Obituaries

Warkel, Stanley L., of East Bridgewater, MA, passed away at home with his loving wife and family by his side on November 29, 2020, from complications due to dementia. Beloved husband of Dianne (Abati) Warkel. Dear son of the late Robert and Ann (Kovelesky) Warkel. Devoted father of Deborah Black and her husband Greg, of Hudson, NH, Richard Warkel and his wife Ren, of Calistoga, CA, and Matthew Warkel, of Calistoga, CA. Cherished step-father of Kerry Curnow and her husband Walter, of East Bridgewater, MA, Michael Kennedy, of East Bridgewater, MA, and David Kennedy and his wife Shayna, of Bridgewater, MA. Proud Zadie of Meghan and Kory, Patrick and Noi, Caroline, Christopher, Jonathon, Dylan and Devon. Loving brother of Steven Warkel and his partner Caroline, of Wolf Creek, OR, and the late Evelyn Warkel. Stanley leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends, both personal and professional. Stan was the proprietor of Warkel Auto Parts in Brockton, MA, a founding member of the Brockton Towing Association and owner of S.W.A.P. in East Bridgewater, MA. A graduate of Brockton High School, Stan proudly served in the United States Navy on the destroyer Charles J. Badger. He was an avid horseman his entire life, training and racing on the track, riding trails throughout the Northeast and proudly standing rail-side to cheer on his daughter and granddaughters during their show careers. Stan and Dianne traveled extensively throughout the U.S. in their motorhome and summered in East Falmouth, MA and Newport, RI. Stan was happiest when he was ”’down the barn,” being silly with his grandchildren or making others laugh. He found humor in almost everything and encouraged others to do the same. Due to current Covid restrictions, graveside services will be private. A celebration of Stan’s life will be held at a later date. In Stan’s memory, the family is requesting that donations be made to benefit one of his dearest health aides (See Go Fund Me page at https://gf.me/u/zar76w), or alternatively, that donations be directed to the VA’s Fisher House Boston, PO Box 230, South Walpole, MA, 02071.

A link to view Stanley’s funeral service can be found here. https://vimeo.com/manage/488095873/general

Stephen D. Cutler, 84, a successful investment manager and philanthropist, and beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, died on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 after a sudden illness. Admired for his business acumen, leadership and generosity, Steve will be remembered above all for his warmth, kindness and easy sense of humor so treasured by his family and friends.

Steve was born and raised in Quincy, MA, son of Henry and Lillian Cutler, and older brother to Robert (Robbie) Cutler, who predeceased him. He graduated in 1957 from Brown University, where he made enduring friendships as a member of the Pi Lamda Phi fraternity. In 1959, Steve met Alice, the love of his life, and they shared a remarkable 60 year marriage. With Alice’s encouragement, Steve earned his MBA at Babson College and embarked on a successful career in investment management. In 1962, Steve was called to serve his country in the Air National Guard. Upon his return, Steve earned leadership positions at the Massachusetts Company, Baring America, and ultimately Essex Investment Management, where, since 1989, he was President and Senior Portfolio Manager.

Steve was active in the community and an engaged philanthropist. He supported numerous causes, but was most passionate about Babson College, Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Steve served as a Trustee of Babson, where he and Alice established the Stephen D. Cutler Center for Investments and Finance, a world-class lab that advances financial education for the entire Babson community.

Most of all, Steve was a model for how to live a meaningful life. He built an extraordinary legacy of learning, listening, laughing often and giving back. He achieved success in his career yet always acted with humility, gratitude and kindness. He worked hard yet also found plenty of time to enjoy golf at Willowbend, bridge, travel, the Red Sox and his grandchildrens’ sporting events, school plays and Parcheesi games. Steve is survived by his wife Alice, his children Ellen (David), John (Rebecca) and Nancy (Mark), grandchildren Henry, Ben, Molly, Erin, Thomas, Coco and Zeke as well as many devoted nieces and nephews. He will be missed.

Donations may be made in Stephen D. Cutler’s memory to Babson College, Office of Advancement, 231 Forest Street, Wellesley, MA 02457; Combined Jewish Philanthropies, 126 High Street, Boston, MA 02110; or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Stephen D. Cutler’s service

Guttman, Jean Lewinson, 98, died November 23, 2020 in Newton, MA. Married in 1943 to the late Allan Guttman. Mother of Judith Greenberg (married to Kenneth), Erica Jacobson (married to Thomas), and Joshua Guttman (married to Kalpana). Grandmother of Laura Greenberg-Chao, Ellen Sheedy, Amy Ward, Karen Jacobson, Nathan Guttman, Lisa Greenberg, and Maya Guttman. “Grandma Jean” to many more. Educated at Fieldston High School, Cornell University (B.A. ’43) and Bank Street College of Education. Long-time preschool teacher and volunteer in children’s programs and libraries. Services were private. Donations in her memory may be made to Family Access of Newton or your local Habitat for Humanity.

A Tribute To Jean Guttman by Kalpana Guttman

A Tribute To Jean Guttman by Ken Greenberg

Wolfson, Bernard Age 92, of Waltham and formerly Newton, Nov. 22, 2020. Beloved husband of Rita. Loving father of Jane and her late husband, Bill Mitchell, Deb Squires and her husband Jim. Adored Papa to Billy Mitchell and Sam Squires. Cherished brother of Dorothy (Wolfson) Steinberg and the late Irma (Wolfson) Berg. Son of the late Meyer and Celia Wolfson. Uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.

Bernie was raised in Revere, where he developed a circle of lifelong, dear friends. He proudly served in the army at the end of WWII, stationed in Italy. Following his return he graduated from the New England College of Pharmacy. He was the owner of Wolfson’s Pharmacy in Beachmont for over 25 years before selling his store and working for Walgreens until his retirement 20 years ago.

Bernie was a trusted and treasured friend who will be remembered for his quick wit, warm smile, generous nature and kind heart. He loved travel, dining out, movies, theater, spending time at the Cape, golf, the Red Sox and all activities involving family and friends. His wife Rita, whom he met on a blind date, was the center of his world for 59 years. He was a devoted husband, father, papa and son who valued family above all.

Due to Covid, burial will be private with a celebration of his life to be held when we can all gather safely together. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Learning Prep School c/o Business Office 1507 Washington St.,  Newton, MA 02465 or Dana Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Hyman, Harriet (Smookler), of Newton, formerly of Sharon, MA, passed away on November 19, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Richard M. Hyman. Devoted mother of Joshua Hyman and his wife Felicia, and Andrew Hyman and his wife Sara Heal. Cherished grandmother of Julianne Sarah Hyman, Hillary Dori Hyman, Reid William Hyman, and Polly Suzanne Hyman. Loving sister of David Smookler and his wife Debbie, Sugar Smookler Howar, and Jake Hyman and his wife Irene. Due to current restrictions, funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. https://www.alz.org/manh

FALZON, Eric Michael, of Auburndale, 52, passed away November 16, 2020. Beloved son of Susan Jane Leah Rubin. Devoted husband of Dewan Renee (Lewis) Falzon. Loving father of Tevin, Aaron, and Madison. Cherished nephew of Naomi Rubin. Dear brother-in-law of Clyde Lewis III. Dear brother of Daniel, Jessica and Tina. Pre-deceased by father Joseph C. Falzon, grandparents Ruth and Leon Rubin.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his family Eric has left behind countless friends, colleagues and young people who loved, respected and admired him. Eric was never without a smile, warmth and steadfast support for everyone he encountered.  His legacy, through the lives he touched, is vast.

Eric was born in New York City and re-located with his Mom in 1973 to the Boston area. He is a 1986 graduate of Brookline High School, where he played on the football team for four years.  He played in both the Agannis All-Star Football Game and the Shriners All-Star HS Football Game in 1986.  He earned a BS from Springfield College in 1991.

Private services were held. Donations in his memory may be sent “In loving memory of Eric Falzon, father of alumni Tevin, Aaron, Madison” to No Books No Ball, Orchard Gardens Middle School, 906 Albany St, Boston, MA 02119; Venmo@nobooksnoball or John M Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton, 675 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02460.

Okstein, Alan H., died on Nov. 15, 2020 at the age of 85. Predeceased by his wife Sheila (Elliott) Okstein, he leaves their children Sarabeth Okstein and Lawrence Okstein, daughter-in-law Lisa Beatty, grandchildren Shelby and Daniel, his wife of fourteen years, Karen, her two sons Michael and Joe Procaccini, and brother-in-law Chris Anderson. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Arthur Swotinsky, their children Lisa, Amy, and Debra, and their families. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to Department of MA,  Marine Corp League, State House Rm. 545, Boston, Mass. 02133.

“Out of the past, a mentor’s voice” news article by Joe Fitzgerald

Kenneth Barry Green of Needham, MA, passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 14, 2020, after a year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was a proud, loving, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. An avid golfer, he died while the Masters played in the background, as all who loved him would have expected.

Born and raised in Newton, MA, he was the loving son of the late Esther and Lawrence Green.  He is survived by his wife Chris of Needham (by way of Lima, Peru), by their daughter Andrea Pogorek and her husband, Brian of Hudson, MA, and by their daughter Erica Newman and her husband Brandon of Chattanooga, TN. He was also a doting grandfather of Erica and Brandon’s children, Henry and Lydia; his proud Facebook posts of his grandchildren were unrivalled.

Kenny was a loving older brother to Howard Green, who survives him, along with sister-in-law Elizabeth Green, and sister-in-law Patricia Varón. He was the beloved uncle of three nieces and a nephew, Emily, Laura, Shannah and Isaac.

A graduate of Babson College, Kenny spent much of his career at Filene’s Basement, serving as a buyer and Vice President of several women’s departments until his retirement. He most recently was employed by Tournament Promotions, through which he set up charity golf events for non-profit organizations throughout the United States.

Kenny was an athlete and sports enthusiast. Some of his favorite lifelong memories were forged on the ball fields of Newton and at Camp Cedar in Casco, ME, where he excelled in all sports, especially water skiing, and where he made lifelong friends, who have been “drinking a highball” to him from all over the country during this last year.

In addition to the great pride he took in his family, his proudest accomplishments were at The Haven Country Club in Boylston, MA, where he spent much of the last two decades, serving on the Board and as Membership Chair. Though he loved to socialize at the club, he also loved to compete, and together with his golf partner, he won numerous tournaments and awards. Kenny golfed until just weeks before his passing surrounded by his numerous, devoted friends.

Private graveside services will be held at Or Emet Cemetery in compliance with COVID protocols. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Kirshner, Charlotte (Adler), of Newton, MA on November 14, 2020. Born in Medford, MA September 9, 1921. Beloved wife of the late Sidney Kirshner. Devoted mother of Leslie Pearlstein and her husband Arthur, Audree Dyson and her husband Bob, and Niki Pugach and her husband Sam. Cherished grandmother of Rachel Raifman, Naomi Leon, Rebecca Baizen and her husband Andrew, Alex Dyson and his wife Jen, Meredith Dyson and her partner Sasha Veljanov, Jill Lewis and her husband Ben, Emily Pugach and her husband Jason Magida. Proud great grandmother of Spencer Raifman, Ava Baizen, Lila & Ari Magida, Sophie Lewis, and Elodie Dyson. Predeceased by siblings Pearl Weiner, Jack (Sonny) Adler, Irving Adler and Charles (Buddy) Adler. Survived by sister-in-law Wayne Adler (Irving) and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by special cousin Frances Ross. Our heartfelt thanks to her caregivers Ruth Nalugya, Georgia’s Girls, and Nurse Nancy from Good Shepherd.

Charlotte was above all devoted to family, a true matriarch. In addition, she was a good friend, mentor, confidant, good listener, superb hostess, professional volunteer, avid bridge player, golfer, amateur thespian, charming, compassionate, witty, a fighter, a people person, romantic, and gave great hugs. Charlotte will live on in the hearts of many.

Charlotte was a force of nature – if she wanted something to happen, she gave her all to make it happen. Her most intense focus was family. In her childhood days, her own family took care of cousins and other family members. In her adult years, she was devoted to her mother in her declining years and always helped out her siblings in their times of need. As one of 5 siblings, she hosted all the families for the holidays, often with parties of 40 or more spilling through the house. Marathon Day parties were legendary. She was supportive of all her children’s endeavors, selling Audree’s jewelry at craft shows, working bingo at Leslie’s temple, supporting Niki’s work with animals and hospice. She continued with her grandchildren, roller skating with them, providing Apple Jacks during sleepovers (when sugary cereals were not allowed at home), sharing her home with them when they needed it, and supporting great grandson Spencer’s Chronic Zebra Foundation. She volunteered at schools, chaperoned trips, led brownie/girl scout groups. She shared her home with beloved cousin Franny for many years at various times. She always said her three daughters brought her three sons, they were that precious to her.

Charlotte was equally devoted to friends. One friend tells of how, after a grueling surgery, Charlotte came and took care of her, telling her husband “I’ve got this. Do what you have to do” so he could keep working. Many have commented that when they had problems, they would talk it out with her and find a solution. Many of her friends were younger, and she had no trouble keeping up with them! Everyone, friend and relative alike, raved about her hugs.

Her mind never stopped. If there was an issue, she analyzed it from every angle. Even in her last weeks, in the midst of her own pain and discomfort, she spent one night worrying about her granddaughter’s new apartment and where the emergency exit would be if she needed it. She certainly never gave up on trying to improve the quality of her own life. Right to the end she was searching for a solution to her own problems, finding a doctor who would have the key to fix what ailed her, combing through catalogues for things that might make her life more comfortable or easier.

Charlotte was a romantic, and loved a good love story. She was supportive of all couples, as long as they were in love, starting when her own daughter wanted to marry someone from outside the faith, even promising to ‘sneak out of the house’ to attend the wedding if necessary. It carried through to some of her granddaughters as well. She was accepting of all people.
Vanity thy name is Charlotte. She always cared about her looks. The last trips out of the house other than doctors’ appointments were to the hair and nail salons. In her final hospital stay, when the nurse complimented her on her nails, she said ‘oh, no, they’re shabby, they need to be done’. In her weakest moments, she insisted her hair be combed, and one loyal aide helped her with lipstick and blush. She looked beautiful right to the end.

She loved to be needed. After becoming a widow in her seventies, she became a school volunteer in Florida, helping out in a classroom for many years with a teacher who became a personal friend. In the last few years, her love of bridge, combined with her need to be needed, led her to become a mentor in her daughter’s bridge group. Again the girls, much younger than she, valued her skills and warmth.
She was an enthusiastic amateur thespian, participating in plays and reviews in temple and country clubs over the years. Her performance as Lola in Damn Yankees was one perfectly suited to her, and brought her acclaim from all who saw it.
She grew up poor, but claimed she didn’t know she was poor because they were happy. She supported causes that were important to her, becoming a member of Brandeis National Committee as soon as it was formed, was a volunteer for Israel Bonds, held many volunteer positions in temple sisterhood and her country clubs.

Due to current restrictions, services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandeis National Committee Honoring our History Campaign (www.brandeis.edu/bnc) or Good Shepherd Community Care (www.gscommunitycare.org).

To view service click here: https://vimeo.com/481033388/bc9f953919

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Samuel on November 10, 2020, from complications of heart disease.  Devoted husband of forty-nine years to Linda, loving father to Adam and Sarah, father-in-law to Andrew and Whitney and adoring grandfather to Toby Samuel and Evelyn Rose.  Sam leaves his devoted brother, Burt, dear cousins and in-laws, and many friends and colleagues. A private graveside service will be held this week.

Born in Boston in 1939 and raised in Newton, Sam was a 1963 graduate of Boston University.  In addition to his beloved family, he leaves many dear friends and former colleagues from his successful fifty-five year career in business and real estate.  In 1989, Sam helped design his award winning “green” office building, the first of its kind in Watertown.   Always hardworking and innovative, Sam was the Founder and President of the New England Building Wreckers Association/ Environmental Remediation Specialists, from 2005-2019.

Sam loved his work and embodied the self-made man, self- taught and knowledgeable in many areas; construction, demolition, engineering, finance, architecture, law and more.  His skilled hands and innate problem solving ability defined his famous “hobby” –the ability to “fix” anything, broken or not!

Facing retirement, Sam’s greatest regret was dismantling his much loved demolition company “Edifice Wrecks”.  From hundreds of demolished buildings, he collected architectural antiques and treasures, which were stored and sold in a large warehouse (or brought home). Sam’s favorite expression was:  “I never worked a day in my life!”  He reluctantly retired at age 75.

Alav-ha-shalom…may peace be upon him.

Sam will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Remembrances may be sent to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, Attn: Gift Services, 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02115  or charity a of your choice.