Obituaries

Janice departed this world peacefully on Friday, May 30^th  leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and an unshakable love for life. Her impact on all who knew her will be remembered forever.

Born on April 1^st, 1955, in Canton, Ohio, Janice brought light and laughter into the lives of everyone she touched. Her unwavering dedication to her family and friends was a testament to her compassionate spirit and generous heart. Whether sharing a smile, offering wise advice, or simply being present when others needed her most, Janice exemplified the true meaning of love and spirituality. Her resilience and determination inspired those around her, and her kindness left a lasting imprint on every community she was a part of.

Throughout her life, Janice pursued her passions with enthusiasm and grace. She was known for her appreciation for nature, dedication to social justice, and her contributions to many non-profits, such as reading scholarships applications for the Cape Cod Foundation, and co-chairing with her spouse, Lois, Cape Cod PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans), enriching the lives of many. She had great pride in her Romanian heritage, which she shared through photos of her trip to Romania and preparing amazing Romanian meals.

Janice taught at Cape Cod Academy for 25 years and had a gift for connecting with and educating young children. As a massage therapist, her healing hands and words touched many people.

Janice was predeceased by her parents, Emil and Helen Hank and her siblings  David Hank, Mary Ellen Hank and Sherry Valentine. Janice is survived by her loving family, including Lois Hirshberg, the love of her life, 41 years together and 21 years married; her nieces Megan and Amanda, nephews Matthew, Jonathan, Peter and twelve great nieces and great nephews, and many  more who considered Janice  their Auntie and her family in spirit.

Janice’s family wants to thank the nurses and doctors of  Mass General Hospital Medical ICU Department and especially Dr. Robert Hallowell for their compassionate care of Janice.

Details about a future memorial service will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Janice’s memory to any of the following organizations: the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, (https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate), Falmouth Jewish Congregation (https://www.falmouthjewish.org) or B’nai Or of Boston (https://www.bnaior.org/donate).

Arrangements entrusted to Brezniak Funeral Directors.

Boston philanthropist and business leader, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025 at the age of 85.   Beloved husband of Rosalyn (Greenberg) Slifka. Devoted father of Amy Cook and her husband Jamie, Karen Dattilo and her husband Jeffery, and Andrew Slifka and his wife Jodi. Cherished grandfather (“Grumpy”) of Shayna and Daniel Cook, Joseph and Michael Dattilo, and Julia and Jason Slifka. Dear brother of Alfred Slifka (z’’l) and his wife Gilda.

Richard was a proud alumni of Boston Latin School and M.I.T.

He and Rosalyn met at age seventeen on an arranged date and they were married for sixty-three years.  They raised their family of three, and watched their family grow to include their children’s spouses, 6 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild and 1 step-great-grandchild. Richard cared deeply about making the world a better place. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, from 2002 to 2024. He served on the Board of Trustees of Boston Medical Center, the academic medical center and safety net hospital, from 2006 to 2019, and of BMC Health System, Inc. from 2013 to 2021. At BMC, he sponsored the Richard B. Slifka Chief of Neurology position.

Richard became involved in fighting Multiple Sclerosis in honor of his mother, Sonya Slifka. He was a director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 1981 to 2019.   He served as Greater New England Chapter Chairman from 1986-1988 and was elected to the National Board of Directors in 1987 where he served as Chairman from 1998-2001. He and Rosalyn supported many Jewish causes and charities in the United States and in Israel, including many day schools.

Chairman of the Board of Global Partners LP, Richard joined the company in 1963 and held various leadership and governance roles with Global Partners or its predecessors throughout his career. Mr. Slifka entered the oil industry at his brother Fred’s request to join him at Slifky’s Reliable Oil Company, the business started by his father, Abraham, in 1933. Fred and Richard transformed the business into one of New England’s largest wholesalers of distillates, gasoline, residual oil and bunker fuel. Mr. Slifka and his family successfully completed Global Partners’ initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Mr. Slifka is a past director of the New England Fuel Institute and served as president of the Independent Fuel Terminal Operators Association.

Services at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon, MA on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  Family and friends are invited to join Richard’s family at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 776 Boylston Street on Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 7 pm.  Memorial observance will continue on Tuesday, June 3 from 5 to 8 pm at Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter or to a charity of your choice.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Robert “Bob” D. Sadler passed away peacefully at his home in Dedham, MA, on Tuesday, May 27 at the age of 97. A devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Bob lived a life defined by resilience, dedication, and love for family.

Born in Munich, Germany, on May 14, 1928, to Emil Sadler and Lise Birn Sadler.  Bob, his brothers and parents fled Nazi Germany in 1934, eventually settling in Buenos Aires. There, he attended Carlos Pellegrini High School, a rigorous academic institution where he earned a diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Although he never attended college, Bob deeply valued education and carried a lifelong curiosity for learning.

In 1952, Bob immigrated to the United States, where he built a successful career in the wool industry. He was President of Hart Wool, his father-in-law’s company, and played a key role in its growth and eventual sale—an achievement that reflected his keen business sense and unwavering work ethic. After retirement Bob remained engaged as a consultant, especially for nonprofit organizations. He was particularly proud of his contributions to Gore Place in Waltham, MA, where he served on the Board and helped develop their now-popular annual Sheepshearing Festival.

Bob cherished time with his family and was a source of guidance and encouragement to those around him. He loved sharing meals and ideas with his family and close friends in the business community. He spoke many languages, read voraciously and traveled the world with Alyce. He and Alyce spent many happy years in their homes in Quechee, Vermont and Phoenix, Arizona.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Alyce Simon Sadler; his children Mona Sadler, Gary and Anne Simon, Nancy and Bobby Casper, Doug and Anna Simon his nephews, Andres and his wife Evelyn, Alberto and his wife Daniela, and Alex and his wife Aurora Sadler; seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his dear older brothers, Theo Sadler and Fred Sadler.

Though he considered himself neither German nor South American, Bob proudly embraced his identity as an American. He will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family. His life was a testament to perseverance, love, and a remarkable spirit that touched all who knew him.

A private ceremony was held in Sharon, MA, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Remembrances in memory of Robert may be made to the Temple Beth Shalom Annual Fund @ tbsneedham.org/annual-fund/

In Loving Memory March 23, 1935 – May 25, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Herbert H. Itzkowitz, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Herb was a man of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born on March 23, 1935, in Malden, MA, he was a proud graduate of Everett High School and Northeastern University, where he later returned as a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and passion for learning with generations of students. A highly respected Certified Public Accountant, Herb built a long and distinguished career marked by professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.  For decades, he served his clients and colleagues with care, precision, and the highest ethical standards, earning the trust and admiration of all who worked with him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herb was first and foremost a family man. He was the devoted husband of Judith (Rudman) for almost 60 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

He was a loving father to Mindy, Michelle, Stephen, Marcy, and his son-in-law, Peter Klay. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob, Haley, Blake, and Andrew, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He was a devoted friend to many, someone who could be counted on for sound advice, a kind word, or simply a steady presence.

His loyalty, sense of humor, and genuine care for others earned him lifelong friendships that he nurtured with grace and humility. Whether teaching in the classroom, solving a complex tax return, or telling stories around the dinner table, Herb touched the lives of many with his kindness and quiet wisdom. His presence had a way of making others feel calm, heard, and cared for.

In addition to his beloved family, he is survived by many extended family members, friends, former students, and clients who will carry his memory forward with deep affection. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah Itzkowitz and Frada Marvel. He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Esther (Balter) Itzkowitz, sisters Eleanor and Miriam, and brothers Howard and Barry.

A celebration of Herb’s life was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham.

Though we mourn his passing, we are deeply grateful for the many years we shared with him. He will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts.

In memory of Herb and his dedication to Northeastern University, donations can be made to the Herbert and Judith Itzkowitz Scholarship Fund at Northeaster University, Attn: CPS Scholarship, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Donations can also be made in Herb’s memory to Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd., Framingham, MA 01701.

Allan Jay Krueger, born March 25, 1946, died on Friday, May 23, at the age of 79, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. Allan (2 A’s, 2 L’s) was the son of Murray Krueger and Lee Krueger, of Dayton, Ohio. He was graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and, along with a degree in Psychology, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Allan earned a Masters of Business Degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Allan married Ellen Feinstein Krueger, after 16 years of friendship for a marriage of 50 years. Allan’s children Lauren Krueger and Max Krueger, were lucky to have him as a father, role model, mentor, and great guy to hang out with. His grandchildren, Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik had all that and the fierce love of Allan as Grandpa. David Krueger was honored, and lucky to have Allan as his big brother.

After retiring from a career in administration with the Air Force, Allan went on to have a long career as a systems analyst and project manager with the Air Force and Defense Contractors. After the birth of his first grandchild, he chose retirement to spend time with his growing family, and to travel with Ellen. He was an active and committed member of the Congregation Beth Elohim Acton Community for over 40 years. Allan also had a close and loving relationship with Temple Emunah in Lexington.

Allan is survived by his wife Ellen Feinstein Krueger, daughter Lauren Krueger, son Max Krueger, son-in-law Matthew Brozik and daughter-in-law, Shannon Voto, and grandchildren Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik, his brother David Krueger and sister-in-law Elaine Berson Krueger, nieces Jennifer, Alyson, and Rachel Krueger and their families, and in-laws Brother in law Barry and sister in law Laura Feinstein, Sister in Law Sharon Feinstein (Jerold Feinstein, deceased), nephews Michael (Viktorya)  and Daniel Feinstein (Melissa), Scott Feinstein (Jaime), Bonnie Feinstein (Michael Maniker) and all of their children, along with many loving cousins

Services will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton, on Tuesday, May 27 at 11:30 am with internment to follow at Beit Olam Cemetery, Wayland. Shiva will be held Tuesday, 5-7 pm at Beth Elohim. Wednesday and Thursday, shiva will be from 5-7 pm at the family residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Allan’s memory to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute or to Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton.

Link to livestream service

Robert Dworet Fanger passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025.  He was born on April 15, 1933 and grew up with his parents, Philip and Esther Fanger and his sister Ruth Fanger Backman in Brookline Massachusetts.

Bob graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and received an MBA from Columbia University in 1957. Shortly after, he joined the Stop and Shop grocery store management training program and became the company supplies buyer.  Later, he founded the Robert D. Fanger Company, food brokers, and then co-founded Firestone Financial Corporation where he served as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors. He was also a founding partner and consultant at Sullivan, Fanger and O’Brien, and a founder, officer and board member of Medallion Funding Corp. in New York City. After retiring, he remained active in the finance world as an adviser to Eastern Funding LLC, NY, New York.

More important than his career was his dedication to family, friends, Dartmouth College and philanthropy.  Bob was a lifelong member of the Dartmouth community, chairing the class of 1955 25th and 50th class reunions, and acting as class president and Alumni Council representative. He also devoted time and energy to charitable and civic causes. He served on the food team for Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and as trustee of University Hospital, Boston Children’s Services, and the Home for Little Wanderers. Bob’s greatest strength was his gift for friendship.  He built a network of friends that extended around the world. He was the undisputed king of “small world stories” running into old friends on ski lifts, in airports, and on the Great Wall of China.

He leaves behind his loving wife Iris Fanger of 68 years, his children Michael Fanger, Linda Sattel and Laurie Fanger Reed; grandchildren Rachel Fanger, Jon Fanger, Ember Reed and Nat Reed; and nieces and nephews Paula MacDonald, and Jill, Charles, Bruce, and Garett Backman.

A funeral service and reception will be held at noon on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Temple Israel 477 Longwood Ave Boston 02215. Parking on the Riverway.

Visiting hours at home:  Monday May 26 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm and Tuesday May 27 2-5 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston MA, Dartmouth College, or the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Wood’s Hole MA.

To view the livestream please click here

Joani Katz, 76 of Newton passed away peacefully after a heroic battle with leukemia on May 21, 2025.

Joani found her perfect partner and husband in Arthur Aframe, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began on the tennis courts of the Waltham Racquet Club and flourished into a lifetime filled with intellectual curiosity and shared adventures—hiking, traveling, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.

Joani was born on June 11, 1948 in Brockton to her parents, the late Samuel and Edith Katz. She was a proud graduate of Colby College and a dedicated alumna. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. With a deep sense of compassion and purpose, she devoted over 30 years to advocating for and supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Her career was a true embodiment of compassion and selflessness.

Joani was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Newton, where she found great joy and purpose in her faith. A regular participant in the weekly Talmud classes, she was deeply rooted in Jewish values—particularly tikkun olam, the call to repair the world—which guided both her personal and professional life.

Joani is survived by her loving sisters, Debbie Mann and Susan Held, with whom she shared an exceptionally close bond, speaking with them every day. Their spouses, Jeff Mann and Jon Held, were equally close to her, cherished as part of her extended family. Joani’s warmth also extended to her sister-in-law, Barbara, and her husband, Bob Murphy. She was a cherished aunt to Hillary and Andy Mann of Needham, Beth and Arnon Klein, Lauren and Ofer Cohen, and David and Erica Held of New York. She was adored by her 10 great nieces and nephews and played an instrumental role in many of their young lives.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed immediately following the burial at the family residence from 2:00 – 6:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 25 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Donations in Joani’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in recognition of the care and support she received.

June (Hoffenberg) Welz, 82, of Newton, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 20, 2025. June was the Wife of the late David Welz, Daughter of the late Jean (Rosenberg) and Jack Hoffenberg, Mother of Deborah (Jim) Murphy and Ronald (Laura) Welz, Grandmother of Bobby, Jake and Abby, and Sister of Toby Abel. Burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Shiva will be held at the Welz residence in NEWTON on Wednesday, May 28th from 3pm-7pm and Thursday, May 29th from 3pm- 7pm. Donations in June’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Betty Ann Sweet, age 92, passed away May 19, 2025.  Betty was born January 17, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio.  Betty moved to Brookline in 1965 where she would work and raise a family.  While her kids were young, Betty worked as a dressmaker, including intricate bead work for figure skating outfits.  She then worked with her husband Allen, owner of the popular women’s shoe store Ralphs. She was best known to her family for her holiday pie baking, her love of cats, and knowledge and love of gardening and bird watching. Betty resided for the past three years at Adelaide of Newton, an assisted living memory care home.

Betty is predeceased by her husband Allen and two sisters Mollie and Eve.  She is survived by her Daughter Lynne Sweet and husband Tom Rezendes, and son Bruce Sweet and wife Deborah Faragi Sweet, their two children Eric Sweet and Ariel Hondros, and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11am followed by lunch and visiting hours until 2pm.  Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Friends of Arnold Arboretum.

Joseph Fox of Lexington, MA, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 88.  Joe was a devoted husband to Myrna Fox for 66 years.  Joe and Myrna met at a Teen Town social in Dorchester and became an inseparable pair shortly thereafter.

Always a dedicated and caring husband, Joe wholeheartedly supported Myrna’s love of travel and the two had many adventures walking the streets of foreign cities.  There were also adventures closer to home as Joe pursued his love of sailing.   Starting with a remarkably small boat, Joe honed his sailing skills around Marblehead Harbor as Myrna nervously held on.   Biking in the fall and skiing in the winter, Joe and Myrna were always on the go, all while lovingly raising a family of three boys at their home in Lexington and tirelessly caring for their own parents over the years.

Joe had a very long and successful career working in the Government Systems Division of GTE.  With amazing stamina and sense of purpose, Joe excelled as a proposal manager, retiring from the company after an incredible 40 years of service.

Not one to slow down, Joe then sought out other rewarding endeavors by first volunteering at the Museum of Science, then serving as a guide in several of Lexington’s historic buildings.  In a move no one saw coming, Joe decided to take a position as a cashier at Starbucks.  Although he was never known to be an extrovert or even particularly social, there was something about the Starbucks environment that transformed Joe.  When he put on the green apron, he effortlessly started to smile and welcome patrons.  After 14 years behind the counter, Joe was known near and far by Starbucks regulars, always receiving a warm greeting from those he had served.

Joe adored his grandchildren, and he was always willing to pack up the car for a ride to New Jersey or Maryland to see them.  Mollie, Zoe, Sophie and Daniel kept him very busy building sandcastles on the beach and lugging ski equipment up the mountain.  As the great-grandchildren came along, Joe was filled with joy when he could spend time with Theo, Josie and Rafa.

The Fox family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care Joe received from the dedicated staff at Cooperative Elder Services in Arlington and Belmont Manor.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on May 19, at 1:45 pm.  The Fox family will welcome friends and family at the house in Lexington at 4 pm.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Temple Emunah, or to a charity of your choice.