Obituaries

WEISSMAN, Norman Born April 12, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York, died at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 27 after a short battle with cancer. Prior to Brookline, Norman was a thirty-five year resident of Guilford, Connecticut. Norman grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended Dartmouth College. During the Second World War he served as an Aviator in the U.S. Navy. After the war, he worked as a writer and director in Hollywood for the television and film industry. In the second half of his career, Norman worked as a screen-writer, creating scripts for public health and educational films. He wrote and produced more than 400 television series programs. His documentary films are archived at the Yale Beinecke Library. In his later years, he authored eight books published by Hammonasset House Books. Norman is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eveline Weissman of Brookline, Massachusetts. Norman and Eveline had their first date on May 18, 1972 and they often remarked that their first date never ended. Norman is also survived by his brother Seymour Weissman of Rochester, New York; his six children: Brian Weissman of Taos, New Mexico, Joel Weissman of Aspen, Colorado, Stephanie Monsanto and her husband Joe Monsanto of Taos, New Mexico, Rebecca Weissman of Ribera, New Mexico, Adrian Weissman and his wife Ariel Dunlap of Newton, Massachusetts, Joshua Weissman and his wife Ann Weissman of Arlington, Massachusetts; his ten grandchildren: Evan MacHardy and his wife Blue MacHardy, Jordan MacHardy and his wife Sonia MacHardy, Christina Rassizi and her husband Tony Vigorito, Adrian Monsanto, Daniel Weissman, Maria Weissman Martinez and her husband Dominic Martinez, Ada Weissman, Mae Weissman, Henry Weissman and Wilson Weissman; and his four great-grandchildren: Tyler MacHardy, Chloe MacHardy, Cosmo MacHardy, and Zia Vigorito-Rassizi. Norman was predeceased by his parents Emanuel and Alice, and his brother Bernard. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local public library.

Dolores (Lolly) Selenkow, age 93 of Newton and Marblehead, passed away peacefully in her home on May 26, 2021. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Herbert A. Selenkow.

Lolly leaves behind a legacy of love of family and lifelong friendships. She was the devoted mother of Linda (Tom) Garnitz, BJ (Charles) Rippberger and Mark Selenkow. She was Giga to Jessica (Claudio) Baccari, Andrew (Marybeth) Garnitz, Matthew (Lauren Gallaspy) Rippberger, Peter (Tara Higgins) Rippberger and Gregory Rippberger. She also leaves three great grandchildren. Lolly will be remembered with each beach walk, ocean swim, tennis match or gym time taken by all those who knew and loved her.

Duker, Roberta “Bobbie” Lillian (Katz) of Northboro, MA, formerly of Mineola, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, Buffalo, NY and Delray Beach, FL, passed away on May 20, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Jonathan J. Duker. Devoted mother of Jonina Duker and her spouse Alan D. Lichtman, Jay S. Duker and his wife Julie Starr-Duker, and Judith “Judy” Duker Rosenberg and her husband Ken Rosenberg. Cherished grandmother of Jacob and his wife Claire,  Benjamin “Bear” and his wife Becca, Sam and his wife Colette, Adam, Jess, Jared, and Elly. Great-Grandmother to Leo, Lily, and Jon. Graveside services at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bobbie’s memory may be made to Hadassah; hadassah.org, for whom she volunteered tirelessly and served as the City of Buffalo’s President among other many positions, and /or Alzheimer’s Association; act.alz.org, with the hopes of helping and preventing others from experiencing her and her family’s struggles over these past many years.

Ota-Susan Vogel (Buchman) of Hingham, MA, formerly of Parkchester/Bronx, NY, Boxborough, MA, Sudbury, MA and Plymouth, MA, passed away on May 20, 2021. Beloved wife of the late William T. Ota. Devoted mother of Gregory Vogel and his wife Rachelle of Stow, MA, Todd Vogel and his wife Deb of Newton, MA. Cherished grandmother of Chris and his wife Chelsea, Gabrielle, Erica, and Matthew. Proud great-grandmother of Gray. Loving sister of the late Carl Buchman and aunt to Andrew Buchman.  Caring relative to an extended family all across the world.

Susan was raised in the Bronx, NY.  She went on to graduate from Cornell University in 1964 and pursued a passion for education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  She shared her love of science with her thousands of students over the years at Woburn High School, Fitchburg High School, and Nashoba Regional High School.

Susan had a zest for life which she shared with all who came into contact with her.  She loved to travel, visit with her many friends and be surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Susan credited her successful long fight with breast cancer to the outstanding care that she received at Dana Farber.  The doctors and nurses became like family to her over the past 20 years and her family is very grateful.

A private graveside service was held at Beit Olam East Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Susan Vogel Ota to support breast cancer research and patient care at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
or via www.dana-farber.org/give

Sandler, Sandra (Davis), of Peabody, formerly of Randolph, MA, passed away May 19, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Louis Sandler. Devoted mother of David Sandler and his wife Audrey, and Ronald Sandler. Proud grandmother of Jonathan, and Steven Sandler. Loving sister of John Davis and his wife Sally. Please contact the family or Brezniak Funeral Directors regarding funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra’s memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970.

Kreitzer, Sidney of Highland Beach, FL, passed away May 19, 2021. Beloved husband of Judith (Narefs) Kreitzer. Devoted father of Stewart Kreitzer, Stacey Kreitzer, and loving Step-father of Marjorie Braunstein. Proud grandfather of Jessica Kreitzer. Dear brother of the late Freddie Kreitzer. Services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Newton Wellesley Hospital c/o Vernon Cancer Center, 2014 Washington St., Newton, MA 02462, St. Luke’s Organic Garden, c/o Mary Andrade, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA 01581, or Care Dimensions Hospice, 125 Winter St., Lincoln, MA.

Max Goldsmith of Newton, MA, passed away on May 18th at age 73 surrounded by family after a year-long battle with lung cancer.   Max is remembered for his laidback spirit, sharp wit, love of family and lifelong friendships.

Born to the late Robert Goldsmith, an apparel manufacturer from Brooklyn, NY, and the late Bernice (Kaplan) Goldsmith, an artist from The Bronx, NY.  Max was raised alongside his sisters Tina and Wendy in Fall River, MA.  He moved to Cambridge and then settled in Newton with his family while pursuing a career in banking.   Over the next 34 years he advanced through the Bank of Boston, Shawmut Bank, and State Street Bank before retiring just ahead of that decade’s financial crisis.  Returning to his roots, Max joined his lifelong friend Gene Laudon in Gene’s apparel manufacturing business in Fall River.

Throughout his career, Max was also an active and dedicated athlete.  He ran numerous road races and marathons, played competitive soccer on several teams into his mid-forties and coached youth teams, both local and travel.

But in the early 1990’s, no longer able to compete at soccer, he met two former players/coaches at a golf course. This set in motion the passion of his remaining years.   His golf buddies, the “Dawn Patrol” was at Newton Commonwealth Golf Course every day that there was “no snow on the ground and the wind chill was above 25.”  He cherished this ritual, along with his many golf tournaments and travels.  He was a man blessed with enduring friendships and wonderful memories.

Max’s greatest love was Bea, his wife of 53 years.  Together they raised their children Josh Goldsmith and Rachel (Goldsmith) Donovan.   Max adored his grandchildren, Chelsea and Alex Donovan, and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at any field or hockey rink they played (no matter how far the drive or how blurry the live stream).

He is survived by his wife: Aline “Bea” (Romano), his son Joshua, his daughter Rachel Donovan and her husband Ryan, and grandchildren Chelsea and Alex.  Also survived by sisters Tina Goldsmith and her husband Danny Archer, and Wendy Goldsmith and her husband Kurt Wisneski, and their children Daniel Goldsmith, and Jordan Goldsmith and her wife Melissa Denmark, as well as countless cousins.  Max will be dearly missed, a treasured friend to all who knew him.

Services were private.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for every day that there is no snow on the ground and the wind chill is above 25.

Contributions can be made to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA 02766.

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