a life defined in part by both national and international travel. After marrying in Yokosuka, Japan, Mary and her husband lived for several years in Rome, Italy, where their two sons were born. After returning to the United States, the family settled in Newport, Rhode Island where their daughter was born.
In the 1970s, Mary and her husband built a home at Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They developed a close group of neighborhood friends with whom they often travelled after retirement. Destinations included the UK, France, Italy, Greece, Russia, the Caribbean and South America.
Mary is predeceased by her brother, Vernon Crocker, and her sister, Betty Moore. She also leaves two sons, Christopher J. Longman Esq. of Williston Park, NY, and Richard C. Longman Esq. of San Diego, CA; a daughter, Tracie L. Longman Esq. of Newton, MA; and three grandsons and two granddaughters. Extended members of the family include Thuy Lam of West Palm Beach, FL; Mary Lam-Rodrigues of Oxford, MS; and Virginia Lam Abrams of Brooklyn, NY. Mary was greatly loved by her family and friends, and will be remembered for her love of learning and travel, wonderful cooking, and joy for life.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.