Obituaries

Dr. Stephen A. Sohn of Newton, Mass., born May 19, 1944, died peacefully at 79 on November 15, 2023, at his home in Newton, with family by his side. He is survived by his wife Eileen (Ladieu), his son Bradford, his daughter-in-law Rachel (Schwartz), his three grandchildren Marlo, Ozzie, and Moe, and his sister, Ivy Lessin. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. Roger Sohn MD., of Pacific Palisades, CA. Funeral Service on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA., at 12 o’clock. Shiva to follow the service at Dr. Sohn’s late residence from 1 pm to 5 pm and 7pm to 9pm. Complications from a degenerative neurological disease were the cause. Dr. Sohn was a prominent plastic surgeon in Boston for many years, with many patients flying in to see him from overseas, including numerous celebrities and even several heads of state. In 1992, Dr. Sohn suspended his practice and attempted a run for public office, winning the Republican nomination for Massachusetts’ seventh congressional district before coming up short in the general election in his bid to unseat then-Representative Ed Markey. He attended Browne & Nichols for high school, received an A.B. from Harvard, received an M.D. from Duke, and later in life, received an M.B.A. from Babson. Dr. Sohn loved watching the New England Patriots, taking trips to his long-time home on Nantucket, cooking delicious meals, and spending time with loved ones. His life was full of unique experiences, from traveling to dozens of countries around the world, to operating on Afghan rebels catastrophically injured by explosives in the 1990s, to running the Boston marathon, to going on fishing trips, to being able to hold each of his young grandchildren. Those closest to him have been forever impacted by his kind heart and gentle demeanor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Temple Judea Coral Gables, FL; Friends of Harvard Football; the Laura Cushman Academy; and the Ransom Everglades Scholarship Fund.

Eugene “Gene” Salb, 89 passed away peacefully at his home of 43 years in Peabody, MA surrounded by his loved ones. Gene was born November, 13th 1934 on Staten Island NY. Son of the late Louis & Sally Salb and pre-deceased brother Neil Salb of Brooklyn NY.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Elaine (Berg) Salb, and their 3 sons Ron and his wife Angela Salb (fondly known as the daughter he always wanted) of Raymond, NH, Doug of Peabody, MA, and Dana, of Barrington, NH.

Gene was a family man through and through. His children all felt his unwavering love and support throughout their lives. Some of Gene’s fondest memories are from trips he took with his wife Elaine to Italy and Florida trips with the kids. All three boys looked up to Gene as a father and also considered him one of their very best friends.

Gene grew up Canarsie, Brooklyn NY and received his associates degree from New York City Community College. He was also a reservist in the United States Army.

He began his professional career in retail sales & management for the Gertz Allied corporation in Jamaica, NY as manager of ladies sportswear. After almost 10yrs he took a manager’s position with Lerner Shops retail clothing stores PA in 1967. During that time Gene met the love of his life on a vacation retreat to the Lake Tarleton Club Resort in NH. However, it wasn’t until he took a position managing the Lerner Shops clothing store in Revere MA later that year that their paths would cross again. Gene & Elaine married on February 2nd 1969. Later he took on managing role in the Berg family air compressor business, Berg Dimare & Berg on Brookline Ave., Boston. Gene loved the art of negotiation and sales, something his son Doug would mimic in his advertising sales career. After many years in retail and distribution, Gene along with his wife Elaine and eventually along with their youngest son Dana ran a successful Sir Speedy Printing center in One Kendall Square, Cambridge for 20yrs.

Never one to sit still, Gene held interests in finance, current events, history, science and more. He and his wife Elaine attended Explorer’s Life Long Leaning Institute all the way up until 2020. Gene read the Wall Street Journal and gave his favorite daughter articles to read on AI so she could stay in the know. He had a real passion for cars and boats & loved to watch action movies. His love of cars actually rubbed off on his 3 son’s. So much so, that Ron and Dana opened an automotive performance business in 2006 that continues to present day. He always loved to talk about new cars coming out or his love of the antiques. He was reading about all the advancements in electric cars as of late. We would discuss the poor mileage estimates and outrageous prices!

He spent his retirement years attending the YMCA for exercise and social enjoyment. Dad loved to engage in conversation, and people always seemed to light up in his presence. He will be remembered for his warm outgoing personality and his desire to be out and about connecting to the world around him.

A graveside service will take place at the Beth Israel Cemetery, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA, on Sunday, November 19th, at 11 am. Family and friends are welcome to gather following interment at Capone’s Restaurant, 147 Summit St, Peabody MA

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made in his name to the following Charities/Institutions:

Lahey clinic

https://giving.bilh.org/laheyhospitalmedicalcenter/

Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living

https://chelseajewish.org/donate/

Temple Ner Tamid

Jewish Religious Organization, Peabody, MA (templenertamid.org)

To view the service recording please click here.

A beloved educator, dedicated daughter, devoted wife, loving mother and cherished grandmother passed away November 14, 2023. She was surrounded by her adoring husband, Carl, their loving children and four grandchildren. Joan brought her quiet inner strength to a grateful life leaving behind a legacy of wonderful achievements in all she undertook.
Joan was born on August 2, 1945 in Providence, RI. She went to public schools in Providence and graduated from Classical High School. She then went to Wheelock College where she got both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. She had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and she knew that her purpose in life was to share that knowledge with others. She taught for 36 years in the Quincy Public School system where she specialized in math and language arts at the elementary level. She made a significant difference in countless lives, instilling in her students a love for learning that would stay with them for a lifetime. Many of her students referred to her as “their best teacher ever. “
Joan met her husband Carl Youngman in 1971 and they were married in 1974. They have two children, Andrew, born in 1978 and Julie, born in 1980. The family loved to travel and Joan enjoyed planning their trips to the National Parks, California, Idaho, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. She loved skiing both out West and at their home on Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. And even while teaching, raising two children along with her avid love of tennis at The Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman Tennis Center and skiing, she managed to continue her love for gardening. For that she won a special Beautification Award from the City of Newton.

After her retirement, Joan and Carl traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. Joan enjoyed planning her children’s weddings and taking regular “culture” trips to NYC for theatre, museums, concerts and to be with family and friends. In addition, the couple bought a home in Harwich on Cape Cod which became the focal point each summer for spending time with family and friends but mainly to relish time with her heart’s delight, her grandchildren.
Joan leaves her husband, Carl Youngman of Newton and her two children, Andrew Youngman and his wife Heather Youngman of Newton, and their two children Trevor and Nolan, and Julie Goldberg, her husband Andrew Goldberg of Sharon and their two children Sara and Lindsay Goldberg. Also, her sister Linda Feldman of Scarsdale, New York, her brother Kenneth Blackman of New York City, and her brother Richard Blackman of Warwick, Rhode Island and their families mourn her passing.

The funeral will be held Friday morning, November 17 at 10:30 am at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road in Wellesley, MA. Interment at Beit Olam Cemetery, Wayland, MA.  A shiva will follow at the temple from 1 pm to 4 pm. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Joan in the Spring of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, acknowledge of Joan can be made by sending a donation to Dr. Matulonis Gynecologic Cancer Fund. C/O The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, YCCC 1420; and mailed to: Dr. Ursula Matulonis, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

Arthur Joseph Berke, 88, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on November 2, 2023, at his home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He was born on December 7, 1934, in Everett, Massachusetts.
He was predeceased by his parents, Sadie (Levine) Berkowitz and Jack Berkowitz; and his sister Charlotte Gustin.
Beloved husband of 39 years to Murielle (Michaud) Berke,
devoted father of Eric (Sheryl) and Peter (Patty), cherished & proud grandfather “gramps” of Aron (Garam), Jeremy (Devika), Hana & Carly. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
The family kindly requests contributions be made to Good Shepherd Community Care, a cherished organization that provides compassionate care. Donations can be sent to 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02459 OR The Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, a place of hope and transformation for men and women experiencing homelessness.
Arthur’s family gathered together on November 6, 2023, to honor his memory in a private service.
Arthur will be deeply missed by his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will forever remain in our hearts as a testament to his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Of Canton, formerly of Framingham, on November 13, 2023.Beloved wife of the late Paul Witty. Devoted mother of Michael Witty and Robert Witty and his wife Wendy and the late Richard Witty. Dear grandmother of Evan Witty and his wife Emily, Joshua Witty and his fiancé Erika, Arria, Aaron, Danielle and Jeremy Witty. Loving sister of Dianne Winer Malliaros and her husband Dean, and David Winer and his wife Barbara. Services in The Chapel in the Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 1: 00pm.Following interment a memorial observance will be held at Orchard Cove until 4:30 pm and will continue Wednesday evening at the home of Robert and Wendy Witty 6:30-9:00pm and Thursday 1-4pm, and 7-9pm.In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Dana Farber Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,450 Brookline Ave.Boston, MA 02215-5450

Richard ‘Richie’ Tanz,  passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023 with his family by his side.

Richie was born to Viola and Harry Tanz on July 6, 1951, and wonderfully cared for by his stepmother Sonya Tanz. He worked in the hospitality industry for his entire career and loved the experiences he had and people he met along the way.

Richie was a devoted father and husband who took pride in providing a beautiful life for his family. He enjoyed spending time with them on vacations, Wednesday night Chinese food, holiday celebrations, watching movies, and playing with their dogs.

He was a dedicated Jets fan despite their lack of success and being a New Englander for 45 years. He adopted Red Sox and Celtics when he moved to Massachusetts but wouldn’t give up on “his” Jets.

Richie loved to golf as well. He would be the first person to tell you the more he played the worse he got but he loved the excuse to get outdoors and walk around for 4 hours on a nice day.

He spent several nights a week for many years in various men’s basketball leagues which he loved doing.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Tanz, his children Jared Tanz (Amanda) and Esther Taylor (Jay), his grandsons Knox and Jackson, his dog Yogi, and many family and friends. Services are being privately held with family and friends. In lieu of flowers please donate to Good Shepard Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459 or Massachusetts American Parkinson’s Association.

Katz-Bernice “Bunny”, of Stoughton, MA formerly of Sharon, MA passed away November 10, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Paul Katz and the late Albert Kerstein. Devoted mother of Lynne Katz, Randi Katz, and THE LATE Larry Katz. Cherished nana of Elizabeth, Benjamin, Ryan, Nathan, Michael, and Maxwell. Proud great nana of Jacob, Jocelyn, and Greyson, Samuel and Daniel, and Logan. Funeral services at Sharon Memorial Park on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bunny’s memory may be made to The Boston Home, 2049 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02124

To view the livestream, please click here.

Margery Bailit, 89, of Auburndale, and long-time resident of Needham, died on November 9, 2023.

Margery was born in June 1934 in New Britain, Connecticut to George and Nellie (Kotkin) Katz.  She graduated from Smith College in 1956 with a major in art history and then moved to Boston, where she worked as a textbook art editor for Ginn and Company.

Margery married Irving Bailit. They settled in Needham and  lovingly  raised their children, Michael, David and Rachel.

Margery was a life-long artist, painting in oil and watercolor, and working with stained glass.  She greatly enjoyed travel and adventure, and found beauty in everything  that surrounded her. She founded her business Golden Fleece Antiques in 1967 and operated it for several decades. She cherished her children, her grandchildren, her dear cousins and the many friendships she formed over her long life.

Margery is survived by her children Michael (Julie) and Rachel, and her grandchildren David and Eli.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Alan and her son David Eric.

The funeral will take place on Monday, November 13th at 10am at Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, followed by interment at Sharon Memorial Park. Family and friends are welcome to visit on Monday, following the interment until 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm, and on Tuesday from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Julie and Michael Bailit’s home.

Donations in her memory can be made to Mazon. www.mazon.org

For the livestream please click the link below and select stream for Rabbi Samuel Chiel Sanctuary.

https://www.templeemanuel.com/livestream-links/

Of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Newton, MA, on November 8, 2023. Beloved wife of 54 years to the late Hebert Josiah Lushan. Loving Partner (wife) of Walter Lipsett. Born on October 3, 1932. Daughter of the late Milton & Pauline Gordon and youngest sibling of the late Elaine Kaplan, Harriette Goldman , Ira (Sonny) Gordon. Beloved Mother of Rhonda Lushan, Robert Lushan (deceased), Nancy Lushan Nesvet (Andy), Rachel Lushan Solomons (Tony). Loving Grammy of Douglas Housman (Anna), Elizabeth Housman (Jonah), Sarah Housman (Joe), Rebecca Solomons, Ilana Solomons (Jonny), Jacob Solomons, Jared Nesvet, Daniel Nesvet. Cherished “GG” of Hannah, Sofia, Sasha, Noah, Avi, Arielle, Ella, Mila, Olivia. Dear Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Funeral will take place on Sunday, November 12 at 10:00AM at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton followed by interment at Congregation Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, Centre Street, West Roxbury. Shiva will be held at the home of Rachel & Tony Solomons, 52 Walnut Rd., Weston, following interment until 4PM and from 6-8PM Sunday evening. “In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Rachel & Tony Solomons Family Fund for MS and Alzheimer’s Research at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, bwhgiving.org/bunnylushan, or Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana Farber Cancer Center, danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto//BarbaraLushan.

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

Peter T. Reeves of Needham, Mass., passed away on November 8 due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 74. Born in Chicago to Robert E. and Pamela (Wilson) Reeves, Peter grew up in Cleveland. He attended Oberlin College, where he met the love of his life, Judy. After graduating in 1971, they moved to Rochester, NY, where Peter took a job as a computer programmer with Genesee Computing, while Judy pursued graduate studies. They married in 1973 and in 1975 moved to Needham, where they raised three sons and lived until the present. Peter worked in the software industry throughout his career, designing solutions and managing development teams. He loved music, playing clarinet and saxophone, singing in his congregation’s choir and Needham Interfaith Choir, and passing along his love of music to his children. He also enjoyed being outdoors, particularly canoeing and hiking in Acadia National Park, but most of all he loved being with his family. Peter is survived by his wife Judy Belgrade; sons Ari (Shira Reeves) of Silver Spring, MD, Evan (Christina Moraes) of Oakland, CA, and Daniel (Rebecca Byard) of Watertown, MA; six grandchildren; sisters Betsy (Diana Kuderna) and Margaret (Ray Santiago), both of CA; and three nieces. The funeral will take place graveside at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 9:45 am. In lieu of flowers, we invite donations in Peter’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.