Obituaries

“In battle, in forest, at the precipice in the mountains,

On the dark great sea, in the midst of javelins and arrows

In sleep, in confusion, in the depths of shame,

The good deeds a man has done before defend him.”

J Robert Oppenheimer, translated from the Bhagavad Gita

Lee Polisner, loved father of Carol and Jill Polisner-Kruljac, revered grandfather of Annabel, Alex and Vance, adored father- in-law of Mike Kruljac, passed on July 7, 2016, just shy of his 94^th birthday. Janice Polisner, his wife of 64 years, died in 2012.Born in Brighton, Massachusetts, Lee attended Boston Latin, Boston University and received an MBA from The Harvard Business School in 1949. He served as a 2^nd lieutenant during WWII, was a debating champion during his university days, a Scarlet Key recipient, Honor Society member, Eagle Scout, and long distance runner. His infectious smile, great sense of humor and grounded advice will be ever present in the hearts of his family. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at 12:45 pm at Sharon Memorial  Park, 40 Dedham Street,  Sharon, Massachusetts. Following interment the family will be at 4 Sterling Lane, Walpole, Massachusettes.

of Pompano Beach, FL, on July 9, 2016. Father of Carol Beane and her husband Martin of Westwood, MA, Connie Cyprian and her husband Tony of Fountain, CO, and Adam Saftler of Pompano Beach, FL. Former husband of Diana Saftler of Orlando, FL. Grandfather of Kaitlyn, Jacob, Andrew, Samuel, and Mason. Brother of Scott Saftler and his wife Marilyn of Walnut Creek, CA. Graveside services at Plymouth Rock Cemetery, 1000 Pearl St., Brockton, MA Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:30 am. Memorial observance at the residence of Carol and Martin Beane, 52 Strasser Ave, Westwood MA, Wednesday through Friday 3-7 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Alan G. Zuker, of Chestnut Hill, MA, on July 8,2016. Beloved husband of the late Ruth V. (Kahn) Zuker. Devoted father of Edward Zuker and his wife Judi, Debrah Gladstone and her husband Mark, Sandra Taylor, Harry Zuker and his wife Tamra and the late Michael Zuker and his surviving wife Susan. Dear father-in-law of the late Linda Zuker. Beloved grandfather of Danyel Rodgers and her husband Chris, Stephen Gladstone and his wife Melissa, Robert Zuker and his wife Molly, Matthew Zuker and his wife Andrea, Lauren Siff and her husband Eden, Jonathan Zuker, Shira Gladstone, Robert Taylor, Lisa Taylor, Samuel Zuker, Andrew Zuker, Abigail Goodman and her husband Marc, Alison Benton and her husband Ian, and Franklin Ross. Dear great-grandfather of Perry, Tyler and Zachary Rogers, Raelyn, Alexis and Micah Gladstone, Charlie, Lucy and Rosie Zuker, Halle, David and Michael Zuker, Harley, Judah and Cohen Siff, Eliza Zuker, Rebecca,Hannah and Esme Goodman, and Richard and Madeline Benton. Loving brother of Selma Freed, Natly Gordon, Joan Berenson and the late Roberta Zuker. Services at Temple Beth Avodah, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Following interment at Beth El Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, memorial observance will be held in the function room at Hampton Place, 77 Florence St., Newton until 9 pm, continuing Monday and Tuesday 4-6 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Conquer Cancer Coalition of Massachusetts, PO Box 973, Framingham, MA 01701(conquercancer.org), or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St.,Wellesley, MA 02481(curealz.org). Alan served as an MP in General Patton’s Army and because of his fluency in Yiddish was asked to be one of the first to liberate the Dachau concentration camp.

 
Philip N. Dine-of Wellesley, MA, on July 3, 2016.Beloved husband of Yvette “Sis” Dine for 72 years. Devoted father of Susan Davis, Harry Dine and his wife Sandy, and Robert Dine. Cherished grandfather of Olivia and Nicky Dine. Dear brother of the late Helen Harris and Barbara Kane. Devoted brother-in-law of Alan Goldstein and his wife Vivian. Service and memorial observance will be private. In lieu of flowers remembrances to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445 jimmyfund.org.

BERGER- Edward M. of Canton, formerly of Sharon, on June 30, 2016. Born in 1924 to Max and Jennie Berger. He is survived by his wife, Dorris Reeves Berger, his children: Marci Berger Nemhauser and husband Robert, Stephen Berger and wife Patricia Russell Berger, and Barbara Berger Jackson and husband Berne, his grandchildren: Jennifer Nemhauser and husband Matt, Brian Nemhauser and wife Rachel, Seth Berger and wife Heather, Jenessa Berger, Catherine Jackson and his Great-Grandchildren Isaac Nemhauser, Nathaniel Nemhauser, Russell Berger and Cora Berger. Ed was the brother of the late Milton Berger, Blanche Berenberg, and Irene Garber. Edward graduated from Sharon High School in 1942. He entered Harvard College in 1942 but left to join the Army Air Force after his freshman year. He served as a Second Lieutenant as a  navigator on B-17 aircrafts. Following the war, he returned to Harvard and graduated in 1947. Following his graduation, Ed went to work for the family business, a food manufacturing company. “ My father was my mentor and my friend during all those years.” The company was sold in 1966 and he stayed on as the plant manager until 1974. Over the next eighteen years, Ed did consulting but mainly focused on his garden, his tennis game, Dorris and his many charities. He was a driving force in the creation of the Striar Jewish Community Center. He served as the co-chair of the original capital campaign to build the center and served as its first President. He was also active in Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) and is a former vice chair of the annual campaign. Ed also served his community of Sharon, MA where he was elected to the School Committee and Sharon Finance Committee. He was also a founding member of Sharon’s Friends of the Sharon Council on Aging. He is lovingly remembered by his family as well as all of his nieces and nephews and friends. His willingness to help people and to be involved in his community were hallmarks of his kind and special nature. He always had a ready smile, especially if you were talking with him about his beloved Red Sox or Patriots or Celtics! Friends knew not to call during a game! He loved the garden that his parents had started and that he continued. He and Dorris could be found out there weeding, watering and replanting. They found enjoyment in this shared endeavor. Once he and Dorris moved to Orchard Cove in Canton, he took special delight in hearing about and being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thanksgiving was a special family time where everyone gathered to celebrate together. Each child and grandchild and great grandchild has loving memories of being with Ed and Dorris. He will be deeply missed. Graveside services at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 10:45 am (please gather at the Administration Building). Following services, family and friends are invited to Orchard Cove, 1 Del Pond Drive, Canton. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Temple Israel, 125 Pond Street, Sharon, MA  02067 or Friends of the Sharon Council on Aging, 219 Massapoag Ave., Sharon, MA  02067.

Bigman- Seymour B. (Sy), Of Needham, passed on to eternal rest on June 28, 2016, joining his beloved wife of 60 years, Evelyn. Sy was a graduate of New York University and of the School of Veterinary Medicine of Middlesex University in Waltham. He was also an honorary alumnus of Brandeis University and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. He leaves behind a loving family, his children Arna and Alan Margolies, Alison and Jay Bigman, former daughter-in-law Lisa Ratcliff. His grandchildren Riva Margolies, Matthew Bigman and his wife Maile and Grant Bigman. His step-grandchildren Sean and Isabelle. Also his sister Phyllis Kerr and her husband Marvin of Lakewood, NJ, and nephew Dr. Brian Kerr and his wife Ruth of Toms River, NJ and nieces Debra Kerr and Laura and her husband Dr. Jeremy Price. Also, dear friend Greta Caplan of Newton, MA. Dr. Bigman was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 1924. He graduated Thomas Jefferson H.S. in May 1940. He attended New York University until May 1943. He attended the School of Veterinary Medicine of Middlesex University in Waltham until May 1946 when he received his D.V.M. degree. He then returned to N.Y.U. and received his B.A. degree with majors in Biology and History. Dr. Bigman worked for the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. He worked for E.R. Squibb & Sons in their Veterinary Division. He worked for the Ethical Veterinary Supply Co.  He became National Sales Manager of the Atlas Diet Division of Laddie Boy Dog Food. He worked for the Arista Surgical Supply Co. Founded Arjay Medi-Surg Co. in 1967 and closed the company when he purchased the Kindness Animal Hospital in Waltham, MA. Dr. Bigman practiced small animal medicine from 1971 – 2003. While in practice he was a veterinary consultant for the McLean Hospital in Belmont, supervising the health and welfare of all the laboratory animals for 8 years. He remained on the I.A.C.U.C. committee for 2 more years. Dr. Bigman held memberships in the American Public Health Association, British Society of Public Health, N.J. Veterinary Medical Association, MA Veterinary Medical Association, the New England V.M.A. of which he is a Past President, an Honor Roll Gold Card member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to his professional memberships, he is a Past President of the Merrimack Lhasa Apso Club, a member of the American Lhasa Apso Club, and a Past President of the Pets and People Foundation. Dr. Bigman was a member of the Waltham Board of Health for 25 years – Vice Chair 6 years and Chair 15 years. Inspector of Animals for the City of Newton for 22 years. A resident of Needham since 1989 he became active in town activities after he retired from his Veterinary practice in Waltham. Dr.Bigman was appointed a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He was a member of the Needham Volunteer Medical Corps. At the state level, he was a member of the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team, and on the Board of the M.V.M.A. Charities. Dr. Bigman was largely responsible for the S.M.A.R.T. program to distribute oxygen masks statewide to the local fire departments and rescue teams to aid in animal rescues.  In May 2011 Dr. Bigman was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award” for exemplary service and dedication to the veterinary profession by the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.  In the spring of 2015 Dr. Bigman was made an Honorary Member of the Ladies’ Dog Club for his friendship to the club and his many years as their show veterinarian. Services at Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Road, Newton Centre, on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10:30 am. Following interment at Beth Israel Memorial Park, Waltham, memorial observance will be at the home of Arna and Alan Margolies on Thursday until 9 pm, Friday 1-4 pm, and Sunday 1-5 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association , Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA; or Brandeis Development Dept., Brandeis University, Waltham, MA.

Lutch- Roselyn (Liberman), of Tamarac, FL, on June 25, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Bernard Lutch. Devoted mother of Jeffrey Lutch and the late Brian Lutch. Dear grandmother of Joseph Lutch. Graveside services at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St. Sharon, on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 10:45 am.

Cohn- Susan L. (Alpert), of Wayland, formerly of Somerset, on June 26, 2016. Beloved wife of Lewis J. Cohn. Dear daughter of Fay Alpert (Louison) and the late Bennett Alpert. Devoted mother of Stephanie, Haley and Harris. Loving sister of Richard and Jillian Alpert. Daughter- In- Law of Dorothy (Zura) Cohn and the late Richard W. Cohn. Sister- in- law of Audrey Shuman. Aunt of Seth, Samantha and Ashley. Services at Temple Emanuel , 385 Ward Street, Newton, on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 12 Noon. Following interment at Beit Olam East Cemetery, Wayland, memorial observance will be at her residence on Wednesday until 9 pm, Thursday 1-4 & 7-9 pm, Friday 1-4 pm. Remembrances may be made to Susan Cohn’s Giving Page, C/O Susan Korsmeyer, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445.

Peggy (Bickimer) Bell – Of Wellesley, on June 21, 2016. Beloved wife of Edward Bell. Dear daughter of Marjorie Bickimer and the late Charles Bickimer. Devoted mother of Julian Bell. Dear sister of Kathy and Patti Bickimer. Dearest Auntie to Adam and Eric Nesto and Caitlin, Andrew, and James Guthlein. Memorial service at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Inc., c/o Disability Lifespan Solutions, 1430 Main St., Waltham, MA  02451.

Aaron Fleischer-of Weston, MA, on June 21, 2016.Beloved husband of Lois (Bloom) Fleischer. Devoted father of Andrew Fleischer and his wife Lauren, Daniel Fleischer and his wife Valerie, Elizabeth Rodman and her husband Craig, and the late Gary Fleischer and his late wife Jennifer. Dear grandfather of Jill Henley, Douglas, Alison, Jayme, Robyn Adelman, Joseph, Jordan. Loving great grandfather of Jaelyn and Avery Adelman. Dear brother of David Fleischer. Services are private. Memorial observance at Harnish House,Village Road, Weston, from  3-5 & 7-9 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2016. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.