Obituaries

Of Boston, May 13, 2023, Dr. Henry H. Banks lived to celebrate his 102^nd birthday with his wife of 78 years, Judith R. (Epstein) Banks. His story is a very American one. As the child of Isaac and Bessie Banks, immigrants from Lithuania, he grew up in Boston attending Boston Latin School, Harvard College (Class of 1942) and Tufts University Medical School (Class of 1945). Because his education happened during World War II, his medical school education was crammed into three years so that he could serve overseas. Always a student of American history, he was proud of being a veteran. He began his medical career at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, Massachusetts General Hospital and what was at that time, the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. In 1970, he was recruited by Tufts New England Medical Center to build their orthopedic department and other orthopedic departments throughout the Boston area. Always a believer in practicing the art of medicine, he was sought out as a speaker, a physician, a diagnostician and a supportive presence. He spoke all over the world and patients arrived in Boston from Asia and Europe to have the benefit of his expertise. He had a particular interest in children with cerebral palsy and was a key presence at the clinic that focused on this population at the Barnstable County Handicapped Children’s clinic in Pocasset, Massachusetts. When Dr. Banks became Dean of Tufts Medical School in 1983, staff members at the clinic guessed that he would be too important and too busy to continue helping the families that they served. They remember being very wrong about Dr. Banks. He always showed up for them. After Dr. Banks retired from being Dean in 1990, he continued writing books and consulting on cases. During his career, he served as President and Executive Director of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He believed in the importance of protecting one’s reputation and of being loyal to his family. He embodied these values throughout his life. He and his wife, Judy have a large family: Dr. Curt and Nancy Civin of Baltimore and their children Joshua Civin and Katherine Newberger, and Marcus Civin, Betsy and David Epstein of Boston and their children Jessica and Shane Baron, Aron Epstein and Jacqueline Bell, and Jason and Cecily Epstein, Steven Banks and Judge Jean Schneider of Brooklyn and their children Harry and Katie Banks, and Susanna Banks and Lloyd Lesperance. Their ten great grandchildren are: Marshall and Olivia, Simon, Asher, Miriam, Hal, Levi, Eli, Lydia and Noah. Always an avid photographer, Dr. Banks amassed a treasure trove of photographs of each family member.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:30 am at Temple Israel 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA (parking on riverway). Burial will follow at Lindwood Memorial Park, 490 North St., Randolph, MA. Contributions may be made to the Judith R. and Henry H. Banks MD Scholarship Fund at Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111.  medicine-giving@tufts.edu

Shiva will be private.

John Marshall Cohen (1937-2023), a dedicated fixture in the Boston area pediatric community, died May 10th in Newton, Massachusetts.

Dr. Cohen’s mantra, uttered to patients and strangers alike, was “Babies are my people!” His gregarious nature and congenial bedside manner belied a steadfast commitment to pediatric care and to his friends and family.

Growing up in Providence, RI, Dr. Cohen attended Classical High School and then Brown University. Determined to be a pediatrician despite advice to pursue a more lucrative specialty, he graduated from Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Cohen was a loyal and active alumnus, supporting Brown and Albany Medical College with his heart as well as his wallet.

After earning his Doctor of Medicine and serving two years overseas in the Air Force, Dr. Cohen settled in the Boston area.  As his reputation for care and compassion grew, his practice – pediatrics at Newton-Wellesley – grew with him. He touched generations of families, often caring for former patients’ children and, eventually, their grandchildren. Additionally, he ran Newton-Wellesley Hospitals’ Pediatric Department for many years. Never one to hold back, he was a fierce advocate of high-quality care and behavioral health.

Dr. Cohen’s expertise and familiar manner led him to anchor Channel 5’s noon-day call in segment “Ask the Pediatrician” for many years and, later, “America’s Health Network”. His presence on the airwaves enlivened his personal life – from Boston to Cape Cod, he was regularly greeted with a “Hey Dr. Cohen!” from the familiar and unfamiliar alike.  With his wide ranging impact on children’s medicine, at his truest essence john would earnestly say, “I’m a baby doc”. 

Dr. Cohen played as hard as he worked. On the Cape, he enjoyed bringing family and friends out on his boat, “John’s Excellent Adventure,” to pull lobster traps, fish, and have the occasional adventure when navigation became sketchy. He also loved giving fresh tomatoes from his hyper-productive Cape garden. He travelled extensively to all four points of the compass with his family and friends, documenting the adventures with compelling photography.  John’s joy was sharing his travel passion with his children and grandchildren. 

Dr. Cohen took an active role in organizations and causes he was passionate about. An avid fan of theater, he enthusiastically supported The Huntington Theater Company and its productions, also serving as a board member. He also served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and The New England Aquarium.

Dr. Cohen is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bette (Levinger) Cohen, of Boston, MA. Beloved father of Deborah C. Friedman (Mark) and David P. Cohen (Jennifer), all of New York, NY. Cherished Grandfather of Sydney & Taylor Friedman and Gabrielle & Ryan Cohen. Adored brother of Richard (Flora) Cohen.

Graveside service will be private. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 17th from 5pm to 8pm at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston.

Donations in Dr. Cohen’s memory may be made the Huntington Theater Company and Planned Parenthood of MA.

To view recording of service click here

Nanci Sue Peters of Boston, formerly of Newton, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023. Beloved daughter of the late George and Rebecca (Krongard) Peters. Dear sister of Jane Evans and the late Harvey Peters. Devoted aunt and great-aunt of Douglas, Craig, Laura, Joshua and Suzanne, Danielle, Sam, Stephanie, Rachel, Alison and Evey. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10:45 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Notre Dame Hospice, 555-559 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.

To register for the livestream, please click here.

Melvin Gondelman, formerly of Milton, MA has passed away after a long battle with health issues.  He was 86.
Born and raised in the West End of Boston, he moved to Dorchester as a teen.
Son of the late Aaron and Yetta Gondelman.
Devoted husband of his loving wife Myrna “Mikki” (Kobey) for 58 years.
Proud father of Adam and Jen Gondelman of Milton, Dana and Charlie Gondelman of Walpole, and Jay and Tracey Gondelman of Natick.
Loving Papa of Joshua, Zachary, Samantha, Jacob, Hannah, Jordyn, and Abbey.
Brother of the late Beatrice Lief and the late Samuel Gondelman
Uncle of Steven Gondelman, Rhona Pinta, Barbara Hurwitz, and Lois Lief
Great-uncle to Robin Lee, Karen Macleod, Marci Yazwinski, Shelley Dasilva, Lori Gondelman,Joel Gondelman, AJ Gondelman, Ian Pinta, Mitchell Pinta
Melvin graduated from Boston English HS in 1954 and then briefly attended Northeastern University.  Melvin was drafted into the U.S. Army and he was stationed in Germany during the late 1950’s.
Melvin and Mikki lived in Mattapan when they were first married, and then moved to Milton to start a family in 1970.
Melvin was a charismatic, charming, philanthropic, larger-than-life man.  He loved his family, and family always came before anything else.  He was a coach and mentor to many kids in Milton for many years.  There was nothing he would rather do than spend time with his 7 grandchildren.  Whether it was at a sporting event or a play, or time down the Cape, Papa always made the time to show his support and have fun with the kids.
Melvin was a salesman who started off his career after serving in the army by working at a chocolate factory, and then selling wire. He then realized  he wanted to be his own boss. So, back in 1968, Melvin took a chance and started selling electronic components out of his one-bedroom apartment in Mattapan, with his wife as his secretary.  A year or two later, he rented a small office in Cambridge, where he remained and grew his company to 20 employees over the years.  A few setbacks and a major fire destroyed his dreams, but Melvin didn’t give up.  He pulled up his bootstraps and regrouped.  He started another company with his sons and moved the business to Brighton.  Melvin worked up until he was forced to retire at 80 years old. Services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim,10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11:00 am. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at the Cape Club Sharon, 25 Toit St., Sharon. Memorial observance will be at his residence on Friday from 12 noon until 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley.

Harvey Chansky 89, of Randolph MA, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023. Beloved son of the late Harry and Fanny Chansky and brother of the late Nathan Chansky, Lillian Andler, and Beatrice Katz. Harvey is lovingly survived by his wife Roberta (Siegel) Chansky and his sons: Howard Chansky, his wife Kari, Neal Chansky and his wife Cinzia. He was a loving Papa to his grandchildren Juliana, Alexander, Matthew, Joshua, Jacob, and Samuel. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harvey was an avid sports fan and basketball player in his youth for which he received many trophies and awards, including an opportunity to play in the Boston Garden. He shared his experiences and passion for sports with all of his loved ones.

Harvey was a 45 year employee of Ben Elfman & Son. Post retirement Harvey focused his energy on helping others by volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Randolph for 11 years. In addition to the many accolades from those he serviced, he was awarded a Presidential Letter of Achievement acknowledging his long term contributions to supporting those in need in his community.

A graveside service will be held at 11:45 am on Sunday May 14, 2023 at Sharon Memorial Park, Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. Memorial observance following the service will be held at the home of Neal and Cinzia Chansky until 6:00 pm. The memorial observance will continue at the home of Roberta Chansky, Monday through Wednesday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to either Alzheimer’s Association,  309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or Hebrew Senior Life, 1200 Centre Street, Roslindale, MA 02131.

Michael Alan Drukman, 87, of Brookline, MA, passed away on May 3, of natural causes. Michael was born on November 9, 1935, and was the son of Max, who owned a butcher shop in Central Square, Cambridge, and Helen Comman. He attended Brookline High School and later graduated from Tufts University. He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Roberta, and his sister Marjorie Effenson, his son Steven, and his daughter Linda.

Michael became something of a pioneer in the gift business, founding his company Madco, one of the largest agencies of its kind, with about 60 salespeople around the Northeast. At its peak it was the largest sales company in New England. Mickey, as he was known, loved children, dogs, food, travel, music (especially Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald), skiing and sightseeing in the state of Vermont. Most of all, he loved his many lifelong friends and his devoted family.  For these people, he will be remembered for his expansive nature, and by how he was ever-concerned about their well-being, and always unfailingly generous.

Donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Marilyn Bates, 86, of Waban and a resident at Hebrew Senior Life passed away on May 4th, 2023. Marilyn, was born on January 25th, 1937 in Brookline to Celia “Chickie” and Edward Masters. She attended Ward Elementary and Newton High School before attending and graduating Boston University. She was married for 43 years to Leonard Bates who pre-deceased her.

Marilyn always considered herself to be a very lucky person, she was a devoted and beloved wife, mom and grandmother. She loved flowers, playing mahjong and canasta, shmying, and enjoyed buying everything from tschotchkes to fine antiques in addition to many gifts for kids in her family. She took delight in spending time with her girlfriends. She was an excellent holiday parking spot finder and a funny storyteller. Marilyn also enjoyed playing tennis in her free time and looked forward to attending the US Open each year with her husband Lenny. She could always be counted on to bake wonderful challah, knishes, matzo ball soup and brisket for the Jewish high holidays.

Marilyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Debbie Bates of Nashua, her son David Bates and her 6 beloved grandchildren Julie, Josh, Elisabeth, Jack, Emma and Mia as well as her Brother Roy Masters of Marietta GA. Marilyn was a member of Temple Israel in Boston.

Rest in peace Mom. Graveside services will be held Sunday, May 7 at Lindwood Memorial Park,497 North St., Randolph at 1:30 in the afternoon. Shiva Sunday afternoon 3:30 to 8:00 at the home of Joe & Debbie Bates in Nashua. Remembrances may be made to Temple Israel, Boston

Edward Kantner (Canton, MA), age 94, died on May 1, 2023. Edward was the beloved husband of Carol Kantner. Edward was born in Munkacs, Hungary (now part of Ukraine), the son of Henrik Kantner (z”l) and Jenny Steinberger (z”l). He was a devoted father to Ronni Skerker and Paul Kantner (z”l) and the father-in-law to Paul Skerker. He also leaves behind granddaughters Jennifer Skerker and Abigail Skerker, and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was a Holocaust survivor who came to the United States following the war in 1947. Once in the US, he finished high school, went to college and graduate school, became a US citizen and met his wife, Carol. Edward and Carol were married for 61 ½ years! An oral history of his experiences before and during the war can be found here: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn701074

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 3, at 10:30 AM at Temple Emunah in Lexington and burial will follow immediately after at Congregation Shirat Hayam Cemetery (Temple Israel section) on Lowell Street in Peabody.

Shiva will be at the home of Ronni and Paul Skerker, in Lexington, on Wednesday, May 3, from 7 – 9 PM and Thursday, May 4, from 2-5 PM & 7-9 PM.  Minyan will be at 7:30 PM. Shiva will continue on Sunday, May 7, at Orchard Cove, 1 Del Pond Drive, Canton, from 2-4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his memory may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Washington, DC) or Hebrew Senior Life Hospice Care (Dedham, MA).

Lieb, Frances (Brody), of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 100! She was predeceased by her beloved husband David and her adored son Martin. She was the daughter of the late Sarah and Sigmund Brody, and one of five children, four who lived into their nineties.

Frances was the loving mother to her daughter Paula and her husband James Gould, and loving daughter-in-law Barbara. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Elliot and his wife Alicia, Stephanie, Scott, and Daniel. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always had a positive, and loving word for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed.

Private services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Friends of the IDF, PO Box 4224, NY, NY 10163, Yad Chessed, 440 Totten Pond Rd. #441, Waltham, MA 02451, Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, 333 Nahanton St., Newton, MA 02459, or Hebrew SeniorLife, 1200 Centre St., Boston, MA 02131.

A link to view the recorded service can be found here.

A link to view the recorded interment service can be found here.

Robert Rosen of Waltham, loving husband of Carolyn, formally of Norwood. Brother of Myrna Elkins and her husband Bill of Yarmouth port. Father of Joel and his wife Stacy of Natick, and Richard and his wife Claudia of Medfield. Grandfather of Sage, Madison, Tyler and Sam.  And uncle and great uncle to many loved nieces and nephews.

Bob was past President and Man of the Year Award of the Brotherhood of Temple Shaare Tefilah in Norwood. Graduated of Mass College of Pharmacy, Owner of Rosen Pharmacy and Belmont Medical which has been a pillar in the community for over 87 years.

Robert will be remembered for his kindness, his selflessness, sense of humor and his unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. Funeral service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 10 am. Livestream info can be found on funeral home website.

Following interment, memorial observance will be at the home of Rich and Claudia Rosen until 4 pm, and 6-8 pm. Memorial observance will continue Monday, 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm, and Tuesday 1-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to Temple Beth Elohim or Jewish Family and Children Services of Waltham.