Obituaries

KUR, Carol, 81, of Dedham, December 6, 2020. Beloved daughter of the late Stuart Oliver and Sylvia Rosen. Loving wife of Mitchell C. Kur. Devoted mother of Alison Kur (the late Michael Oshins), Susan Lees (Matthew), Dana Snyder (Andrew). Proud grandmother of Abi, Jem and Zachary Oshins, Josh and Jake Lees, and Gabe, Ben and Jon Snyder. Sister of Michael Oliver (Claire Theroux), Martin Rosen and Seth Rosen (Joan) and loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Carol was born in New Haven, Connecticut
and spent her young years in Long Branch, New Jersey. Her life was guided by a
deep love of Judaism and the Arts. She served as the Executive Editor of Moment
Magazine, allowing progressive Jews across the nation to connect with world
renowned authors, journalists and clergy in spirituality, intellect, and
practice. She was also heavily involved in the leadership of The Reform
Movement, serving as a member of the executive board of the Union for Reform
Judaism and chair of the editorial board of Reform Judaism Magazine. Carol was
also an engaged member of Temple Beth Am in Framingham, Temple Israel of
Boston, and Temple Beth Elohim of Wellesley. As a lover of the arts, Carol
owned an art gallery and held season tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
She was a joyful singer, always with a melody in her heart, and lyrics on the
tip of her tongue. Above all else Carol cherished her family and friends. She
married her beloved Mitch at age 19 and they spent a lifetime together in an
extraordinary marriage, filled with deep love and affection for each other,
their children and grandchildren. She was always there for a good heart to
heart, with a sage piece of wisdom and, likely, a dessert. Her support of her
loved ones was unwavering, and her compassion always evident.

Services will be private. Donations in Carol’s memory may
be made to Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley;Temple Israel of Boston; or the
Alzheimer’s Association.

SOLTOFF, Stephen Paul, 68, of Newton, December 8, 2020. Stephen (who went by Steve) was a loving family member, a kind friend, an accomplished scientist, and a source of joy and humor for everyone around him.

He was born in 1952 in the apartment above his father’s drug store in West Philadelphia. He worked in the store as a young man, which instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for the value of family ties, medical science, and hard work. The family later moved to Havertown, PA, where he grew up as a dedicated son to his parents, the late Sidney and Vivian Soltoff, as well as a role model (and occasional instigator) to his younger brothers, Charles and Gary. In school, he was a diligent student. Partly due to the positive influence of his high school biology teacher, he chose to study biology during his undergraduate education at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, he began a career in biological research but also traveled the world. He backpacked through Europe, hitchhiked across the American West, and biked along logging roads from New Hampshire to Nova Scotia. His appreciation for nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life.

In the 1970s, he began graduate studies at Duke University in Durham, NC, where he ultimately received his PhD in Pharmacology. His years in Durham were formative for him. He deepened his skills as a researcher, and he developed a close group of friends, who shared his passion for science and, more importantly, his irreverent sense of humor. One of these friends was a Zoology PhD student named Wendy Smith. Her outgoing demeanor balanced his calm grounded nature, and she adored how he made her laugh. Their bond eventually grew into not just a friendship but a partnership. They were married in 1987.

In the 1980s, Steve and Wendy moved to the Boston area to establish their careers and their family. Steve began work as a post-doctoral fellow at Tufts University and then spent close to two decades as a researcher at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

While Steve drew great pride from his work, it was dwarfed by his pride in his family. He deeply loved his sons, Ben and Alex, and taught them how to live their lives with integrity, compassion, and laughter. In 1995, the family made a home for themselves in Newton. Steve’s favorite activities included weekend outings to museums, nature walks, camping trips every August, and annual food-filled celebrations of Passover and Thanksgiving with family in Philadelphia. After retiring in 2017, Steve volunteered with the Temple Reyim congregation, documented his family history, and spent quality time with Wendy.

He passed away from leukemia shortly after celebrating his 33rd wedding anniversary, and the world lost light in an already dark time.

Steve is survived by his wife Wendy, his sons Ben and Alex, his brothers Charles and Gary, a large extended family (including gregarious clans of cousins on both sides), and many close friends and colleagues who respected and cherished him.

Services will be private. Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to JF&CS Family Table, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or HIAS.

Ira M. Wallach

Age 72, entered into rest at his home in Newton, MA on December 5, 2020 after a lengthy illness, about which he was private and courageous. Beloved husband of Carol S. Wallach (Helfen) with whom he shared 56 years of companionship, including the last 42 years in devoted loving marriage. Cherished father of Dr. Jennifer R. Wallach and her husband Daniel Penrod of Newton, and Rebecca A. Wallach and her husband Eric Roberts of Chestnut Hill. Proud and loving “Pops” of his grandchildren Lucy and Ruby Penrod, and Avi Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Shirley Wallach (Cohen) and brother Steven “Butchie” Wallach. He is survived by his sister Saranda “Randy” Wallach and brother Jonathan Wallach, both of Boston.

Mr. Wallach held lifelong passions for public service and environmental advocacy. He practiced law for 42 years including 3 years in the Boston District Attorney’s office and 36 years at the Massachusetts Port Authority until he retired in 2016 as Associate Chief Legal Counsel. Additionally, Mr. Wallach chaired the Newton Conservation Commission from 1996 to 2019. In late 2020, prior to his passing, the Commission named a trail in honor of Mr. Wallach’s nearly 24 years of service and careful stewardship.

Mr. Wallach was a logophile and Francophile with a penchant for precision and esoteric facts. He was a deep conceptual thinker who viewed the world and the people in it with both astounding complexity and remarkable clarity. Colleagues, friends, and family described him as wry, humble, and fiercely loyal, and often sought his unique perspective and guidance. Mr. Wallach had a passion for playing tennis, sailing, and flying and was a gifted orator; especially remembered are the speeches he delivered at his daughters’ weddings. His favorite days were spent in Hull, Massachusetts: sailing through the gut with Carol or sitting with his family on the porch at the bay, giggling with his grandchildren while eating orange creamsicles. His birthdays there were spent in celebration: savoring absurdly large lobsters, chocolate cake, and an annual, graceful, fully-clothed “dip” in the Atlantic Ocean.

Funeral services will be private however a celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston Harbor Now. Additionally, in place of shiva, please send any photographs, videos or written memories of Ira to ira.pops.wallach@gmail.com. His family will read, listen, and view these together.

Pearl Kaplan Sherman of Framingham passed away peacefully in her home on December 4, at the remarkable age of 94 following a courageous decades-long battle with chronic illness.

Born on August 20, 1926, Pearl was the fourth child of Jenny Yegerman Kaplan and David Kaplan, a prominent leader in the North Shore Jewish community. She had fond childhood memories growing up on the North Shore where she graduated from Peabody High School and worked in her father’s leather business.

In her 20s and early 30s, Pearl, an extremely organized person with a penchant for managing people, held office manager positions at several businesses and hospitals. She lived in an apartment in Boston, just down the street from her future husband, Lee’s, dental lab. Lee and Pearl formally met at an adult camp in Gloucester, MA in 1953 and were married at the Hampshire House on an unusually warm late fall day, November 19, 1961.

In 1962, the newlyweds settled in Framingham to start a family. They were members of Temple Beth Am in Framingham and later Temple Israel of Natick. We remember her infectious laugh, unconditional warmth, tremendous sense of humor, and fierce love for her family and friends. She was also a champion clothing shopper.

Pearl is preceded in death by her siblings Irving Kaplan, Robert Kaplan, and Sarah Cohen. She is survived by her husband Lee, daughter Davida Dinerman and son-in-law Brad, and grandchildren Abigail and Ari, to whom she was “the best Nanny ever.” She is also survived by her niece Sandra Osattin and her husband Stuart and their families, and many other beloved family and friends.

Funeral services, arranged by Brezniak Funeral Directors, will be private and there will be no shiva due to regulation imposed by the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pearl’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html or to Boston Children’s Hospital at bostonchildrens.org/givenow.com or via check, payable to Boston Children’s Hospital, to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301.

Bazer, Barbara (Karess), of Sharon, MA, on December 2, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Bazer. Devoted mother of Scott Bazer and his wife Yvette Chute of Dedham, MA, Robert Bazer of NY, NY, Mark Bazer of Readsboro, VT, and Deborah Bazer and her husband Lahri Bond of Lake Pleasant, MA. Barbara leaves behind loving daughter-in-law Rose Desherbinin and her husband Alex. Cherished grandmother of Stephanie & Jaime Bazer. Proud great-grandmother of Brynn Welsh. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Of Hayward, CA, formerly of Randolph, MA, on November 30, 2020. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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.