Obituaries

Zelda “Zee” Finkelstein Gamson died of pancreatic cancer on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the age of 90, surrounded by family. A lifelong scholar, activist, musician, and lover of nature, she met the world with a keen eye for both beauty and injustice. She is predeceased by her husband, Bill, and survived by her two children, Jennifer and Joshua, and by her five grandchildren, Gilad, Ari, Max, Reba, and Madeleine.

Zelda was born on March 12, 1936 in Philadelphia to Ukrainian immigrants Reba and Samuel Finkelstein. The oldest of four, she revealed her boldness and independence from an early age: mastering the piano, schmoozing with street vendors, and secretly taking Hebrew lessons. When World War II broke out, she fantasized about traveling to Europe to kill Hitler.

The first in her family to attend college, she completed one semester at the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to Antioch, a small liberal arts college in Ohio with a cooperative education program. She knew immediately that she had found her home. At Antioch, she ditched her skirt for dungarees and earned herself the nickname “Zelda the Fire Eater.” There, she also asked out a boy named Bill, who, despite his graceless dancing, charmed her with his easy humor and singing of Rodgers and Hart songs. By 1956, the two were married.

Together, Zelda and Bill pursued careers in academia, built a life together, and raised their two children. Zelda earned her doctorate in sociology from Harvard and went on to teach at the University of Michigan for seventeen years, with a focus on student organizations and inequality in higher education. Through this time, she never wavered in her commitment to social justice, activating University of Michigan’s anti-war movement through the organization of the first Vietnam War teach-in in 1965. Zelda’s fearless and activist spirit pervaded her personal life as well: In one famous episode—which has been featured on the podcast Radiolab—she quit smoking cold turkey by vowing to mail a $5,000 check to the KKK if she ever had another cigarette.

In 1988, Zelda moved to the University of Massachusetts in Boston, where she was later named Professor Emerita. There, she founded the Higher Education Doctoral Program and the New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE). In her commitment to women’s empowerment, she led by example, charting the way for future female leaders in academia.

Retirement for Zelda was a vibrant mixture of work and play. After leaving UMass Boston, she and Bill moved to Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard, and became fulltime residents of the island. There, she quickly immersed herself in the island community, joining the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, serving on local boards, and enjoying the presence of the creators, artists, and writers of her social sphere. In the early 2000s she formed the Secure Housing Action Committee, a group aimed at expanding affordable housing on the Vineyard. Later, she served as advisory council for Jewish Currents, a progressive Jewish magazine, and was a featured contributor. She returned to piano, the instrument of her childhood, and took up lessons again. She also remained fiercely committed to social activism through the final years of her life, frequently marching in political protests and organizing for voting rights, climate change awareness, and protection of democracy.

Zelda was a lover of birds, good conversation, dancing, and the natural world. She was a truly dynamic force; strong-willed and intensely organized, she was a connector of people to her core. Zee will be missed by all whose lives she touched, but her infectious spirit will live on through her family, friends, and students.

Funeral services will be held at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek,60 Highland Street, West Newton, housed at Second Church(ample parking in their lot) on Thursday, April 30th at 10:30 a.m. The service will be livestreamed. Please register in advance here. Burial will be on Friday, May 1st in Chilmark, MA. Please contact the MV Hebrew Center for details.

Shiva will be held at the home of Jenny and Steve on Sunday, May 3rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a minyan at 5:00; and Monday from 7:00-9:00 p.m., with a minyan at 8:00.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in Zee’s memory to any of the following favorite organizations:

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Antioch College

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

June 2, 1950 – April 26, 2026

Born in 1950 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Geoffrey Edward Norman spent his life organizing for a better tomorrow, always humble and behind the scenes, but with grand dreams of what the world could look like. He believed strongly that his Jewish faith informed his push towards social justice.

During his time as a university student at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, Geoff was elected to the Student Representative Counsel (SRC), where he was instrumental in its move from reactive to active political instrument. He worked staunchly against apartheid, organizing demonstrations, marches, walk-outs, and more. It was during this time that he met the person who would be most influential on his political outlook – and life – Steve Biko. A revolutionary and founder of the South African Black Consciousness Movement, Biko urged Geoff to leave South Africa and advocate against apartheid in a country where others might listen and learn from him. Shortly after graduating with a law degree, he moved to Boston, MA, where, along with Themba Vilakazi and others, he co-founded Fund for a Free South Africa (FreeSA) in 1985, an anti-apartheid coalition and advocacy group.

Geoff earned his JD at the New England School of Law and a Master’s of Urban Planning at Boston University, for which he wrote his thesis on urban planning practices in Harare, Zimbabwe. He became the first Head Counsel of CVS, a role he undertook for a decade before opening a private practice as a commercial real estate attorney. Later, he joined Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart, and Rogers to lead its real estate department.

Geoff married Dale Norman (née Miller), also from South Africa, in 1984 and they have four children: Rebecca, Ashley, Savannah, and Alexander. Geoff was active in coaching their (many!) sports teams, something that he loved from his own days as an athlete playing rugby, cricket, and soccer. He was also an accomplished long-distance runner, completing both the Boston Marathon and the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. He co-founded the AAU Basketball club, The New England Jaguars, which continues as a successful travel club today.

Geoff was an attentive and loving husband, father, and grandfather to Noah, Theo, and Rosa. He was a wonderful son to his father Arthur, who died in 1995, and his mother Dorothy, who died in 2021. He was a committed, warm son-in-law to Sybil and the late Michael Miller, as well as father-in-law to Rasmus and Todd. He shared both political beliefs and a sense of humor with his brother, Lawrence, of London. In addition to a large and loving family, Geoff was devoted to his lifelong friends, whom he considered family, especially during their regular card games.

He loved a good chat about the weather, Dick Francis novels, the films “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “The Parent Trap,” and a raspberry iced tea, if you have one. He could always be counted on to pick you up from the airport.

Geoff’s dual commitments to activism and family life inspired many; he led by example. He excluded no one; he simply brought you into his fold. He is so missed by all who love him.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Or Emet Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.

Shiva will be held Wednesday following the interment, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm for a light lunch. Prayers will then be held from 5 pm – 8 pm. Both to take place at North Hill, 865 Central Avenue, in the basement level. Thursday prayers are from 5 pm – 8 pm at the same location.

Donations can be made in his name to the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, or the American Heart Association.

Steven Zeitlin of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026.

Born on April 26, 1947, in Chicago, IL, Steve was a clinical psychologist who worked with families, couples, and adolescents. He will be remembered as sensitive and funny, and as an extremely caring person who loved traveling, hiking, current events, playing and watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Steve leaves behind his beloved wife, Paula Zeitlin; his children, Rebecca (Zeitlin) Zash and Sarah Zeitlin Miehe; their spouses, Teresa Zash and Owen Miehe; as well as his late son, David Zeitlin. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Damian and Theo Zash, and Ava and Juliette Miehe. Steven leaves behind loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Shalom of Newton on Wednesday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m., and will be livestreamed (https://www.templeshalom.org/livestream).

Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to:
Jewish Healthcare Center, Worcester, MA (https://www.jhccenter.org/make-a-donation/)
NPR (https://donate.wbur.org/secure/give)
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (https://www.ippnw.org/donate)

Robert “Bob” Bello, of Framingham, MA, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Linda (Manning) Bello. Devoted father of Gordon, Susan, Apral, Christopher andJonte. . Cherished grandfather of Lakara, Amani, Jade, Aniyah, Chuck, Alyssa, Aubrey and Gail. Proud great grandfather of Charles, Dominic and Connor. Loving brother of the late Phil Bello and Herbert Bello. Graveside services at Hebrew Burial Association Cemetery, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:30 am. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Museum of Science Boston.

You are my smile 

You are my joy

You are my life

As we part here on earth I will see you again. All the wonderful memories we have made will always be with me.

Rest in peace my love

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

Hilary Rebecca Marcus, age 62, died peacefully at home, Thursday, April 23, 2026, and was surrounded by the love of her spouse, Jonathan and their children, Noah and Maayan.

Funeral service Monday, April 27, 2026, at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA at 1:30 pm.  Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

Remembrances may be made to:

Temple Hillel B’nai Torah
Congregation Dorshei Tzedek
Standing Together
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Tivnu: Building Justice
The Defiant Requiem Foundation
Protect All Children from Trafficking
Community Servings
Sambhali U.S.

Complete obituary to follow.

Stephen N. Ganak, of Belmont, MA, 86, on April 19, 2026. Beloved husband and partner of Meira Brinker Ganak for 52 years. Dear son of the late George and Bea Ganak.
Graveside services at Highland Meadow Cemetery, 700 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:30 am. Shiva will be at the Ganak residence. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Stephen’s memory may be made to: The MSPCA.

Carolyn Joan (Kaplan) Golding, age 91, of Medway, MA formerly of Boca Raton, FL and Framingham, MA passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with family members by her side.

Born in Boston, raised in Newton, Carolyn was the daughter of Julius M. Kaplan and Lena Y. (Fine) Kaplan.

Carolyn was a proud graduate of Smith College. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Marvin E. Golding and her brother, Stephen Kaplan.

She is survived by her children Robert M. Golding (Stacy) of Vero Beach, FL, Thomas F. Golding (Jenny), and Nancy G. Purdy (Lincoln) both of Franklin, MA. In addition, Carolyn leaves behind her treasured grandchildren, Christopher Golding, Alexandra (Golding) Marcotty, Catherine Golding, Timothy Golding, Katherine (Golding) Tosti, Matthew Golding, Emilee (Purdy) Bender, and Andrew Purdy. Carolyn is also survived by her nine great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews.

Carolyn’s family would like to thank the staff of Whitney Place, Salmon Private Care Options and Salmon VNA & Hospice for all of their care and dedication.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 26 at 11:30 AM at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA 02067 followed by interment. Luncheon to follow at Whitney Place, 44 Willow Pond Circle, Medway.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carolyn’s memory can be made to the Willows at Medway Employee Gift Fund, 44 Willow Pond Circle, Medway, MA 02053.

Gerald Garber, 86, of Winthrop, died on April 20, 2026 of natural causes. Born on January 25, 1940 to Peter and Anna Garber (deceased). He is survived by brother Lawrence Garber (Carol), niece Karen Garber (Ransom Stephens) and nephew Steven Garber (Bill Bonnet). Graveside services will be held at Roumanian American Cemetery in Danvers on Wednesday, May 6 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

To view livestream of funeral click here

S. Lawrence DeHaan, best known as Larry DeHaan, of Framingham MA, passed away peacefully after brief illness on April 18, 2026, with his family by his side.

Larry leaves behind his beloved wife Arlene (Dorenfeld) DeHaan and children Stephanie (DeHaan) Lerner (Abraham), Randy DeHaan (Sarah), and Caroline DeHaan (Andrea), and grandchildren Gabrielle and Micah Lerner and Jackie, Finley and Juno DeHaan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jeff Dorenfeld, sister-in-law Cheryl Dorenfeld, and sister-in-law Linda DeHaan, as well as by his nieces and nephews: Marc DeHaan (Rachel), Jeff DeHaan (Emily), Elyssa Dorenfeld, and Jason Dorenfeld (Kate). Larry grew up in Brookline, MA, son of the late Jack and Jeanette DeHaan, brother of the late Stanley DeHaan.

Larry never met a microphone he didn’t like. He was better known to many as Sandy Beach, thanks to his illustrious career as a popular radio personality, the voice of Cape & Island high school sports, and as a pioneer in creating sports talk radio in the Boston area.

Larry was a Past Master multiple times throughout his 50+ years of service in the Freemasons.

His memory will be honored by his family and friends whenever they go to see a game at Fenway Park, put on some Motown, or eat an orange-pineapple ice cream cone.

Funeral service will take place at Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland, MA on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:00am and will be livestreamed. Burial will follow at Everett Hebrew Burial Association, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA. Shiva will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s memory may be made to the Lewey Body Dementia Association https://lbda.org/ or Good Shepherd Community Care https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate.

Gertrude “Getty” Cushing, 91, of Framingham, MA, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Yetta and Harry Gershlak, and the beloved wife of the late Edward N. Cushing, the love of her life.

She is survived by her loving children: daughter Sherry Nadeau of Framingham; son David Cushing and his wife Wendy of Framingham; and son Jeffrey Cushing and his wife Lynne of Needham. She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Jennifer, Cayman, Bryce, Jake, and Brett—and two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Ava. She is also survived by her niece, Marcia Arnold of Alaska.

Throughout her life, Gert found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with those she loved. She enjoyed bowling with the “Alley Cats,” playing Mah Jongg and Rummikub with friends, visiting the casino, and spending time in Falmouth on Cape Cod with her dear friends.

She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her generosity, her devotion to family, and the happiness she brought to those she loved, especially her family.

Graveside services will be held privately for family at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA.

Gertrude’s family will be observing Shiva at The Branches of Framingham, 518 Pleasant Street, Framingham, on Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23 from 4:00–7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, acts of tzedakah (charitable giving) may be made to the organization of your choice.