Obituaries

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Samuel Stern of Needham and Dedham, MA, died on May 28, 2023 at age 84 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Furth, Germany in 1939, Sam was a child survivor of the Holocaust, and was liberated from Bergen-Belsen in 1945 with his mother and brother.  They moved to New York in 1947 to start a new life.  He graduated from City College of New York and went on to earn advanced degrees in biophysics and marine biology at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Miami.

After teaching at both Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University, Sam settled into a long academic career at Boston University, where he taught multiple subjects including biology, computer science, and math. In 1978, Sam received the prestigious Metcalf Teaching Award for excellence in teaching at BU.  He went on to become a Dean at BU’s Metropolitan College and at the College of General Studies and served as Special Assistant to the President.

Settling with his family in Needham in 1971, Sam enjoyed coaching baseball and spending time as a key member of the Friends of the Needham Public Library.  He and his loving partner, Charlotte, moved from Needham to Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham in 2018, where they quickly developed new friendships and became active members in the community.

Sam was known for his sardonic sense of humor, his extensive knowledge in many fields, his keen eye for rare books, and his love of fishing.  His son and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  Sam’s story of Holocaust survival has been recorded and shared as part of the USC Shoah Foundation video project, in the writings of Bernice Lerner (“The Triumph of Wounded Souls,” ©2004), and in the annals of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Sam often spoke at local schools and synagogues about his experiences during the war.

Sam was married for 42 years to Doris Naimark Stern, who passed away in 2004.  He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Karolina Stern, and by his stepfather, David Schneebalg (Ruth).  He is survived by his son, Alan (Lori Tenser), and their children, Reuben, Jeremy and Celia Stern, by his brother, Peter (Julie), and by his loving partner, Charlotte Chase, her children and grandchildren.

Services at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Beit Olam Cemetery, 60 Old Sudbury Rd, Wayland (Enter through North Cemetery).

Donations can be made to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Boston Bullpen Project, or Newbridge on the Charles Scholarship Fund.

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Alan Bruce Glou, age 89 of Needham, MA passed away peacefully on May 22, 2023, in his home.

Alan was born on October 4, 1933, to Jack and Cele Glou in Scranton, PA. He graduated from Central High School in Scranton, PA in 1951 where he organized and directed a 14-piece swing band, the “Stardusters”, and stayed close with many of his bandmates throughout his life. He graduated from Penn State University in 1955 and was a member of Beta Sigma Rho Fraternity.

Alan started his career as an Industrial Engineer at IBM in Endicott, New York. In 1956 he was drafted into the Army where he held the rank of Specialist (SP3) and completed his basic training at Fort Hood, in Texas. He was stationed outside Frankfurt, Germany during the Korean War, where he served in the 3^rd Armored tank Division.  He also acted as the assistant to the Commanding Officer before being honorably discharged in 1958.  Alan then returned to IBM for two years before moving to Boston in 1960 where he began working at the employment agency Snelling and Snelling and opened their Waltham Office.  He often said that he fell in love with the Charles River because it reminded him of the Rhine River in Germany.

In 1964, he established Glou Associates, headquartered in Needham, MA and later changed the name to Glou International because his clients and offices spanned across the globe including an office in London.  He had extensive experience in dealing with senior management in larger firms and start-up organizations in both the public and private sectors throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.  He was well respected and admired by many and even after he retired in 2002, he continued to offer his wisdom and knowledge.

Alan took pride in “Making Good Companies Great”.  He was a recognized expert in international business and has been quoted in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe.  He was often a guest on radio and television talk shows and was the keynote speaker at several conferences and conventions.  He also mentored international students in his capacity as an Executive in Residence at Brandeis University which he was extremely proud of.

Alan was married to Eleanor Stone Glou until she passed away at a young age on March 10, 1975. They had three children (Karen Joseph, Lori Shone and Brian Glou) and resided in Needham, MA.  He married Marjorie Glou in 1979 and was devoted to her two children (Lisa Tanzer, Kevin Tanzer) and their entire blended family.  Alan was an active and very involved father and grandfather of twelve.  He always prioritized family and made every effort to be present and involved in all activities, special occasions, and everyday life moments.

Alan was active in his retirement.  He was proud of his involvement with the Boston FBI Citizens’ Academy where he graduated from a special program and served as an active member for many years.  He was a leader and proud member of the Newton Swing Band where he entertained patients at the Roxbury VA and local nursing homes and was also an active member of the Needham Senior Center.

The family remembers many happy times together.  There are too many to recount but some of those happy times include skiing at Loon Mountain, swimming in the family pool, watching Alan perform with his senior band and his many musical theater performances. Most importantly, Alan had a great perspective on life and encouraged everyone around him to have a positive attitude and strive to live each day to the fullest.  He lived by the motto “Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda” and encouraged his family to do the same.  His impact will last for generations to come.

He is survived by his children Karen Joseph (Robert), Lori Shone (Rob), Lisa Tanzer (Chris), Brian Glou (Jodi) and Kevin Tanzer (Becky).  His memory lives on through his grandchildren; Melanie Joseph, Benjamin Lewis, Jarod Glou, Ryan Joseph, Justin Glou, Owen Tanzer, Jessica Lewis, Talia Joseph, Abby Tanzer, Ethan Shone, Jeremy Shone, Sam Tanzer and other special relationships: Harmon Lewis, Tara Conway.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Shalom of Needham on Monday, May 29 at 10 am. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park the family will be receiving visitors at Temple Beth Shalom until 5pm and 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Chesed (Caring) Fund at Temple Beth Shalom of Needham, Hebrew Senior Life’s Hospice Fund or Hebrew Senior Life’s Power A Dream – both organizations that Margie has actively supported and help others in a time of need.

Barbara (Lief) Hurwitz passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home in Weymouth after a brief illness on May 27th 2023 . Barbara was born and raised in Dorchester before moving to Milton with her late parents, Abraham, (Al) and Beatrice Lief. She married the love of her life, the late Norman Hurwitz, in September 1963. Barbara was a homemaker and a mother to her two children, Robin Lee, and Karen MacLeod before taking on a marketing job at the South Shore Plaza, where she loved to meet people, take them to participate in various marketing surveys and shop when she was finished working for the day. She loved to spend her Saturdays with her sister Lois going shopping and out to lunch. Her greatest love and biggest pride was being a grandmother to her six grand children.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Lois Lief of Walpole, her daughter, Robin Lee, and son-in-law, Joseph Lee, and their three children Nicole, Austin, and Lindsay, all of Weymouth , Her daughter, Karen MacLeod, son-in-law, Duncan MacLeod, and their three children, Allyson, Jack, and Ben all of Virginia Beach as well as nieces and nephews. A private graveside service for family will be held on Thursday June 1st. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects at the Sit Shiva which will be held at the home of Robin and Joe Lee at 73 Heather Lane Weymouth on Thursday June 1st between the hours of 1 p.m and 7 p.m. and on Friday June 2nd between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to  Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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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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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.