Obituaries

BUSINESSMAN, ARTS PATRON

Robert “Bob” Remis, of Boston and Palm Beach, was born on September 26, 1929, raised in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and passed away peacefully on July 13 from heart complications.

From a very early age Bob learned to play piano by ear and continued until right before his death. His love of music continued as an Overseer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra where he and his wife Ruth (Lubarsky) Remis, continued his family’s support. They especially enjoyed the Friday afternoon concerts and he loved analyzing the intricacies of a composition or the phrasing of a particular piece.

This same appreciation and knowledge was a driving force in his dedication to the art world. Bob would roam the galleries of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (where he was a trustee) and feel spiritually renewed. Past Museum Director Malcolm Rogers recalled, “I knew Bob for more than 20 years, and his dedication to the Museum of Fine Arts and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts as Trustee and Governor was an inspiration to me.  By nature reserved and discreet, he was nevertheless passionate and partisan, and, in continuing his parents’ tradition of enlightened philanthropy, gave most generously of his time and money.” The international experience he had through the art world helped to form his own collection and he was working on an exhibition of some of his pieces at the time of his death.

Tufts University became a focal point for Bob and Ruth (class of 1954). They endowed the Remis Sculpture Court and also supported the building of the Music Center. Larry Bacow, past President of Tufts and current President of Harvard said, “Bob Remis was everything that we hope a citizen of Tufts would be. He was exceptionally accomplished professionally but equally engaged in the broader community. He was generous with his time, wisdom and resources not just to Tufts but to countless institutions throughout the city of Boston. Each of these organizations is better today because of Bob. He was as modest as he was successful, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. And he was also the head of a family that sent three generations to Tufts, so far. We will all miss him.”

In addition to Tufts, Bob remained close to his alma mater Phillips Andover (class of 1947) where he played football, and Harvard (class of 1951).

For most of his life, Bob’s focus was the leather business. Before attending his senior year at Harvard, Bob spent a year in Puerto Rico working and teaching English to the Spanish speaking foreman at his family’s leather tanning factory. Bob learned the business from the bottom up, eventually rising to President. The corporation bought Beggs & Cobb, which then became the umbrella corporation for divisions of Remis Industries. He purchased Permair, an English specialty company producing a unique leather finishing product which he developed in the United States and later sold. During these professional years he was a member of the Young Presidents Organization and traveled extensively with Ruth throughout the world for business and pleasure. His business acumen extended to his interest in the stock market and investing where, rather than tout his success, he would be delighted to pass on a good tip.

Beth Israel Hospital (now BIDMC), where Bob was a trustee, had a special place in his heart as well and he was quick to support the hospital over many decades along with many other charitable endeavors.

Bob was an accomplished athlete throughout his life and excelled in most sports, particularly tennis and golf. Friends would always remark that it was a frequent joy to see Bob with his son and grandson spending an afternoon on the golf course.

The consummate gentleman, Bob never looked for accolades for his accomplishments or generosity; however, his face would light up when he talked of his family. He and Ruth were married for 67 years, and was the beloved father of Richard and daughter in law Pamela, William (deceased) and John (deceased). He was cherished by his grandchildren Jeffrey, Andrew, and Kimberly, and each enjoyed a special relationship with him. He was also a treasured uncle, wonderful friend, and dedicated patron. He was a ceaseless reader and many will miss his passionate recommendations.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston MA 02215, or Temple Emanu-El, 393 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA 01945.

Wilma Benjamin passed away at the age of 88 on July 11, 2020. Wilma lived several lives. The youngest of three daughters, she was a proud homemaker. The devoted wife of a doctor, she raised four children across the country and met the challenges of being a military wife with pride and a smile. From cocktail parties to card games, she was a talented hostess, an innovative cook and a creative baker. An avid and adventurous traveler, Wilma and her husband George saw much of the world together. When grandchildren began to appear, she uprooted her life in Chicago to return home to Massachusetts. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, she was proud of her work with the national PTO, MIT, Harvard Dental School and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. She was proud of her many homes from Valley Forge, San Antonio, Boston, Fort Huachuca, San Rafael, Fort Devens, Littleton, Leominster, Aurora, Chicago, and Milton to Brookline. She was proud of her knitting. No one could make a quilt quite like Wilma. She loved to capture peoples’ interests in a quilt or a pillow, be it heavy metal, the theater, baseball, the cello, mermaids or a comic book. She was most proud of her family. Wilma leaves behind four children and six grandchildren, with each of whom she shared a special bond. A daughter, sister, mother, wife, homemaker, administrator, world traveler, hostess and grandmother, she was a warm, kind matriarch who will be deeply missed by everyone she has left behind. Donations in her name may be made to the Breast Cancer Treatment Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Helen Marcus-of  Needham, in Montreal, Canada, on July 12, 2020. Private graveside services were held on Sunday,July 19, 2020 at Or Emet Cemetery,Baker St.,West Roxbury.

Jo-Ellen Levinson Hirsch passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of July 12th, 2020. She is survived by her loving husband, Martin Hirsch, her daughters, Jennifer Hoffman, Dawn Hirsch and Hilary Agin, her grandchildren, Max Hoffman, Hannah Hoffman, Dillon Krug, Benjamin Agin and Jenna Agin, and her sister Gail Klein. She was born on December 17, 1943 in New York.  Jo-Ellen was a caring, selfless woman and a role model for many. She was a calming presence to those around her and could find goodness in anyone.  She made each of us feel special, despite our flaws. She inspired those closest to her to be their best and would support them in any decision they made. Her memory will live on through her friends and family.

Donations in Jo-Ellen’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or to Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect St., Acton, MA 01720.

ALPERT, MARTIN- 90, peacefully on July 8, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Judith Alpert with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Devoted father of Nancy Alpert (Gwen Marcus) and Kenneth Alpert, and loving companion of Shae Rosenthal. Beloved brother of the late Estelle Mitchell and Howard Alpert, and brother-in-law of Helaine Miller and Geila Aronson. Marty, with his sweet and impish personality, was cherished by all who knew him, including his many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. His businesses ranged from electric heat to figure salons to real estate. He was an active member of Congregation Mishkan Tefila for over 80 years, going back to his bar mitzvah at its first building in Dorchester. He served in various leadership roles at CJP, Newton Cable TV and Hebrew Senior Life. Marty loved sailing, golf, bridge and of course good food.

Graveside services will be by zoom. Details for the zoom service and shiva may be found at mishkantefila.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Mishkan Tefila, 384 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446 or The Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at BU, 147 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215.

Lavine, Edward L., of Wellesley, MA, passed away July 9, 2020. Beloved husband for more than 66 years of Susan (Proger) Lavine. Devoted father of Karen Lavine and her husband Donald Kilpatrick, and Nancy Ostroff and her husband Eric. Cherished grandfather of Daniel and Sarah Kilpatrick, Eleanor Kilpatrick and Michael Brown, Jessica Ostroff, and Andrew Ostroff. Proud great-grandfather of Aaron and Leah Kilpatrick, and Tali Brown. Graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he practiced law for many years at Goulston & Storrs. Due to current restrictions, services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Marshall M. Kaplan Fund at Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 or to a charity of your choice.

Shirley Denker – It is with deep sorrow that the family of Shirley Rosen Denker announces her passing on Friday July 3, 2020 at the age of 94. Shirley grew up in The Bronx and attended Brooklyn College. She was married for over 60 years to Hershel Denker, and spent the latter part of her life with her long- term partner, Stanley Halpern. She was a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs and coordinated many fund-raising events for Temple Beth Am, Jewish Family Services and ARC. In the 1980’s she started a groundbreaking tennis program in Framingham for adults with intellectual disabilities. Shirley will be remembered for her love of gardening, tennis, dance, music and community theater. Her vivacious personality and sense of humor were on full display as the moderator of her own local cable TV show, “Shirley Presents…”.

Forever a mother, Shirley taught her children and grandchildren to live life with passion, confidence and tenacity. She is survived by her four children, Carol (Glen Schneider), Nancy, Spencer and Cliff (Jill Denker), as well as a brother, Larry Rosen, and her five beloved grandchildren, Elyssa, Julia, Hailey, Marisa and Rachel.

Robinson, Muriel (Cohen), 93, on July 6, 2020.  Beloved wife for 74 years of the late Allan.  Daughter of the late Frances and Myer Cohen.  Sister of the late Edith and Mel Gillette.  Cherished mother of Linda and Arthur Siegal, and Richard Robinson.  Adored grandmother of Lori and Gary Sklar, Jeffrey and Brooke Siegal, and Sheri and Eric Monheimer.  Treasured great-grandmother of Jared, Colby, Ethan, and Zoey Sklar, Drew and Brett Siegal, and Brandon, Jake, and Ashley Monheimer.  Muriel’s greatest pleasure was time spent with her family.  For years she worked side-by-side with Allan at Robinson’s (Hardware).  Their love story lasted until his death in March.  “Grandma Muriel” will be missed.  Due to the pandemic, services are private.  Donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Sara Kotler, of Franklin, MA, passed away on July 5, 2020, after a courageous battle with endometrial cancer. She was 74 years old. Originally from Long Beach, NY, and then Manalapan, NJ, Sara was the daughter of the late Bernard & Adele Grossman and sister to the late Barbara Rabkin. Above all else, family was at the core of Sara’s life. She had no greater joy in life than spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of Edwin Kotler, loving mother of Jayme & Steve Faberman and David Kotler & Meg Julian, and the proud Nanny of Adam & Lauren Faberman and Andrew, Emily & Jack Kotler. Sara will be laid to rest at Beit Olam East Cemetery in Wayland. Funeral arrangements will be private due to the current restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sara may be made to support endometrial cancer research and treatment at MGH Cancer Center. Gifts can be made in two ways: (1) online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/, and please specify under “Additional Details” that donations be sent to the MGH Medical Gynecology Oncology Program.; or (2) if by check, please make payable to Massachusetts General Hospital, c/o Heidi Bergmeyer, MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, and please note “In Memory of Sara Kotler” in the check memo.

David Proctor-It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Proctor, of Newton, MA and Boca Raton, FL.  David passed away at age 86 on July 3, 2020.  He was the son of Archie and Eva Proctor and brother to the late Marjorie Driben.  After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he served as a navigator in the Airforce for 3 years returning to complete his MBA from Boston University. David then joined his father in their family Insurance Agency, A.A. Proctor & Co.  David leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Marilyn (Sacks) Proctor, 3 children, Alan, Sue and Ken, along with 8 grandchildren.Funeral services will be private due to the current restrictions.  If you wish to honor David’s memory, please make a donation to The Richard Todd Sacks Jewish Life Education Fund (RTSJLE Fund) c/o Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave Needham 02494 or on line at tbsneedham.org/donate