Obituaries

Edward James Faneuil, born July 2, 1952, loved and cherished by so many family members, friends and colleagues, passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest on Monday, May 17, 2021. Eddie was 68. He was filled with so much life and love that he gave in abundance to all those that knew him. He truly was a legend in so many ways to so many people from all different walks of life.

Eddie was raised in Brookline, MA and attended the Browne and Nichols School as a young boy through high school. He went on to graduate from Trinity College in 1974, and then pursued a passion for law at Suffolk Law School, from which he graduated in 1977. His early career in law began with his great friend and mentor, Richie Egbert. From 1981 to 1991, he was a partner at Samek & Faneuil, a Boston-based general practice law firm with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and real estate transactions. In 1991 he joined the Global family of companies where he oversaw the company’s legal and regulatory departments. In addition, he managed the legal aspects of Global Partners’ successful 2005 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. For thirty years, he gave his all to Global, the hardest working man many have ever known.

Eric Slifka, President and CEO of Global Partners, said, “Yesterday we lost a legend. Eddie was tough in business but had a compassionate way of turning strangers into friends and family. He was an exceptionally talented attorney who mentored many young lawyers and gave generously of his time. Through his energy and dedication, Eddie helped to build the foundation for Global’s success – we are fortunate to have worked with him.”

Eddie was larger than life, a role model of role models. Though small in stature, his presence was huge. Fiercely loyal, kind and caring, he had a smile and energy that lit up every room he walked into, no matter the time or place. His true passion was people. He loved his family and his friends with such devotion and was filled with unlimited generosity for all.
Eddie loved golf, arguably more for the friendships fostered through the game than the actual game itself. He enjoyed playing at Pine Brook Country Club where he formerly served as club President. And he loved watching his grandson early on in his learning of the game.

And he loved his phone. He was always on his phone, talking business or more often just checking in with friends. But most recently, to watch his grandchildren and interact with them as a doting grandfather. His grandchildren brought him so much joy, and they brought about from him his most tender, child-like side that many never knew.

Eddie leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Helene, his sons Ari and Jesse, his daughter-in-law, Andrea, his two cherished grandchildren, Owen and Ella, his brother Robert and sister Nancy, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large group of friends and colleagues that love him and will miss him dearly.

Following a private graveside service on Thursday, May 20th, memorial observance for family and close friends will be held at Pine Brook Country Club from 11:45 am – 3:00 pm. A celebration of Ed’s life open to all will be held in early June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499, Boston, MA 02112-0499.

To view a recording of the service please click here.

Alan Marvin Frommer of Wellesley, MA. Son of Ethel and Benjamin Frommer, Alan grew up in Laurelton, Queens. He graduated from Far Rockaway High School and Columbia College, where he obtained a BA (1957) and a BS in Industrial Engineering (1958).  Later, he earned an MBA from Rutgers University Business School. He was also a proud graduate of the Ritz-Escoffier École de Gastronomie Française (1996).  In college he and his two brothers, Herbert (CC’54) and Paul (CC’57), all rowed varsity crew. He worked in corporate finance for many years until he built his own business, Art Supplies Wholesale, on the North Shore of Boston.  Together with his wife Judy, he lived and worked in Paris, a life-changing experience.  He was president of the Columbia University Alumni Association of New England for many years and was honored with the Columbia Alumni Medal in 1986. Alan will be remembered for his sense of humor, curiosity, good cheer, encyclopedic knowledge, and, of course, his passion for fine food and wine.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife for 61 years, Judy, his children Michèle and Benjamin, daughter-in-law Martina, grandchildren Isabella, Emil, and Erik, his twin brother Paul and his wife Liz, and his sister-in-law Ellie. He was pre-deceased by his older brother, Herbert.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (c/o Parkinson’s Wellness Works Program, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 ATTN: Frank Wixted, Wellness Works), or the Columbia College Core Curriculum: https://college.givenow.columbia.edu/?&alloc=04825#

Charles J. “Charlie” Altman, 96, of Peabody, May 13, 2021. Son of the late Irving and Carrie (Fleischman) Altman. Loving husband of the late Helene (Kurtzman) Altman. Devoted father of Karyn Altman and Janet Altman and father-in law to David Bindman. Beloved grandfather to Jason, Jeremy and Jarred Velasquez and Jennifer and Rachel Bindman. Loving brother of Toby Spigelman and the late Samson Altman, Leo Altman, Blanche Rhodes and Ruth Soto De Mayor.

Charlie grew up in New York, and is a World War II Army veteran. He loved playing baseball and had an opportunity to play with a minor league team.  He originally worked in the construction industry and moved to Massachusetts to be part of a family dress manufacturing business, Samson Altman Inc., in Waltham. Married to Helene Kurtzman for 60 years, they lived in Waltham for over 50 years. For the last six years he was a resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody. Charlie enjoyed spending time with extended family, eating all types of food, playing bridge, tennis and boggle. He was an optimist at heart and always had a smile on his face.

Interment will be private at Sharon Memorial Park. Donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Carroll Center for the Blind 770 Centre St., Newton, MA 02458 or Bright Focus Foundation Macular Degeneration Research 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.  www.brezniakfuneraldirectors.com

Lucille B. “Peachy” Marsh, of Needham, MA, passed away on May 11, 2021.  Beloved wife of the late Phillip G. “Pinky” Marsh.  Devoted mother of Mitchell Marsh and his wife Esther, Elissa Grunes and her husband Kenneth, Paul Marsh and his wife Nancy.  Dear grandmother of Elana Snyder and her husband Stephen, David Marsh, Adam Grunes and his wife Danielle, Jason Grunes, Brandon Grunes and his wife Samantha, Jenna Goldstein and her husband Joshua, Suzannah Marsh, Leslie Marsh and Aaron Marsh.  Proud great-grandmother of Hannah, Abigail, Audriana, Samara, Cora, Owen, Quinn, Jaylin, Kaia and Noah. Loving sister to Norman Neiterman and his wife Louise and Joel Neiterman and his wife Debbie.   Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA 02466.

To view Lucille’s service on Sunday, May 16th at 10 am please click here.

Charlotte was born in 1929 to Pauline and Marcel Brucar, grew up in New York City and received both her BA and MS at Hunter College.  She started her career teaching both gifted and then emotionally-challenged children in Spanish Harlem.  She became the guidance counselor at Hunter College High School for gifted girls and taught psychology at Hunter College.  Charlotte then moved to Harvard to get a doctorate in psychology.  She married her husband, Peter, an economist at MIT in 1966, and settled down in Cambridge.  During this time, she was a psychologist at the Cambridge Guidance Center, a psychiatric clinic for children and families.  She started a program at the Guidance Center in 1972 called the Companion Tutoring Program, which paired local college students and young adults with the children in treatment as companion therapists.  She was very proud that this program is still continuing.

Moving from the clinic to private practice as a family psychologist, she also taught family therapy and supervised in the Couples and Family Center of Cambridge Hospital.  Her community activities and interests brought her back to the clinic as board member and then president of the board as it began its transition to the Guidance Center Inc.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, Peter, her two daughters, Elizabeth Temin and Melanie Mendez, and their three grandsons, Colin and Zachary Gibbons and Elijah Mendez. She was an avid reader and inveterate traveler. She and her husband were interested in archaeological ruins in both the old and new worlds; she had a passion for Mayan civilization and would go to Central America at the drop of a hat. Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlotte’s memory may be made to American Jewish World Service, 45 W. 36th St, New York, NY 10018.

Dr. Louis Benjamin Levovsky, of Framingham, formerly of New Bedford, Fall River, and North Dartmouth passed on May 10, 2021 at 86 years old. Beloved son of the late Max and Mildred Levovsky. Loving brother of the late Arthur Levovsky and sister Laura Kadish. Beloved former spouse to Deborah Levovsky and Claire Levovsky. Loving father to his four daughters, Susan Bley, Risa Levovsky, Lori Cohn and Caryn London and their respective spouses Lou Bley, Michael Cohn and Robert London. Stepfather to Sue Mancall, Louis Karten and Bruce Karten and their beloved spouses, Matt Mancall, Carolyn Karten and Laurie Karten. He leaves behind his cherished sixteen grandchildren, Sydney, Darien, Elliot, Julia, Jacob, Gabriel, Emily, Samantha, Lily, Ben, Allie, Jordan, Adam, Noah, Jared and Aaron. Survived by loving nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as the hundreds, if not thousands of patients, who he treated throughout this career in Allergy and Immunology at The Truesdale Clinic in Fall River and Aquidneck Medical Center in Newport, Rhode Island. He was a man, who wore many hats and was always surrounded by those who loved him.

He grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he was a wonderful son to his hardworking parents and truly the apple of their eyes as he became a successful Allergist after years of studying at Cornell and Boston University Medical School and suffering himself from severe childhood asthma.

Lou loved his whole family deeply and would do anything for them. From spending time at Bakers Beach, Cathy Temple, Davey’s Locker, family weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, he was always happy to be surrounded by his family before he sacked out for a nap!!!!

He was so proud of all of his 16 grandchildren. Saying their names and talking with them about their career aspirations, love lives, and grades always brought him so much joy and made him smile.

His passions included his love for the Pats, the Red Sox, CNN, the stock market, and the goings on in Washington. He’d always say I am very happy and very comfortable as he was stretched out on his couch watching all of these things on TV.

He had special nicknames for his family and friends and that is something we will never lose. And he had so many sayings, better known as Lou-isms:

Sit at my feet and learn!

My grandmother got here from Odessa, you can find your way!

Little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems

You learn something new every day!

To know me is to love me!

Lou Levovsky was simply an incredible person and true inspiration to many. He was so loved and will forever remain in all of our hearts.

Donations in his memory may be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

Minette “Ruthie” (Jacobs) Sigel, of Framingham, formerly of Cambridge and Malden passed on May 10, 2021 at 86 years old.  Beloved wife of the late Martin Sigel. Loving sister of the late Ida Dorenfeld, Bertha Bletstein, Phil Jacobs and Charles Jacobs. She leaves her loving niece Arlene and her husband Larry DeHaan and nephew Jeffrey and his wife Cheryl Dorenfeld.  Also survived by several other loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She worked for many years at the Cambridge Jewish Community Center and Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston.  Donations in her memory may be made to Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960.

Florence Morton passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, three weeks short of her 97th ­birthday.  She spent her last days surrounded by her family and left us peacefully.

With her sister Bea and her brother Irving, she grew up in the Bronx in NYC.  She graduated near the top of her class from Morris High School and then received a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College.  While working at the NYC Department of Welfare she met her future husband, Arthur.  After getting married and starting her family, she worked as an elementary school teacher for many years, surrounding her students with love and support.  Her passion for books lead her to work as a librarian, and she then received her Master’s in Library Science while working full time and raising her family.  She finished her career as librarian in a NYC high school.  She and her family split their time between Douglaston, NY during the school year and Smallwood, NY in the Catskills during the summer months.

In retirement she and Arthur relocated to Lauderhill, Florida and continued to spend their summers in Smallwood; they loved travelling and ultimately visited numerous Elder Hostels to continue their education and enjoyment of the outdoors.

After Arthur’s passing she relocated to Coconut Creek, FL.  Making many new friends, she continued her passion for teaching, books and libraries, running the North Regional Broward County Library Tutoring Program which matched senior citizens with inner city elementary school students to help with their reading.  She tutored Russian immigrants in English, and continued to be very active with the local B’nai Brith.  These activities led to many honors and awards, including an invitation to the White House to meet the president.  She discovered that she loved telling jokes, and many dinner parties would find her telling stories to surprised friends.  She loved watching the news and engaging in political discussions, and proudly voted right through the 2020 election.

Florence was passionate about her family and extremely proud of her children.    She instantly fell in love with her grandchildren, and was an incredible grandma.  She loved making Halloween costumes for them, and helped them develop a love of reading, sharing stories and books.  Holidays together were always special events.

She ultimately moved to Wellesley, Massachusetts to be closer to her family.  She is survived by her daughter, Susan Morton, along with her son Paul Morton, his wife, Jayne Dorfman, and her grandchildren, Melissa Morton and Matthew Morton.  Her warmth, kindness, humor, intelligence and good spirits are already missed.

The funeral will be private.  In lieu of flowers, she would have appreciated a contribution to any charity of your choice that focuses on enriching libraries or improving the lives of children.

Donald Irwin Orenbuch, 87, died Friday, May 7th at his home in Sandy Springs, GA. Don is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Billie Lee, his son, Tim Orenbuch, and his daughter, Evelyn Orenbuch. Don will be laid to rest at the Baker Street cemetery in Boston, reunited with his sister, brothers, and parents.

Don grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA, graduating from Boston Latin High School in 1952. He graduated from Harvard in 1956, with a degree in Chemistry and received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1960. For the majority of his life, Don lived in Gladwyne and later, Bala Cynwyd, both in suburban Philadelphia, PA.  Don and Billie moved to the Atlanta area in early October, 2020 to be near their daughter and son-in-law.

Don worked at ARCO Chemical Corporation for 15 years, finishing his career as Manager of Strategic Planning. After retiring from ARCO, he began his second career as a small business owner, running a Partyland Store in Wayne, PA for nearly 30 years.He helped many people create meaningful celebrations with just the right advice, from balloons to decorations.

This business fit his personality perfectly, as laughter was important to Don. He was quick with a joke and wasn’t shy to tell them to a customer, stranger, soon-to-be friend, or to his family – repeatedly.

The son of Polish immigrants, he started mapping his family tree well before there were internet resources, writing hand written letters to obtain birth certificates from small villages in Poland. This led him to become active in the Philadelphia Jewish Genealogical Society and enjoyed teaching about the Jewish American immigrant history.

A lifelong learner, Don took a variety of classes, most at the Main Line School Night, including one called “Great Discussions,” which turned into a weekly conversation with a special group of friends lasting nearly 15 years. In his 60s, he studied Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, and reached the level of Master. His creations were often presented at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

He learned to play the mandolin as a young man and loved to sing.  No family car ride was complete without lots of folk songs, which he knew by heart, such as a full throated rendition of “My father was the keeper of the Eddystone light.” He often attended the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and took great joy in participating in a monthly sing-along on Sunday afternoons with friends.

Don enjoyed travel, having the chance to see Korea, Japan, most of western Europe, Russia, China, Thailand, Bali, Tibet, Canada, Peru, and Israel.  He enjoyed exploring the culture and getting to know the people of that country.  A favorite activity on any trip was to walk into the heart of the city and central market to be a part of the throng.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed close friends and long term relationships, playing in a standing poker game with the same group of guys, for 20 years.

Don played the game well and left the game smiling, having made some good bets and a few chips up.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be can be made in Don’s name to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation National Headquarters, Attn: Financial Operations, 733 Third Ave., Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.

Robert Weller of Canton, MA, formerly of Newton, MA, entered into rest on May 6, 2021 at the age of 92.  Beloved husband of Gloria Crane Weller for 63 years.  Loving father of Daniel Weller and his wife Lisa of Westwood, MA and Linda Weller Gulman and her husband Max of Newton, MA.  Proud grandfather of Jessica and Paige Gulman, and Sophie Weller.  Dear son of the late Michael and late Pauline Weller, and brother of the late Herbert Weller and late Theodore Weller.

Bobby served in the U.S. military after being drafted during the Korean War.  He was quickly promoted to sergeant and ran a deployment section where he was stationed in Virginia.  Upon his return to Boston, he founded Robert Weller Corp. DBA Weller Carpets, where he continued to work until 2020.  He built the business, which is now over 60 years old and run by his son, Dan.

Bobby and Gloria shared a love of golf, skiing and bridge.  In the 60’s, he co-founded a family ski club in Franconia, NH from which he enjoyed lifelong friendships.  Bobby was known for his sense of humor, his loyalty and commitment to honesty in both his personal relationships and in business.  Both Bobby and Gloria enjoyed traveling in Europe and Israel, and for 19 years enjoyed a winter residence in West Palm Beach, FL.  Funeral arrangements will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hebrew Senior Life (https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/giving) or the Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine (https://lunderdineen.org/support-us).