Obituaries

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.

In Loving Memory of Carol Comras (nee Goodman)

Carol Comras, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed away on May 15, 2023, at the age of 70. She leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy of friendship to those who knew her.

Born on May 16, 1952, Carol was the daughter of Margery and Jerome Goodman. She grew up in the warm embrace of her family home in Brookline, Massachusetts, alongside her sister Jane. Following in the footsteps of her father, Carol pursued a career in law, becoming an accomplished attorney and taking over her father’s practice. She married Marc Comras, and together they built a life brimming with happiness. Carol and Marc were blessed with two wonderful children, Daniel and Alison.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Carol found immense joy and fulfillment in her role as a mother and a dear friend to those around her.

Carol Comras is survived by her loving son, Daniel Comras, her beloved daughter, Alison Morrison, and her caring son-in-law, Derek Morrison. She will forever be remembered as a doting grandmother to her adored granddaughter, Emma Morrison. Carol’s memory will also be cherished by her sister, Jane, and the extended family and friends who had the privilege of sharing in her life.

Family and friends were always at the center of Carol’s world, and she treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchild, and longtime friends. Though Carol has left us, her legacy of resilience, care, and love will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her family and friends find solace in the beautiful memories they shared with her.

Funeral services will be held on May 18, 2023 in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park at 1 PM. Burial will follow. Friends and family are welcome to join in remembering and celebrating the remarkable life of Carol Comras.

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.