Obituaries

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Robert “Bob” Sharkansky passed away on February 20, 2025 after a brief illness in his 89^th year of life.  He was surrounded by his family and caretakers at the time of his peaceful passing.  Born on September 30, 1936 in Fall River, Massachusetts he was the son of Abraham and Ethel Sharkansky (of blessed memory).  He was a proud graduate of Durfee High School Class of 1954.  After high school Bob enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in West Germany.  Upon returning home, having limited resources and options his mother sent him to attend Bryant College in Providence RI where he would study accounting and “become a successful accountant like your Uncle Eddie.”

Bob did just that.  After school he met and married his wife Linda Hibel of Brockton.  They remain married and in love after 64 years.  His love for business, however, was very close second. In 1960 Robert Sharkansky opened his own accounting firm and developed a client base fueled by professionalism, client attention and expertise.  His practice grew for over 50 years into Sharkansky LLP, a premier regional accounting and business consulting firm.  With numerous partners, associates and staff the firm was ultimately sold to a large national firm.

Growing both a business and family in Brockton, Bob was always active in the Greater Brockton community feeling strongly about the role citizenship played in his life.  He committed significant time to the leadership at the Old Colony YMCA, Brockton Hospital and Temple Beth Emunah as well as various local business organizations. He was an avid runner at D.W. Field Park and enjoyed the frustration of tennis and golf.

Most importantly, Bob lived to provide stability for his family.  His most precious gifts are his grandchildren Emma Rose and Cooper Sharkansky and Sophie and Max Singer.  Bob is also survived by his wife, Linda Sharkansky of Dedham, MA, his son James Sharkansky of Mashpee, MA and granddaughters Olivia and Mia Sharkansky.  He also leaves a daughter, Jan Singer and her husband David of Cotuit MA a son Edward Sharkansky and his wife, Jennifer of North Easton MA, his brother Richard and sister-in-law Barbara of West Palm Beach FL, his sister Carol Weinberg of Stoughton, MA and sister in law Elaine Stone of West Palm Beach, FL and Scituate MA along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 12N at NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA.  A luncheon will be held following the service.  Memorial Observance will be held at the home of Ed and Jen Sharkansky Monday evening from 6-9 pm.

To view livestream, please click here.

Norman Tasgal of Newton, MA., died peacefully at home surrounded by family in the evening of Feb. 19, 2025. He was 88 years old. Born on Oct. 17, 1936, in Montreal, Canada, Norman was the devoted husband for 62 beautiful years of fellow Montrealer Carol (Brotman) Tasgal, who survives. He was the loving father of Richard (Reena) Tasgal, Ralph (Janae) Tasgal, and Peter (Jessica) Tasgal. He was the beloved grandfather of Sarit, Aviv, Harel and Hadas Tasgal; Faye and Cole Tasgal; and Rachel and Ozi Tasgal. He was the brother of the late Bernice (Tasgal) Goldwater. Norman was a successful businessman, including co-owner of Intransit Container in Mansfield, MA. He was an accomplished athlete all his life, from hockey and skiing to tennis and squash. The highlight of each year was biking the Pan-Mass Challenge, which he did for nearly two decades, raising thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund. He was generous to a fault to all, both with his time and money. Norman had many cherished friends from his childhood and continued to make new friends throughout his life, wherever he went. He had a deep connection to the Jewish community and Israel and embraced his Jewish identity all his life. Funeral service on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 12:30 pm at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA.  Interment following at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2659 Centre St., West Roxbury. Donations to Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Pan-Mass Challenge and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

To leave a note for the Tasgal family please click here.

Stanley S. Treitman died of natural causes at the age of 98 on February 18, 2025 at NewBridge on the Charles Senior Living in Dedham. He is survived by his loving wife and life partner of 76 years, Ruth, and his four children, Rick, Bob, Beth, and Jim.

Born in Los Angeles to Sigmund and Celia Treitman, Stan attended LA public schools and served in the Navy as a radio technician in the Philippines during the closing period of World War II. Upon his return, he enrolled at UCLA where he met Ruth. After UCLA he did graduate work at Cal Berkeley, before returning to Southern California to teach high school science in Colton.

Stan was an early member of the Physical Sciences Study Committee (PSSC) and helped develop a new method of hands-on science physics education. Before he implemented PSSC at Colton High, a handful of students studied physics – within a few years, five full sections of students enthusiastically enrolled in his classes. In 1965 Stan joined a USAID/Harvard project to implement PSSC at a model secondary school in Nigeria, where the family lived for two years.

Upon returning to The States, Stan taught in the science department at Wheelock College. The family moved to Wellesley where Stan and Ruth lived for over 50 years. In 1982, Stan and Ruth, who taught math at Dana Hall, left the world of education and went into business, opening a retail software store in Burlington. Stan, Ruth, Jim, and later Rick and Bob, built Softpro into a successful software and technical bookstore.

Upon retirement in 2005, Stan continued to share his technical and accounting expertise in his numerous volunteer positions. He served Wellesley Weston Lifelong Learning and the Friendly Aid Society. He was a board member and VP/Membership Chair of The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston who honored him in 2018 for his outstanding contributions building their database and communications technology. Ruth and Stan were among the founders of Wellesley Neighbors where they published the newsletter, built the web site, and took part in many of the activities – particularly the jazz concerts.

Ruth and Stan spent summers on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire for many years where the family gathered and many of their grandchildren learned to swim. The lake house continues to host memories for those Stan leaves behind.

In 2018, they moved from Wellesley to NewBridge on the Charles, where they joined old friends and made new ones. They were regulars at the evening concerts and lectures for many years.

For many NBOC computer users, Stan was the help desk, and he used his expertise at page layout for newsletters for multiple organizations including NBOC publications.

In addition to the love of his life, Ruth, Stan leaves behind his children Rick (Louise) of Lexington, Bob (Leslie Fisher) of Concord, Beth (Michael) Paysnick of Longmeadow, and Jim (Chris Garlasco) of Golden, Colorado. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Sarah Paysnick, Annie Treitman, David Paysnick, Kate Brown, Amy Paysnick, Jo Hogan, Lauren Treitman, Olivia Treitman, and Rachel Treitman, and nine great grandchildren.

The family thanks his caregivers, Dianne Wilks, Pearl Cashman, and Vida Atakpo, and hospice nurses who worked hard to keep Stan comfortable and at peace in his final days.

A service in his memory will be held at NewBridge on the Charles at 2pm on March 30.

Donations in Stan’s memory can be made to the Wellesley Food Pantry (wellesleyfoodpantry.org), the NewBridge Employees’ Scholarship Fund (send check payable to “NewBridge on the Charles” with “Scholarship Fund – Stan Treitman” on the memo line to NewBridge Scholarship Fund, NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd, Dedham, MA 02026), or the charity of your choice.

Nancy Lois Spitz (née Rosoff) passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 17, 2025, at the age of 75. A devoted mother, pioneering stockbroker, and fierce competitor, Nancy lived a life of ambition, resilience, and love.

Born on August 25, 1949, in Springfield, MA, to Howard and Elnore Rosoff, Nancy was the younger sister of Susan Rudman, who predeceased her in 2009. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from American International College in 1971 and briefly worked as a teacher before embarking on a groundbreaking career in finance. At a time when women were rarely seen in sales roles, she shattered expectations, becoming one of the first to rise from secretary to licensed stockbroker on Boston’s Wall Street. Once she established herself as a top performer, she made it her mission to help her family build careers in finance, knowing the opportunities it could provide.

Nancy’s competitive spirit extended beyond the office—she was a world-class backgammon player, winning the Ladies Open Championship in Nassau and finishing as runner-up at the World Championships in Monaco. She never shied away from a challenge, whether at the office, backgammon board or in the stands as a passionate sports fan. Sundays were sacred in her household—not for rest, but for football, and everyone knew better than to interrupt her during a game.

In 1985, she married Marshall Richard Spitz, and in 1986, they welcomed their son, Preston Harris Spitz. Soon after, she retired from finance to focus on her family, channeling her leadership into her faith and community. She became president of the Sisterhood at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, MA, and was later named to the Board of Trustees. She also had a deep love of music, performing as a child under the name “Jazzbaby Nancy.”

In 2014, Nancy was diagnosed with lung cancer, a battle she fought with grace and determination. Though she completed treatment in 2023, its toll—combined with the heartbreak of losing her beloved husband—was immense, and she soon faced rapid-onset dementia.

Nancy is survived by her son Preston Spitz, brother Jay Rosoff, nephew Stephen Rudman, stepdaughters Sarah Spitz and Hilary Arens, and many beloved grandnieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Friday, February 21st, at 12:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Combined Jewish Philanthropies, reflecting her lifelong dedication to faith, family, and community.

May her memory be a blessing.

Gail (Wasserman) Epstein, of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025.

Beloved wife of Alan Epstein, for almost 60 years.

Devoted mother of Lisa Epstein of MA, Ellyn Epstein and her partner, Eric Draeger of NH. She was predeceased by her adorable, loving companion dog, Teddy.

She is survived by her sister, Joyce Brodkin and her husband, William. She also leaves many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins. She made and kept lifelong friendships.

Gail enjoyed working many years as a Rabbi’s secretary. She had a creative side to her, which she always loved to share with friends and family.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Avodah, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:30am. Interment will follow at  Crawford St. Memorial Park Cemetery, 776 Baker St, West Roxbury.

Remembrances in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St #201, Newton, MA 02460, ALZ.org.

Marlene (Segal) Wise “Mimi”, of Sharon MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, February 14th, 2025, at the age of 74.  The beloved mother of Jennifer Weinstein and Gregory Wise and mother-in-law to Michael Weinstein and Paula Wise. Cherished grandmother of Jordan, Jake, Max and Maddyn. Loving sister of Barbara and Jerry Rutberg and adored aunt and friend.  Marlene was the devoted wife to the late Jeffrey Wise and the adored daughter of Helen and Jack Segal of New Haven, CT.

Marlene’s warmth, kindness and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her bringing light and comfort to those around her. Her greatest joy was her family.  Her gentle spirit, generosity and compassion made her a source of strength and comfort to all who knew her.  Marlene was not only the most loving mom and grandmother, but a woman of remarkable drive and determination. An entrepreneur at heart, she built a successful career fueled by her passion, hard work and unwavering commitment to provide for her family.

Marlene’s presence was a gift and while she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, strength and generosity will live on in the life of those she leaves behind.  Marlene has also left her mark on the medical community, pioneering novel medical treatments that will save future lives.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA. Shiva will follow at the Temple until 4:00 pm and 5:00- 7:00 pm. A private burial will be held on Monday morning.

A fund at Dana Farber Medical Center will be created in Marlene’s memory.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the fund in her name.

Lawrence Paul Cohen- of Boca Raton FL, and Mashpee, MA, formerly of Newton, age 80, on February 13, 2025. Beloved husband of Meryl (Weiner) of 53 Years. Devoted Father of Neil (Lainie) and Michael. Proud Grandfather of Max, Leah, Remy, Alexander, Andrew and Zachary. Son of the late Aaron L. and Evelyn (Winetsky) Cohen. Loving sibling of Robert, Martin and Shellee (Golden). Funeral Service at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA  on Tuesday, February 18th at 11 am. Shiva luncheon to follow burial at Blue Hill Country Club 23 Pecunit St., Canton, MA. Additional Shiva will be at the home of Lainie and Neil Cohen on Tuesday, February 18th from 6-9 pm, Wednesday, February 19th from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm, and Thursday, February 20th from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, in Memory of Lawrence P. Cohen, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Michael Perry Fink of Wellington, FL, formerly of Sharon, MA on February 13, 2025. Son of the late John & Lillian (Bloom) Fink, Michael was the beloved husband of Susan Fink and a proud and devoted father to his two children Lisa London and Joshua Fink, as well as to his son-in-law Michael London and daughter-in-law Anita Fink. He absolutely loved and adored his three grandchildren, Maddy and Marc London, and Liliana Fink. He was a devoted brother to Stephen and sister-in-law Myra, the late Norman Fink, and sister-in-law Jan and the late Sid Klein. He was a caring uncle to Lindsay, Andrew, and Matthew Fink and an amazing stepfather to Lorrie and Bill Thomson and their children.

Michael was proud to be an active board member of Temple Beth Tikvah, Greenacres, FL, and spent hours on the golf course. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, creating connection and community wherever he went. The most genuine and thoughtful man, he lived for his family and was a dedicated friend to everyone lucky enough to have known him.

Private services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA. Shiva will be held on Monday, February 17 from 1pm to 8pm at the home of Joshua and Anita Fink. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Michael, please consider the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

Jennifer Ann Swidler of New York City, daughter of Michael Swidler of Framingham and the late Nancy Swidler, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, after a brief illness.  Jennifer was born on December 23, 1970, and was a graduate of Framingham North High School and Brandeis University.  She was a devoted Granddaughter of the late Mildred and David Lurensky of Newton and Hannah and George Swidler of Peabody. Funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Sunday, February 16, 2025 in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  Burial will follow. In remembrance of Jennifer, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

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Arlene Feinberg, age 77, of Watertown, MA, died February 10, 2025.

Funeral Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA 02478.  Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Shiva following from 7-9 pm at the home of Marsha & Ed Mattison.