Obituaries

Herbert Dreyer of Newton, Massachusetts passed away on Thursday, April 16th after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born October 1, 1945, Herb grew up in northeast Philadelphia with his father Daniel, mother Jean, and sister Selma. He attended Northeast High School and went to Gratz College for Hebrew studies. When he was 16, he went on the first Ramah Seminar to Israel where he met his future wife, Carol Wool.
Herb attended college at the Columbia-Jewish Theological Seminary Joint Program. He became deeply involved in the anti-war movement and Students for a Democratic Society, and was one of the leaders of the Columbia strike in 1968. He continued his anti-war efforts at a coffee house near Fort Dix, New Jersey and eventually found his calling to fight injustice and serve those in need by becoming a doctor. From 1970-73, he attended City College where he finished his college degree and pre-med requirements. Herb then went to New York Medical College (1973-1976) and interned at DC General Hospital.
He and Carol married in 1977, and moved to Massachusetts. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at the Faulkner Hospital. After residency, he began his 40 year long tenure at Dimock Community Health Center in Roxbury, providing care to an underserved community. During his tenure, he served as the medical director of the clinic and saw patients until he retired in 2016.
After retirement, Herb pursued his life-long love of literature by learning French. He studied at Boston University for 15 years, eventually taking all the graduate level courses in the department. He also read Hebrew literature, particularly enjoying the work of S.Y. Agnon. Throughout his life Herb was an active member of the Newton Center/Walnut Street Minyan community. He loved hiking, biking, and being in nature, as well as funny (and not so funny) puns. He was a caring and loving husband to Carol, father to Miriam and Naomi, and a playful and silly Zeydah to his grandsons.
Herb is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol Wool; daughters Miriam Dreyer (Jacob Vincent) and Naomi Dreyer; grandsons Nathan and Jonah Vincent; and sister Selma (Walter) Brown.
Services Sunday, April, 19, 2026 at 11AM at the Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut St., Newton, MA. Interment to follow at Polonnoe Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to World Central Kitchen, The New Israel Fund, or Dimmock Community Health Center.

To view the livestream please click here

Jim Ball died peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2026 at the age of 78, after a brief battle with cancer. In his final days, he was surrounded by those he loved most: his beloved wife of 43 years, Anita Diamant; his daughter, Emilia Diamant; his brother-in-law, Harry Diamant; and Emilia’s partner, Sophie.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Jim immigrated to the United States as a child and was raised in New Jersey. His mother, Julie, raised him and his brother, Ron, with abundant kindness, strong values, and enough Persian food to ensure he would never accept bland cooking for the rest of his life.

Jim attended Ithaca College, where he was a proud member of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and active in the anti–Vietnam War movement. It was also there that he fell in love with music, which became a lifelong passion.

He built a long and varied career in public relations working at the Harvard University News Office. The Cambridge School Department, and at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA.)

In 2009, Jim co-founded the Boston Jewish Music Festival with Joey Baron, which later became part of JArts. For Jim, music was a way to build community, tell stories, and make lasting friendships.

A devoted singer, Jim was a member of several choirs and choruses in Boston and beyond, including the Newton Community Chorus and the Sinai Singers. Most recently, he founded a chorus at Opus in Newton, where he and Anita had recently moved. 

Jim also served as a North American Board member for the Union for Reform Judaism, contributing his leadership and deep commitment to Jewish life and community.

While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Jim always mention his kindness, his warmth, his quick smile, and his love of laughter. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Temple Sinai Brookline.

Jim’s family will be observing Shiva at the following times and locations:

• Sunday, April 19, 5:00-8:00pm, at Temple Sinai, 50 Sewell Ave., Brookline, MA Attend in person, or by Zoom (click here).
• Monday, April 20, 7:00-8:00pm, a “Kumzits Shiva” via Zoom only, with music that Jim loved (click here for the Zoom link);
• Tuesday, April 21, 5:30-8:00pm, at Temple Sinai, Brookline. Attend in person, or by Zoom (click here).
• Wednesday, April 22, Shiva will be private;
• Thursday, April 23, 12:00-2:00pm, at Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters community mikveh and educational center, 1838 Washington Street, Newton.

Those who wish to honor Jim’s memory through acts of tzedakah are encouraged to consider making a donation to the Zamir Choral Foundation, Temple Sinai’s Music, Prayer & Ritual Fund, or the voting rights organization of your choice.

Dr. Melvin “Mel” Phillip Bubrick, 81, retired surgeon, devoted father and loving grandfather passed away peacefully on April 14th 2026 surrounded by his family’s love.  He lived a life defined by quiet strength and an enduring commitment to those he loved.

For decades, Mel practiced surgery with precision and heart.  He was known not only for his skill but for his ability to take calculated risks, finding hope for his patients when others saw hopelessness.  To many he was more than a physician, he was a source of possibility as well an adored teacher and mentor.  He served as Chief of Surgery at Hennipen Country Medical Center for many years, and he was an integral part of bringing Minneapolis its first Level One trauma center, an accomplishment he hoped would serve the community long after his departure from medicine.

Mel faced the gradual loss of vision to glaucoma with the same quiet courage that he met all of life’s challenges.  Though his vision diminished completely over time, his loving and generous spirit persisted and brightened the lives lives of so many.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son and best friend Dr. Jerry Bubrick, his devoted wife Barbara Bubrick, cherished siblings Sharon Subeck, Jerry Bubrick and furry companions Checkers, Libby and Boomer.

He is survived by his daughters Dr. Ellen Bubrick (Dr. Joshua Namias) and Dena Tranen (Daniel Tranen) and his 6 grandchildren, Maya Bubrick, Gabby Bubrick, Maddie Namias, Brooke Namias, Sam Tranen and Milo Tranen as well The Subeck, Spanjer and Reiss families all of whom he loved very much, as well as the close friends he enjoyed throughout the years.

Mel will be remembered as he hoped one day he would be – as a great guy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Continuum Education and Therapy, a school for children with disabilities, https://www.continuumeducationandtherapy.org/donate-1or The Lighthouse of Collier: Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, https://www.lighthouseofcollier.org/donate/

In loving memory of our mother, Sandra “Sandy” Mills, who passed away on April 12, 2026.

She was the devoted wife of the late Laurence Mills and loving mother of Mikayla, Allison and Russell. Loving grandmother to Avery, Max, Logan, Jordan and Joy. Beloved sister of Peggy Gassman and the late Nita Boyer.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Growing up, Sandra was always there for us, whether we needed help with our homework or a home cooked meal. She  instilled in us the importance of family, acts of service and doing what is right.

Sandra, born to Isador and Edith Rosenblum and spent her childhood on Nantasket Beach.  Sandra had a brilliant mind and graduated with high honors from Bryn Mawr College and went on to receive a Master’s degree from Boston University.

In her later years Sandra spent her days caring for Laurence and heading “The Afghan Project ”, a non-profit that provided comfort for foster children.

The funeral service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, Wednesday April 15, 2026 at 1:45 pm.

Reception and Shiva at the home of Peggy and Andy Gassman, immediately following the service until sundown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Bryn Mawr College.

Mom, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest in peace.

The world is now deprived of the deeply caring, insightful, and intelligent presence Bunny brought to anyone in her orbit.

Bunny (Perlmutter) Satin was born the daughter of immigrants and grew up as a small-town girl in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Bunny was smart. She excelled in academics and graduated from Harvard with a master’s degree in education. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading and taking classes

Bunny was adventurous. She met her husband, David, at the Wellesley Human Relations Service where she was a researcher. After they married, her adventuresome spirit was unleashed. They lived in South Dakota, North Carolina, and Aberdeen, Scotland before settling in Newton. Later, they travelled to five continents and, being the lover of learning she was, she delighted in these experiences.

Bunny was shy, though you’d never know it because she was a wonderful conversationalist. When she’d be with other people, be it family, friends, or people new to her, her priority was to make them feel comfortable and valued. She would pay special attention to those she thought needed to be uplifted, such as shy people and those marginalized by others’ prejudices.

To highlight just a few of the ways her presence made a difference to the people in her life, here are some vignettes in the life of Bunny:

Bernice sits comfortably in her reading chair in the living room, the newspaper spread across her lap. As she scans the headlines, she shares thoughtful observations with her husband, David, weaving together insight and empathy. Their conversation flows easily—Bernice reflecting not only on the facts of world events, but also on the human stories behind them, her comments marked by both intellect and compassion.

At a family gathering, Bunny approaches her niece’s young son with a warm smile and an easy, welcoming presence. She asks him about his life—what he enjoys, what he’s been doing lately—and listens closely to his answers. Her questions are thoughtful and genuine, helping the conversation grow naturally. As she engages him, she makes sure he feels seen, valued, and completely at ease, turning a simple interaction into a moment of real connection.

A friend is troubled by a problem and calls Bunny for support. Bunny has been a steadfast presence—someone she could rely on in times of need, no matter how big or small the challenge. Bunny meets her friend with patience and compassion, talking things through thoughtfully and supportively, whether the problem lasts for days or decades. Her friend feels her deep and abiding kindness and compassion, and it leaves a lasting imprint.

After 67 years of marriage, her beloved husband David passed, leaving Bunny deeply missing him. She  often spoke of him with tenderness and admiration. She would say he was her rock—the steady, grounding presence who supported her through everything.

Bunny was predeceased by her parents, Anna and David Perlmutter; sisters Hope Langburd (Harry), and Lucille Cherenson (Edward), and her brother Howard Perlmutter (Fotini). She leaves her devoted daughter Diana Satin and son-in-law Steve Quann. She also leaves beloved nieces Dena Cherenson and Debbie Field and her husband Steven and nephews Andrew Cherenson and his wife, Suzanne, Alan Langburd and his wife Lisa, and Peter Langburd and his wife Cindy, in addition numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Framingham-Natick Jewish Cemetery, (42 Fairview Ave., Natick) on Monday, April 13, at 12 pm, followed by a gathering at 21 Whittlesey Road, Newton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors without Borders, Rosie’s Place, or a charity of your choice.

To view the service livestream click here.

Roger Landay, 91—April 8, 2026

Our community mourns the loss of Roger Landay, who passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026 at his home in Chestnut Hill.  He was 91 years old and had been in declining health for several months.  Roger was predeceased by his brothers, Charles and David, and his parents, Martin and Mildred (Slosberg) Landay.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Myrna (Katz); his devoted nieces and nephews Audrey Beitzel, Suzanne Robinson (Andy), Bruce (Nancy), William (Sue) Douglas and James (Denise) Landay; sister-in-law, Audrey Darby; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Roger was born September 24, 1934 in Boston.  He was raised in Brookline, graduating Brookline High School in 1952.  He was a proud member of the Colby College class of 1956, and always marveled at the remarkable young men and women with whom he graduated.  He was drafted into the US Army and was honored to serve in the medical corps in Germany.  After completing his military service, Roger joined the family business, Stride Rite.  The company grew rapidly throughout the 1950s. Over the next two decades, the Boston plant and factory grew seven-fold, a point of pride for Roger and his family.  Roger became an Officer of the company in 1963, focusing on critical tasks of maintenance and growth of the company’s warehouse, factory and executive offices.

Upon his retirement from Stride Rite, Roger and Myrna spent winters in Jupiter, Florida, where Roger cherished their friends and activities.

Roger and Myrna were an inseparable team over their 47 years of marriage, traveling throughout the world and dedicating their energies to improving their communities.   Roger was close to his extended family, including nephews, nieces and godchildren who will always remember their special times with him.  He introduced them to his hobbies, including classical music with evenings at Symphony Hall, scenic drives through New England and even outings to sample the famous beer selection at the Wursthaus in Harvard Square.

Roger was blessed with a dry wit, love of America and its history and embraced those he encountered with warmth and kindness.  His love of Myrna, in particular, was a driving force in his life, and they made one another laugh every day.  He loved single malt scotch and Brigham’s ice cream, and never turned down dessert.

A dedicated Colby alumnus, Roger enjoyed reunions and also was a strong supporter of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and many other charities.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park on Sunday, April 12, at 10 am with shiva following at Pine Brook Country Club, 42 Newton Street, Weston from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Roger may be made to the Roger and Myrna K. Landay President’s Fund at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visitingwww.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “Roger Landay” in the memo line.  Contributions can be mailed to:  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA  02129.

Dorothy S. Brown, formerly of Waban, Massachusetts passed peacefully in her home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with her beloved son Fred at her side and her constant companion, her rescued Maltese dog “Zoey” next to her.

Dorothy was the daughter of Benjamin (Beryl) and Hellen Geller of Waban.  Widow of George W. (Bill) Brown, Jr. and devoted mother to her only child, Frederic Geller Sherman and his wife Judith.  Her dear older brother, retired Captain George H. Geller of the United States Coast Guard Reserve predeceased her by a few months.  Dorothy was the loving aunt to her nephew Paul Geller and granddaughter of the late Jacob and Frances Uhr formerly of Brookline and Miami Beach.

A real estate agent for many years, Dorothy was well known on the South Shore as one of the leading agents for the Jack Conway company.

But beyond anything else, Dorothy was a devoted mother and wife who enjoyed many years of adventures with her husband Bill, and her son and daughter-in-law, around the country, the local region, and especially in her own yard at her hilltop pool overlooking the ocean.  Nothing was more important to Dorothy than her immediate family.  And it was there on that hilltop where she spent many of the happiest moments of her life, surrounded by the people she most adored.

Dorothy delighted in her son’s professional accomplishments in the entertainment business, especially throughout the years when he introduced her to some of her favorite celebrities, including Buffalo Bob Smith, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Tony Bennett and Burt Reynolds.  And most recently for her 80th birthday, many of the cast of her favorite television show, General Hospital.   She was always treated like a queen at these encounters, being the “mother of the producer” and she loved that.

She was also devoted to her dogs and cats.  There was almost never a time in her life that she wasn’t accompanied by at least one dog, and often more.  She homed many stray cats, raised their kittens and bred puppies.  Her last dog, her beloved Zoey was her constant companion up until the moment she passed.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scituate Animal Shelter, 780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066

To view the livestream please click here.

Isaac “Joe” Marmor sadly passed away April 7, 2026, at the age of 97 in Newton, MA surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of the late Judith Shapsay Marmor for 59 years. He was the beloved father and father-in-law of Stephen and Stacey Marmor, Eta Marmor Chansky and Neil Chansky, Bonnie Marmor and Ben Linden. He was the proud Zaida of Gabriella and Daniel Chansky; Justin, Noah, and Sasha Linden; and Hannah and Sarah Marmor. He is survived by his sister, Shary Fine of Toronto, Canada and predeceased by his siblings Yosef Karpeles, Esther Kalvo, Helen Cohen, Herschel Marmor, and Shmaia Marmor. Joe is also survived by family in Israel and Connecticut, including Drs. Harold and Sharon Paz, children Allison and Samantha and grandchildren Esti and Willa.

Joe was a Holocaust survivor, who was born in Romania. After the traumas of war, he immigrated to Canada and built a life for his family in Quebec City. He was charismatic, strong and determined. He and his wife Judy built a family with Jewish values, owned successful clothing businesses, and were part of the community where everyone knew and loved them. Joe had a very special “Joie de vivre” that radiated around him. He had friends for over 75 years, and those who met Joe and Judy became part of their family. He loved nothing more than being part of simchas and dancing with his children, grandchildren and their friends. This was his nachas!

After retiring, Joe and Judy moved to Florida to enjoy the beautiful weather with old friends from Montreal and new ones from Florida. After 30 years in their happy place, Joe came to Massachusetts when Judy passed and was then surrounded by his loving and caring children and grandchildren. He was welcomed by new friends, especially the Temple Israel of Natick community. He was recently interviewed by the Holocaust Museum Boston and excited to be included when it opens later this year.

The funeral service will be held at Temple Israel, 145 Hartford Street Natick, MA Sunday April 12 at 1:30 PM. Burial at Bet Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, MA. For those unable to attend the service at Temple Israel, please access the live stream HERE

Shiva:

Sunday April 12, 2026, 4:00-7:00 PM Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St. Natick, MA

Monday-Tuesday April 13-14, 6:30-8:30 PM Linden Family Home, 1 Jacqueline Circle, Natick, MA

Wednesday-Thursday April 15-16, 6:30-8:30 PM Chansky Family Home, 90 Edwardel Road, Needham, MA

Friday April 17, 9:30 – 11:30 AM Linden Family Home, 1 Jacqueline Circle, Natick, MA

Contributions in Joe’s name can be made to Temple Israel of Natick Capital Improvement Fund (tiofnatick.org) or the Holocaust Legacy Foundation (https://www.holocaustlegacyfoundation.org)

Renowned structural engineer David M Berg, who played a key role in strategizing and building The New England Patriots’ first stadium in Foxboro, Ma – originally Schaefer Stadium, then renamed Sullivan Stadium – died peacefully, surrounded by his family, near his long-time home of Needham, MA.  He was 93 years old.

A graduate of Boston Latin School and MIT, he served in both the US Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers. He built his own firm, now known as D.M. Berg Consultants of Needham, into a sought-after company that handled design and engineering challenges with expertise and ingenuity, from hotels to hospitals to parking garages to private residences throughout New England and beyond.

Dave, as he was known, was the loving husband of the late Shirley M Berg (Darish); cherished brother of Betty Brudnick [the late Irving], the late Joseph Berg [the late Ruth], and the late Sydney [the late Matty]; beloved father and grandfather of Carolyn Faye Fox and Hannah Fox (Benjamin Raizen), and beloved father and grandfather of Nancy Berg, her late husband Stanton Braude, and their son and daughter.

Funeral services were held at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or a charitable organization of your choice.

Sadly, Christine Tse Gorman passed on April 6, 2026, at the age of 74. She will be missed by her husband, Mark, her brother, Ronald, and her nephew, Dickson (Michelle). Other family members include Marlene, Johnson and Mary, as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren. She also has living family on the Gorman side that includes Orenbuches, Weiners and others.

Early in her career she had started having a Boston connection. She worked at the Hong Kong branch of Bank of Boston and Stride Rite Shoes. Christines boss, Michel Ohayon brought her to Stride Rite, Cambridge; this is where she met Mark. She continued working for Michel at Jones and Viking. She then switched to working for Mrs. Ohayon at the Hadassah store in Brighton, before switching to the Veterans Administration. After retiring, she worked at Amazon and Whole Foods. She has many friends from all of these jobs, too many to count. They and the relatives have offered their sad farewells and support for her husband. All of these people from all activities were touched by her warm heart.

A Memorial Service will be held 10 am, Friday, April 17, 2026, in the Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Christine’s memory to a charity of your choice.