Obituaries

Liza Liolios (Perlman) of Lakeville, MA, died peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026 surrounded by her beautiful and deeply devoted family. Liza’s humor and love were rivaled only by complex health issues that eventually took her from us too soon.

Liza was born in Malden, MA on May 23, 1973 where she resided until her family moved to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  Liza spent her high school years in Bristol, NH and eventually relocated back to MA in the mid-90s when she met her beloved and settled down to raise a family.

Liza is survived by her husband of nearly 28 years, Dave Liolios; their children, Noah and Samantha as well as Noah’s girlfriend, Emily White; siblings Jay and Emily Perlman, Josh and Carol Perlman, and Gabby and Josh Abrams; niece and nephews, Liana and Jonah Perlman, Jack and Tyler Perlman, and Chase and Logan Abrams. Family connections extended to the Sears family, caring and supportive cousins, and their children.

Liza was predeceased by her cherished mother and in-laws, Barbara Perlman, and George and Ellie Liolios.

Liza lived a life surrounded by “chosen family.”  An extensive circle from Liza and Dave’s early years enveloped Liza during joyful times camping, traveling to Lake George and Lincoln, NH, and were also a meaningful source of comfort through times of sorrow, loss, and illness.  Liza served as a second mom to many but most notably to her girls, Kiera Tuttle and Katie Cantor (Tuttle).

Liza was at her happiest at the baseball field or hockey rink cheering on Noah, the auditorium or gymnasium watching Sammi perform, attending Dave’s and Noah’s band performances, in the audience of many musicals, playing Rummikub, Dominoes, Scrabble, or Mah Jong, or working on her latest craft project – all with a large iced coffee in hand.

In her final act of love and generosity, Liza chose organ donation, offering life-giving hope to those who need it most.

Extended family and friends are invited to a service of remembrance on Friday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA, followed by a burial service at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree, MA, and a shiva meal at the Elks Lodge in Randolph, MA until 4:00 p.m.

Additional shiva observances will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. with minyan at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. with minyan at 3:15 p.m. – both at the home of Gabby and Josh Abrams, Ashland, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Liza’s impactful memory can be made to Rawkstars, an organization very meaningful to Liza that gives the gift of music to children who would not otherwise experience it https://givebutter.com/liza-liolios.

John Mayer Kahn, longtime Framingham resident, attorney, public servant, educator, and devoted family man, May 30, 2026, passed away at the age of 95.

Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Harry Joseph Kahn and Hannah Morris Kahn, John built a life defined by intellectual curiosity, civic dedication, and deep commitment to family and community. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1951 and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1954.

Following law school, John proudly served his country during the Korean War as an officer in the United States Navy. After completing Officer Candidate School and Navy Supply Corps School, he served aboard the USS Tarawa (CVS-40) and the USS Hissem (DER-400). He was discharged in 1957 with the rank of Lieutenant, USNR.

That same year, John and his wife, Rona Fisher Kahn, settled in Framingham, where they would build their family and where John would devote decades of service to his community. Married on June 10, 1956, John and Rona shared nearly seventy years together.

John enjoyed a distinguished legal career as a litigator, practicing with Peabody, Koufman & Brewer, which later became Hill & Barlow, from 1957 until his retirement in 1996. Over the course of his career, he was admitted to practice before numerous state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the United States Tax Court, and several federal appellate and district courts. He also served as Navy Trial and Defense Counsel during his military service.

In addition to practicing law, John taught debate at Boston College in the 1950s, sharing his love of thoughtful discourse and civic engagement with his students.

John’s contributions to Framingham civic life were extraordinary and spanned more than five decades. He served in numerous leadership positions, including Town Moderator, Town Counsel, member and Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Chair of the Town Government Study Committee, member and Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Chair of several important municipal search committees. He was an early and steadfast supporter of Framingham’s Town form of government and served on the Governor’s Committee on Implementation of the Home Rule Amendment.

His commitment to education and public service continued through his work on the School Committee for the Keefe Regional Technical School, the Council on Aging, literacy volunteer programs, and numerous civic task forces and community organizations. At Temple Beth Sholom, John served in many leadership roles, including President and Chair of the Rabbi Search Committee.

Throughout his life, John was recognized for his integrity, sound judgment, and dedication to public service. He received multiple commendations and certificates of appreciation for his advocacy, community action, and work supporting legal services for underserved residents.

Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, John was a man of many interests. He was an avid woodworker who lovingly crafted furniture for his home and for his daughters’ homes, as well as miniature furniture and even caskets for beloved family pets. He was a devoted reader of history, biography, and nonfiction, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lifelong lover of animals, especially his cats and dogs.

John was predeceased by his son, Steven J. Kahn. He is survived by his wife, Rona Fisher Kahn; his daughters, Meredith Jo (MJ) Kahn and Susan Kahn; his daughter-in-law, Mary (Donatelli) Kahn; his granddaughters, Allison (Kahn) Bobby and her husband Matthew Bobby, and Hannah (Kahn) Brinker and her husband Jason Brinker; and his great-grandchildren, Elliott Joseph Bobby, Caleb Matthew Bobby, Charlotte Rose Brinker, and Steven Vincent Brinker.

John will be remembered for his brilliant mind, steady leadership, deep generosity, and unwavering commitment to both justice and community. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the town he served so faithfully for nearly seventy years.

Funeral services will be private. Shiva will be at the Shillman House, 49 Edmands Rd., Framingham Wednesday 1:45 pm to 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John Kahn can be sent to the Steven J. Kahn WPI Glee Club endowment. Gifts can be made via check or online, https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/40435/donations/new?designation=gleeclubendowmentfund&  or a charity of your choice.

Dr. Leslie Michael Silverstein Age 89, of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home, on May 26, 2026.

Les was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 10, 1936, to Dr. Irving Spencer Silverstein and Essie (Geensburg) Silverstein. He attended Poly Prep Country Day School, Brown University, Class of 1958, and Tufts Medical School, Class of 1963. While at Brown, he was captain of the soccer and lacrosse teams.

He was a highly regarded otolaryngologist, who practiced medicine for almost 40 years. A talented head and neck surgeon, he maintained a practice with several offices. He was affiliated with the Norwood, Brockton, Cardinal Cushing and Goddard Memorial Hospitals.

Les lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling the world and had a wide range of interests. He was active in running, swimming, and bicycling. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed canoeing, squash, and tennis. He coached all four of his son’s soccer teams for several years, and played organized soccer and basketball until he was 65 years old. A lifelong learner, Les played the banjo, was a terrific cook and a voracious reader. Also, he was an amateur cartoonist, a skilled dancer, and an avid Boston sports fan.

Les was a devoted father and grandfather, who will be remembered for his patience, wisdom and gentle kindness.

Les was a congregant of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley and was a decades-long member of the Wightman Tennis Center.

He is survived by his son, David of New Jersey; his wife, Amy; and their three children, Caleb, Asher and Lily; his son, Jonathan of New York City; his wife, Natalie; and their three, children Emilia, Arch and Alaina; his son, M. Douglas of Los Angeles, CA; and his son, Matthew of North Attleboro, MA, his wife, Ritu; and their three children, Arjun, Shanti and Sloan. He is also survived by his longtime partner of over 40 years, JoAnn (Jill) Lyndon; Jill’s daughter, Beth; and Jill’s grandchildren, Hannah, Jack and Susie. Les was predeceased by his brother, Steve; and Jill’s daughter, Amy Lyndon.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on July 26, 2026, in Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA, Ansonia Station, P.O. Box 237137, New York, NY 10023.

Deborah P. Groginsky, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, artist, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully at the age of 93.

Born on April 16, 1933, in the Bronx, New York, Deborah was the cherished daughter of Max Prager and Helen Block Prager and the sister of David Prager. Raised in the Bronx, she carried with her throughout life resilience, warmth, and a vibrant, independent spirit.

In 1952, Deborah (Debbie) married Herbert Leonard Groginsky, beginning a devoted partnership centered on Jewish faith and traditions, family, learning, and shared experiences. Together they built a loving family that remained the center of Debbie’s world.

Debbie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science in Education from Hunter College.  She dedicated her professional life to education. She taught students from elementary through high school levels in both art and special education, touching countless lives with her patience, creativity, and compassion.

A woman of many talents and interests, Debbie embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved singing, dancing, traveling, and pursuing lifelong learning. She was an avid reader, painter, and artist whose creativity enriched both her own life and the lives of those around her. Debbie also enjoyed staying active through walking, tennis, bicycling, and ping pong.

Above all else, Debbie considered her family to be her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Steven Neil Groginsky; Jill Robin Schuster and her husband Steve; Karen Sue Augustine; and Elisabeth Schleuning and her husband David.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Stephanie Schuster Ledbetter and her husband Travis; Haley Schuster Gardner and her husband Gerrit; Kimberly Schuster and husband Kevin Burgan; Daniel Augustine; Max Schleuning; Ellie Schleuning; and Alex Schleuning.

Debbie was also the proud great-grandmother of Marcus Ledbetter and Theodore Gardner.

Her warmth, creativity, wisdom, and enduring love for her family will be remembered always by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Lindwood Memorial Park, 490 North St., Randolph, MA.

Shiva observance at her late residence will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA 02466 or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA.

To view the livestream please click here.

Roberta Lois Benjamin of Palm Beach, formerly of Weston and Nantucket, on May 26th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Jack. Daughter of the late Myron and Marie Levenson. Devoted mother of Heidi Wells (Marty) and Adam Benjamin (Nicole). Dear sister-in-law of Allan Benjamin and sister of the late Barry Levenson. Cherished grandmother of Sophia, Emilia, and Oliver Wells, Ella, Maya, and Will Benjamin.
Roberta was educated at Boston University and taught second grade for many years before raising her two children full-time. She went on to play a pivotal role in the family restaurant business. Roberta loved spending time with her family and friends on the beaches of New Seabury and Nantucket. An avid golfer, she also enjoyed playing canasta and mahjong, traveling, and entertaining a kitchen full of friends. She is remembered for her radiant smile.
Graveside Services at Shirat Hayam Cemetery, 506 Lowell St., Peabody, on Sunday, May 31 at 1pm. Memorial observance at Heidi and Marty’s residence following interment until 8 pm, and Monday 2-4 and 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her memory may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Ronald Oscar Klein (November 8, 1945 – May 25, 2026) of Sharon, Massachusetts and Southboro Massachusetts passed peacefully at home after a long illness.

Beloved son of Aenne and Ludwig Klein. Devoted husband of Sheryl (Rosoff) Klein for over 53 years. Cherished father of Karen (Klein) Steinberg and her husband Michael of Ashland, Massachusetts and Scott Jason Klein of New York City.  Proud and loving Poppy to Chloe and Joshua.

Ron was an only child and saw his wife’s family as his own – he was the dear brother-in-law of Sharman Rosen, and predeceased by Larry Rosen and Gretchen and Ronald Rosoff. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends from childhood, Sharon, and his condo community.

Ron was born in Woonsocket, RI and attended Classical High school and then Brown University and Wharton school of Business. He enjoyed an esteemed 40 year career as an actuary at Sun Life Financial in Wellesley.

He was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed travel, lobster rolls, fried clams, ice cream, watching and attending Red Sox games and theatre. He and his wife were avid cruisers for many years with dear friends and he recently traveled to Philadelphia for a long awaited elite bridge tournament, of which he was so proud.

A highlight of his life was attending his grandchildren’s sports, dance recitals, graduations, and being present for all their milestones big and small.

Ron was a wonderful, good natured and gregarious person who could speak intelligently about anything, made friends with everyone, and always had a kind word to say. Even in his declining health he played Bridge and watched his favorite shows and tried to enjoy life as much as he could.

He set a lasting example of dignity, kindness, and optimism, and all who knew him will carry his memory with love.

Funeral service Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 9:30 am at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA.  Interment to follow at Crawford Street Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ron’s memory to Tufts Medical Center, Hematology Oncology Unit, South Building, 8^th Floor, 860 Washington St, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.

Jacob (Yakov) Selhub, PhD

1937 – 2026

To view the livestream of the funeral service, please click here.

Jacob Selhub was born in Libya in 1937 and lived a life of extraordinary scope — from the North African coast to the halls of American science, from the rivers of Maine to the shores of Israel — always on his own terms.

A Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry and Professor Emeritus at Tufts University, Dr. Selhub spent decades as Senior Scientist and Laboratory Director of the Vitamin Metabolism Laboratory at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. His work on folate metabolism and homocysteine earned him more than 158,000 citations — a body of research that reshaped how medicine understands cardiovascular disease, neurological health, and aging itself. He was one of the foremost nutritional scientists of his generation, and he never stopped. He was helping write papers until the very end.

To know Jacob Selhub was to know a man of enormous force. He was generous and he was stubborn, and he made no particular distinction between the two. He had his rules, his way, and he held to both without apology. He cooked. He fished in Maine. He listened to podcasts on biblical history because his curiosity had no retirement date. He held Israel close throughout his life.

He was driven by his fierce commitment to his family and to the advancement of science.

He was the beloved son of Julia and Eliyahu Selhub and the oldest of eight children. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Selhub; his children Julie Selhub, Eva Selhub, and Eliya Selhub; his daughter-in-law Laura Kavanagh; his granddaughter Maia Selhub; his grandson Jacob Ezra Selhub, who carries his name forward; and five of his seven siblings, still living in Israel, with whom he remained in close contact throughout his life.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Agudath Israel Cemetery at 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.  Shiva will be at the Selhub residence from 4-8 PM until Sunday, May 31.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jacob Selhub’s memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund in support of Israel.

John Gill of West Roxbury, 61, died May 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was son of Marjorie (Finn) Gill and the late Jack Gill. Devoted father of John and Brendan Gill and their mother Janet. Dear Papa to McKinli, Carter and Logan and their mother Charlotte. Loving brother of Jeanne Heslin (Stephen), Kathy Griffiths (Kevin), Maureen Morrison and Annmarie Durant (Michael). John is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was 40 years active duty of Boston EMS and a long-standing member of Knights of Columbus. He was also a founding member of the Boston EMS Honor Guard and played a key role in establishing the Boston EMS Relief Association.

 Visiting hours in the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury on Thursday, May 28, 3:00 to 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St., Boston on Friday, May 29, at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to benefit and support EMT’s furthering their education and pursuing certification as Paramedics in the city of Boston. Donations may be mailed to BEMSRA PO Box 290668 Charleston, MA 02129

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It is with deep regret and sadness that Boston EMS announces the passing of Superintendent-in-Chief John Gill. John faithfully served this department for nearly four decades, dedicating his entire career to the mission of providing the highest standard of prehospital care to the people of Boston.

John began his career with Boston EMS on June 25, 1986. He was promoted to Paramedic in 1991, to Deputy Superintendent in 2003, and to Superintendent-in-Chief in 2020, the second in command of the department. Throughout his assignments at Ambulance 13, Ambulance 5, and Paramedic 16, where he built a reputation for reliability, depth of knowledge, and dedication to operational excellence. Colleagues also knew him for his quick wit and dry sense of humor-qualities that surfaced throughout his long tenure.

His influence extended well beyond his daily duties.

John was a founding member of the Boston EMS Honor Guard and played a key role in establishing the Boston EMS Relief Association. He was also a long-time member of the union, serving many years as Chief Steward, where he represented his fellow members with the same steady approach he brought to every role. His work earned numerous commendations, including a Unit Citation, reflecting a career defined by loyalty to the department and dedication to the City of Boston-the city where he was born and raised.

John’s decades of service, leadership, and institutional knowledge leave an enduring mark on Boston EMS. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues as they remember his life and his longstanding dedication to the department.

Rest in peace, C2. And thank you. We will take it from here.

A link to the livestream funeral service can be found here.

Nina D. Gill (Murphy), 70, of Wellesley, MA, died on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, suddenly and unexpectedly. A longtime resident of Wellesley, Nina was raised in Baldwin, NY, the beloved daughter of Ralph and Elaine Gill. She attended Binghamton University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science. Nina enjoyed a distinguished, decades-long career in strategic communications, leading public relations efforts for prominent Boston agencies. She was widely respected in her field for her sharp intellect, leadership, and mentorship of colleagues, especially young women. While she proudly kept her maiden name professionally and personally, she always held a warm place in her heart for the neighborhood kids, friends, and doctors who affectionately knew her as Mrs. Murphy. She was filled with endless one-liners, an incomparable knowledge of the Grateful Dead catalog, and a selflessness that touched everyone she encountered.

Most importantly, she was the devoted wife of Daniel E. Murphy, to whom she was married for forty-four years; Mom to her two children: Michael T. Murphy and his wife, Aidan, of New York, NY, and Rebecca N. Murphy of Boston, MA and Grammy to her two grandchildren, Miles and Abigail Murphy, who completed her heart. She is also survived by her sister, Marjori Schecter as well as so many cherished family members and friends.

Funeral services to be held at Temple Beth Elohim on Tuesday, May 26th in Wellesley, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nina’s memory may be made to the Posse Foundation (Boston Chapter).

Bernard Kramer of Meredith, NH passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 17, 2026 at the age of 88.  Affectionally known to his friends as Bernie, he was the beloved husband of Bernice Kramer for more than 60 years.  They met at a Harvard Hillel mixer, a school neither of them attended.  He was the proud father of Karen Rubin and her husband, Ronen and Stephen Kramer and his wife, Jill. He cherished each day spent with his grandchildren Noah, Joshua, Ella and Evan. Bernie was the devoted son of the late Eli and Millie Kramer and the dear older brother of Jerry Kramer and the late Elaine Adams.

The first in his family to attend college, Bernie valued his education from Boston Latin School, Tufts University, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.  Following dental school, he served as a Captain in the United States Army stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany.  During his time abroad, he traveled throughout Europe in his sporty Karmann Ghia, experiences he recounted with great joy.  Upon his return, he established his dental practice in Ashland, MA where he treated patients for nearly 30 years.

He and Bernice raised their children in Framingham, MA and created many additional memories in his favorite place, Meredith, NH. He treasured his time boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, hosting BBQ’s and relaxing with family and close friends. He also enjoyed playing tennis during his winters in Boca Raton, FL where he was also an active volunteer with the United States Power Squadrons.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and country.  Above all, he took immense pride in the life he built and the generations that followed.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley.  Interment at Beit Olam Cemetery, 60 Old Sudbury Road, Wayland.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Stephen & Jill Kramer following the funeral until 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to support the Division of Movement Disorders at Mass General Brigham. Contributions can be made online here or mailed to the MGB Development Office, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA 02145.