Obituaries

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Sylvia (Smookler) Wolfson  entered eternal rest on Thursday May 25, 2023. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Leonard G.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Kurt and daughter Hope (Steven) , her granddaughters Ilana and Jillian, and her extended family.

Sylvia was happiest in the gardens of her home in Waban and at Nantasket beach with her loved ones.

She is fondly remembered for her love of Broadway shows and her way around the kitchen.

Bubbie will be missed by the many friends, family and visitors to her gracious ways.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 am at Mohliver Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

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FIALKOW, Jay L.” Buddy” 95, of NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023.  Jay was born on November 20, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY and attended Brookline High and Lawrence Academy, later graduating from Harvard University in 1948.  After graduating from Boston University Law School in 1951, Jay embarked on a 50 year law career in which he got his start as a labor lawyer for the Garment Workers Union and Cohn, Reimer & Pollack.  Later, Jay became a founding member and managing partner of Kaye, Fialkow, Richmond & Rothstein in Boston and joined its successor, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, serving as Managing Partner of its Boston office.  Jay also served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Assistant Attorney General from 1963-1965, appointed by Senator Edward W. Brooke.

Jay’s philanthropic work was prolific as he served on the Board of Directors of the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Israel Histradrut, Hebrew Senior Life, Jewish National Fund, and was former Chairman of Combined Jewish Philanthropies.  Jay continued to be heavily involved with the Finance Committee at Newbridge on the Charles (where he also served as the Mayor to all that knew him).

Jay was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jane Maretz to whom he was married  for 62 years. They are survived by three children, Linda Sternberg (the late Richard), David Fialkow (Nina) and Debby Zabludowski (the late Danny).  He was a larger-than-life grandfather to Michael (Vanessa), Matthew (McKay), Julian, Olivia (Streeter), Jason (Melanie), and the late Jamie and a proud great-grandfather to Logan and Avery.

The family wants to thank Jay’s long-time caregiver, our angel, Marie Alexandre for her constant love, positivity, and care.  Marie, we love you!

In addition to being a brilliant labor lawyer, grand problem solver, and the best father and grandfather, his dynamic and loving personality made him a favorite “go to” of his friend’s kids and his kid’s friends.

The burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon St., Brookline, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 11:30 am. Following the service a reception will be held at The Temple until 2:00 pm.

Gifts may be made in memory of Jay Fialkow to Hebrew Senior Life, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131, or via hebrewseniorlife.org/TributeGift.

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Dr. Ralph Williams Levine of Lexington, MA died peacefully at his home on May 25,2023.  He was a 1959 Graduate of Michigan State Veterinary School and ran a small animal practice in Burlington, MA for over 5 decades.  He was born on March 21,1935 in Waterville, Maine. He was one of 10 children.

He leaves behind a loving wife of 65 years and 3 grown children: David, Jonathan and Rachael, and 4 grandchildren: Benjamin Levine, Max, Reina and Sam Ades.  Expressions of sympathy can be made in Ralph’s honor to the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center.  350 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Tuesday, May 30 at 12:45 pm.

Shiva will be at the Levine residence Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 7:00-9:00 pm.

Dr. Louis S. Bortnick of Hingham passed away peacefully at his home on May 24, 2023 after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.  He was the beloved father of Karen Bortnick, Robert Bortnick and Lisa Bortnick Noble and cherished grandfather of Michael Bortnick, Anna Bortnick, Dana Noble and Isaac Noble.   Family meant everything to Lou.

Lou had a successful career as a general dentist serving the South Shore community.  He was a proud graduate of Williams College and Harvard School of Dental Medicine.  In addition to his role as a father, husband and dentist, he was also a longtime coach and mentor at Camp Alton in Wolfeboro, NH.

Louis was also an extraordinary advocate for animal rights and protection and was devoted to his golden retrievers.  It is the family’s wish that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to an animal charity of their choice.

Funeral services are private.

Ruth Siegle (Rubin), of Nashua, NH, formerly of West Newton, and West Peabody, MA, passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 24, 2023. Beloved wife of 55 years of the late Arnold Siegle. Devoted mother of Wendee Glick Curley and her husband Jim, Carol Muldoon and her late husband Ricky, and the late Vicki Siegle. Cherished grandmother of Scott Glick and his wife Mindy, Nicole Letourneau and her husband Tyler, and Hayden Muldoon and his fiancé Meghan Johnson. Proud great-grandmother of Maci and Cole Letourneau. Daughter of the late Etta and Jacob Rubin, Loving sister of the late Evelyn Chalfin and her late husband Alexander.

In her earlier years, Ruth and her husband Arnold were worldly travelers. Ruth appreciated music and the arts. She had a passion for collecting artwork from the local artisans in many countries throughout their travels. Family and friends fondly remember her passion for singing songs from The Great American Songbook and her days of Adagio dancing. She was a lifelong learner with a pivotal work ethic as a young woman. From a young age she worked for her parent’s family kosher catering company and later educating herself on the emerging technology of word processing and held a corporate training position for Stop and Shop companies.

When Ruth was not doting on her family during visits, she was filling in anyone who would listen on their latest accomplishments and her fond admiration. You could always rely on her as a warmhearted conversationalist, and it was predictable she would tell you a few of her best jokes. She was the queen of the bingo table, and as a naturally born fashionista it was expected if she was stepping out for a game, you would find her dressed to impress with jewels to match. It is easy to understand why her favorite television show was “The Bold and The Beautiful”, because she was simply that, exceptionally bold and extremely beautiful, and encouraged those around her to live the same way.

Funeral services will be held at the Allen Center, 35 Webster Street, Newton, MA on Sunday, May 28, 2023 promptly at 12:30pm. The family requests that in true Ruth fashion, and in appreciation for her sense of style and love of all things “bling” that those in attendance dress in lively colors to celebrate the beauty of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice House in Merrimack NH.

To view the recording of the service please click here.

Phyllis (Belsky) Feld of Gloucester passed away suddenly on May 23rd, 2023 surrounded by family and cherished friends.

Phyllis was born July 12th 1941 in Boston, raised on Blue Hill Ave in Mattapan with her older brothers Larry and Gerry. In her youth she spent countless summers camping at state parks along Cape Cod with her parents, Max and Ida.

She attended Jeremiah E Burke High School and continued her education at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY. She married Jerry Feld in 1970, living in Jamaica Way Tower before settling in Brookline MA, where she made many lifelong friendships. She had a lengthy career working for M Brown and Company, designing offices and commercial interiors for 17 years before starting her family, giving birth to her sons Jonah and Gabriel.

In her second career as an artist, she began her studies at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with still life painting and later became a plein air painter travelling to France, Italy, and outer Cape Cod. Her passion for art led her to memberships of the Newton, Concord, and North Shore Arts Association and an associate member of the Rockport Arts Association.

She was a deeply devoted daughter, caring for her parents in their later years, especially her beloved mother Ida who lived to 104. She was an equally devoted grandmother to Miles, Maisy and Elliott, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Phyllis is survived by her brothers Larry and wife Elaine, Gerry and wife Evelyn, her son Jonah and wife Gillian, and her three grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Jerry, and her son Gabriel.

Services will be held on May 25, 2023 at Sharon Memorial Park at 1:45 followed by Shiva at her home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local arts association.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89639504270

Arthur J. Epstein, of Boca Raton, FL,  86 yrs, passed peacefully on May 21, 2023.  Arthur grew up in Malden, MA and married his high school sweetheart, Eunice (Sandler) z”l, in 1958.  They began their married life in Peabody before settling in Marblehead where they raised their three children Julie, Lauren and Jonathan.  While in high school Arthur worked in his father’s Wakefield factory, Mystic Enterprises.  After his father passed when Arthur was sixteen, he took on more responsibilities at Mystic.  He began his career with Midas Muffler in 1965 when a friend of his mother offered him the opportunity to buy his Malden Midas shop.  Eventually Arthur became the second largest franchise owner in the country.

In recent years Arthur focused much of his attention on philanthropy.  His particular but not exclusive, areas of interest were Jewish education and mental health.  In 2017 the Cohen Hillel Academy in Marblehead was renamed the Epstein Hillel School in recognition of his very generous gift.  In memory of his late wife, Eunice, who suffered with bipolar disorder for most of her adult life, he created The Epstein Center for Behavioral Health, a 120-bed unit caring for adults and children at North Shore Medical Center in Salem, MA.  He also prided himself on supporting young entrepreneurs pursuing their passions.  He invested in people and enjoyed seeing them flourish.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Bryna Litchman as well as his children, Julie and JB Nadal, Lauren and Mark Rubin and Linn and Jonathan Epstein.  Most dear to his heart were his six grandchildren, Jake, Grace, Zoe, Amy, Mathias and Noah, his “three kings and three queens”, whom he boasted about at every opportunity.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 11 am, at Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore, 55 Atlantic Ave., Swampscott, MA.  Burial will follow at Shirat Hayam Cemetery 506 Lowell St., Peabody, MA. Shiva will be observed on Thursday, May 25^th from 10-1PM at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton Ma. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Epstein Hillel School, 6 Community Rd., Marblehead, MA 01945.

Edith White, age 103 went home to her God on May 22, 2023.  Present for her journey were her son, David, and her devoted personal aide Marie Paul.  Edith is survived David White (Mary) of Brockton, granddaughters Sarah Woodard of Colorado and Debbie Hewes (Henry) of California, nephew Frankin Levy (Lynda) of California and nieces Barbara Arnold of Newton, Adele Miller (Marty) of Easton, Linda Shapiro (Steve) of Virginia, Susan Fine (David Bruckart) of New York and many great-nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents Louis and Rae Franklin of Brighton, beloved husband Aaron, daughter Joy Petitte (Michael Manheim) of Newton, grandson Tim Petitte of New York, and sisters Doris Levy and Winifred Franklin both of Newton.

Edie loved children and for several years volunteered to read to children in a local elementary school.  More recently, she enjoyed visits from her step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was also an avid reader, loved to walk and was an exceptional gardener, wringing beauty out of a small, mostly shady yard.

Friends and family are invited to attend Edith’s funeral service on Wednesday, 5/24/23 at 1:00 PM at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, in Sharon, with burial immediately following in Sharon Memorial Park.  There will be a catered Shiva at her home.  If unable to attend, please consider a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 465 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 202, Waltham, MA, 02452, which would be greatly appreciated.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Funeral service at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11 am. Interment to follow at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery.

Following interment, memorial observance will be at the home of Karen and Allen Block until 9 pm, Wednesday, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, and Thursday, 2-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness

Jewish Family Services – Metrowest

or Temple Israel of Natick

Of West Roxbury, age 87, died on May 15, 2023 after period of declining health. Born in Rochester, NY, and raised in Windsor, Ontario. Merwyn was the son of the late Frank and Rose Bear. Husband to Marion Weiss Bear, father of Michael and his wife Julie, Susan and her husband Michael Hill, and Barry and his wife Anne Mavor. Loving grandfather of Kyle and his wife Sophia Conover, Caitlin Conover, Sydney, Hannah and Samantha Bear, Wyatt and Jessie Hill, Ronald, Frank and Rebecca Bear. Great Grandfather of Koufax and Fig Conover. Along with his biological family, Merwyn was honorary uncle and great uncle to the McCarthy and Shepherd clans. Graduate of University of Pennsylvania 1958, BSE Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut 1963, MSE Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Merwyn spent his professional career as a mechanical engineer founding his own company, Bear Engineering.  An early adopter of technology, he was ahead of his time in his appreciation for high fidelity electronics and computers. He was a loyal and steadfast friend with an adept ear at listening more than talking and a dry sense of humor.  He will be remembered for his wide smile, boisterous laugh and big hugs for friends and family. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston at 11:00 am. Parking on the Riverway. Shiva on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the home of Susan Bear and Michael Hill. Remembrances may be made to the Parkway Community YMCA, 1972 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA 02132.