Obituaries

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Lisa Dawn Teeter-Of Needham, on December 3, 2023.Beloved wife of Joshua Teeter. Devoted mother of Elliot and David Teeter. Dear daughter of Judith Keone and the late Charles. Dear sister of Lori and Deborah. Services at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Wednesday, December 6,2023 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at a later date in Virginia. Following service family and friends are invited to the Teeter Residence 106 Windsor Rd. Needham until 2:00 pm. Remembrances may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284( www.dana-farber.org)

Miichael Kaiser, kind and loving husband of Dora, died on December 1, 2023.  He had a long and difficult struggle with primary progressive aphasia, which robbed him of the many languages he loved.  He was born in England just after World War 2 and enjoyed living in several countries with his loving wife.  He made dear friends wherever he lived.  He enjoyed music, especially late 19^th century composers.  He was an avid and eclectic reader.  His smile was contagious, and he charmed everyone with his laughter. Graveside Service on Monday, December 4, 2023 at I:00 pm in King Solomon Cemetery, 2659 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA. 

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Sinofsky, Ethel (Chase), of Newton, MA, passed away on November 24, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Louis H. Sinofsky. Devoted mother of late Dr. Kalman Sinofsky (Mildred), Susan Surabian, and Amy Mestancik (David Hardwick). Cherished grandmother of Laura Sinofsky-Bohm (Stu), Michelle Sinofsky-Eshbaugh (Jay), and David Sinofsky (Heather), Alexis Surabian, Elissa Everly (Pavi), Jeremy Mestancik, Jason Mestancik (Lorin). Ethel is predeceased by her late partner Dr. Isidor Tolpin. Inspiration to Barbara Vinick (the late Arnold), Daniel Tolpin (Harriet), and their children Jeffrey Vinick (Jani), Anne Garrity (Dan), Alison McCormick (Myles). And proud great grandmother of 16. Funeral service at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:30 am Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, memorial observance will be at Ethel’s late residence until 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA 02466.

Elliot Silverstein -Of Los Angeles, CA, formerly of Boston, passed on November 24, 2023 in Los Angeles at age 96.He directed films such as Cat Ballou and A Man Called Horse as well as multiple television episodes. The news was announced by his family (via The Hollywood Reporter). He was 96.

Prior to directing his first feature film, Silverstein had a long career in television, helming episodes of series like Suspicion, The Twilight Zone, The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen, Route 66, Have Gun—Will Travel, Naked City, Dr. Kildare, and The Defenders. He also directed plays for Brandeis University in his native state of Massachusetts, including one conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Silverstein also impacted Hollywood away from the camera. For six months from November 1963 to April 1964, Silverstein chaired a Directors Guild of America committee that drafted what would become the Bill of Creative Rights, a landmark document regarding directors’ creative control. Within the Bill of Creative Rights is a declaration specifically concerning the Director’s Cut, which Silverstein is also credited with. “The arrangement of the recorded images and sounds in a relationship the Director considers proper shall be known as the ‘Director’s Cut,’” the declaration reads. “It is the Director’s creative right and obligation to prepare this cut, and he must be given the time he deems necessary to fulfill this function.” In 1990, Silverstein was named an honorary life member of the guild for his contributions.

Upon learning of Silverstein’s death, DGA president Leslie Linka Glatter issued the following statement:

Every director today owes a debt of gratitude to Elliot Silverstein. No one ever worked harder or was more passionate about protecting artists from having their work and vision altered than Elliot. He knew how deeply intertwined the end product was with a director’s authority to execute their vision, and that these rights were essential for their best work to shine through. Almost sixty years ago, Elliot successfully led the charge to secure the right to a director’s cut –something that had been a DGA goal for years. And through his work and determination he helped codify and negotiate a list of creative necessities with producers through the development of the Bill of Creative Rights – something which governs the rights of DGA members to this day.

Elliott’s commitment to the needs of directors knew no bounds. He once purposely made a spectacle in the middle of the Universal Studios lot, dragging a chair into the street as his ‘office’ to draw attention to the fact that producers refused to provide workspaces for directors. Thanks to him, that changed in the next round of negotiations. Elliot went on to serve in Guild leadership for four decades, and his tremendous impact earned him almost every service Award the Guild could bestow, including the Robert B. Aldrich Award in 1985, Honorary Life Membership in 1990, and the DGA Honors John Huston Award in 2002. His legacy endures in every director’s chair today. He will be deeply missed. Private service was held on Thursday, November 30 at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, West Roxbury,MA.

He is survived by his brother, Jason.

Nancy (Risman) Comenitz of Boston lived a beautiful life full of adventure, family, and love. Whether she was working side by side and traveling the world with her late husband Elliot Comenitz or doing countless quiet hours of volunteer work or playing with her grandchildren, she did it all with gusto, style, grace, and beauty, Nancy was elegant in everything she did.

Nancy was a force to be reckoned with. She was a strong woman who knew exactly what she wanted and knew how to get it. If you were a friend of Nancy’s, you were a friend for life. She was loyal and true and she would protect her family and loved ones at all costs.

Nancy was the kind of mother to her seven children who always made sure they knew they were loved. Her pride was evident – she taught by example. She walked the walk every day of her life.

Nancy was mom to Jamie Miller and her husband Richard, Jon Pressman and his wife Linda, Julie Carter and her husband Edward, Nancy Comenitz, Bruce Comenitz and his wife Roslyn, Linda Gelda and her husband Steven, and her late son Jay Comenitz and his wife Debbie.

Nancy was also a nana – the best nana any kid could ask for. She made each of her grandchildren feel like they were her favorite. She was nana to Scott Chaloff and his partner Matthew Broggini, Alex Chaloff and his wife Annika, Courtney Todesco and her husband Charles, Andrew Pressman and his partner Hannah Lyons, Nicole Pressman, Allison Carter, Abby Carter, Brian Comenitz and his wife Dana, Michael Comenitz, Elizabeth Gelda and her husband Bismarck Dangla, Jennifer Gelda and her husband Adam Johnson, Matthew Comenitz and his wife Caitlin, and Corey Comenitz.

Nancy had the good fortune to be a great-grandmother several times over. Maeve Chaloff, Aria Todesco, Ellie Dangla, Koby Dangla, Tali Johnson, Jonah Johnson and Jayson Comenitz were so loved by nana.

Her family is so grateful for the love, compassion and companionship of Mary Prempeh and Kathleen Mulkerrins. Nancy was never alone.

Nancy died comfortably on November 23, 2023, with her kids by her side. She was such an indomitable figure in the lives of all she touched. She will be so missed, more than words can say. We Love you!

Funeral Service at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 10:00 am. Following interment at Crawford St. Memorial Park, memorial observance will be at the home of Jamie and Richard Miller until 7 pm, and Monday 2-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.

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Shapiro, Arthur (Ari) Shapiro of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Newton, Massachusetts passed away on November 21, 2023 at the age of 88. Loving father of Sharon Kamowitz and her husband Marvin Getman, Michelle Glickman and her husband Norman Glickman, and Joel Shapiro and his wife, Carol Lethaby. Devoted grandfather of Joshua and Becky Kamowitz, Gabriella Glickman, Amanda Glickman, Abby Getman, and Emily and Jon Balbarin. Proud great-grandfather of Caleb, Anton, and Wiley.  Brother of Elaine Bloom and the late Susan Lipper.  Graveside services at the Koretz Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury on Sunday, November 26, at 2:00 pm.  Shiva at the home of Sharon Kamowitz and Marvin Getman on November 26 from 7-9 pm, and on November 27 from 2-4 pm.  Shiva continues at the home of Michelle and Norman Glickman on November 27 from 7-9 pm.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Reb Ari Shapiro Adult Education Fund of Temple Sinai in Sarasota; the Pan Mass Challenge (Team Sunshine); and/or to the charity of your choice.

Herbert J. Litchman 94, of Kingston, formally of Randolph, passed away on November 21, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Vivian (Chandler) for 62 years. Herbert is survived by his two children, Gary Litchman and wife Kathleen and Sharon Carabba and husband Michael. He was a devoted grandfather to Connor and Sean Litchman and Caitlin and Dean Carabba. Brother of the late Stanley and Joseph Litchman. Graveside service at Custom Tailors Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA., on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Remembrances in memory of Herbert may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, The American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

Helen (nee Schecter, born January 13, 1930) Adelman, who passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of November 18, 2023, was one of those rare 93-year-olds of whom it was universally thought: “she died too soon.” For her entire life she was much beloved by family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Her husband of 55 years, Phil Adelman, passed away in 2007. Phil proudly called Helen the “love of his life” and would tell anyone who would listen that he told Helen he loved her every single day of his life.

Helen was one of those relatives who you looked forward to seeing. It was not an obligation but a joy. She was very unassuming and pleasant but had a quick wit and could use colorful language if the situation called for it. Even in her last days at the Waltham Crossings Senior Living Community, the staff remarked that they had never seen a resident with so many visitors.

She worked for 45 years for Burton-Rogers Inc., a “value-added reseller” of diagnostic devices, like electrical meters. Her role there evolved from secretary to vice president of sales. After retiring, she was a volunteer for the Boston Symphony for two decades.

Helen and Phil lived on Longfellow Road in Cambridge for most of their married life. They lived upstairs and Phil’s parents lived downstairs. Helen made dinner for the Adelman’s every single night. When they were younger, they loved to travel to Europe and other international destinations. Their walls were covered with pictures from Greece, Italy, and Israel. They often hosted Thanksgiving, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur meals. Her brother Bernie did the carving and led the service, hurried along by their mother, Rebecca. Everyone was always welcome; chairs could always be added. There was also an annual trivia contest and, for many years, trips to the Celtics games with seats just off the floor. Later, the couple moved to Newton where they famously hosted Chanukah parties with fiercely competitive Yankee Swaps.

Though they had no biological children, many, many young people considered Helen their mom-away-from-mom. It has been said that she received more Mother’s Day cards than anyone else, with or without biological children.

Helen loved to make London Broil and rice pilaf, a favorite of some of her Cambridge “children” who were in school in the area. She also loved Frank Pepe’s pizza, chocolate and butter pecan ice cream. She had one of the most extensive rubber ducky collections in Massachusetts. She also loved cats and had a number over the years.

She is survived by more loving relatives and friends than can fit in this article.

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow.

Donations may be made to Helen’s favorite charity, Mazon – A Jewish Response to Hunger. https://mazon.org/

FINNERTY, PAUL DENNIS

Of Newton. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a cherished husband, devoted dog dad, and beloved uncle. Paul passed away unexpectedly on November 20, 2023 after bravely battling complications from cancer.

Beloved son of the late Robert G. and Mary (Carroll) Finnerty and son-in-law of the late Saul A. and Sybil Sherman. Cherished husband of Suzanne Sherman-Finnerty for 40 years and devoted dog Dad of his beloved Annie.

Paul is survived by his loving siblings: Jack (Caryl), Robert (Richard Cullen) and Carolyn Parks.

He was a dear brother-in-law to Judy and Ricky Oriel and his late sister-in-law Janey Sherman.  He was also a loving Uncle to many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Preceded by retirement in 2019, Paul dedicated his career to mechanical engineering, specializing in plumbing and fire protection, with the majority of his professional life spent at Architectural Engineers in Boston.

An avid animal lover, Paul found joy in accompanying his Annie to the park, where he made connections with fellow dog parents. He was a passionate reader, a devoted fan of The Beatles since the 1960s, and an all-around great guy who left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Paul’s love for sports and his warm personality endeared him to all who knew him.

As an uncle, Paul was a source of inspiration and guidance to his nieces and nephews, creating lasting memories and providing unwavering support. His impact extended to the next generation, with many great nieces and nephews benefiting from his wisdom, humor and love.

He maintained enduring relationships with his college buddies who live around the globe, Paul was deeply devoted to his family, earning him the title of a great friend to many. His absence will be keenly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Glenn Hanna at Dana Farber Institute in Boston and his dedicated team, including Ronnie, Michelle, and Taylor in the Head and Neck Oncology Division for their compassionate care of Paul.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Monday, November 27 at 12:15PM, at The Newton Cemetery Chapel, 791 Walnut Street, Newton. Friends, Family, and those whose lives were touched by Paul are invited to join in remembering and honoring a remarkable man who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to: MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 or on line at MSPCA.org or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Friends of Dana Farber, 450 Brookline Ave, SW 120, Boston, MA 02215 or online at www.dana-farber.org.

Marcia Sue Robinson, 79, died suddenly yet peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023 with her loving family surrounding her.

Marcia was born in Toronto, Canada to Dr. Samuel Norris and Jimmie Norris.  She later moved to the Boston area where she attended Tufts University and received a master’s degree of Education in Psychology.

Marcia was married to Joel Krinsky and had one loving son Todd Keith Krinsky.  Later in life Marcia remarried Peter Robinson and became the dedicated stepmother of Matthew Robinson.  Sadly, Marcia leaves behind her devoted life partner of many years, Elliot Gerberg.

Marcia also leaves behind her six grandchildren, whom she adored.  She will be lovingly remembered as “Grammy Marsh” by Peyton, Sophia, Zach, and Chase Krinsky, and Shira and Ava Robinson.

Marcia leaves behind loving daughter in laws, Darcy Krinsky and Emily Robinson.  Cherished sister Francie and her husband Dr. Stuart Klein and their children Sherri and Justin Klein.  Also, niece Jodi LeBlanc and nephew Andy Dell.

As a child psychologist, Marcia enjoyed a lifelong career helping children in school systems and hospitals.  Most recently, Marcia devoted her time to Association for Autism (AANE), where she supported adults and families.

Marcia was an active community member; her schedule was always filled with tennis, golf, bridge, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Monday November 20, 2023 at 1:00pm, burial to follow.  The family will receive their guests from 3:00-5:00pm at Nosh and Grog. In the evening Shiva will be observed at Marcia’s residence from 7:00-9:00pm with prayers at 8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Marcia’s behalf, to the AANE (Association of Autism and Neurodiversity Donate to AANE.)