Obituaries

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.

To view livestream link click here

Attorney Robert Alan Faneuil of Needham, formerly of Newton, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023, having just marked his 74th birthday.

He was the devoted husband of Leslie (Saidel) of more than 48 years and beloved father to his three Faneuil girls: Stacey of Needham, MA, Alicia of Westfield, NJ, and Jaclyn of Needham, MA. He was granted his lifelong wish of having sons when he became father-in-law to Simon Mann, Dr. Lee Gerson, and Matthew Gorman.  He was the cherished “Pa” of Jacob, Tyler, Scott, Jordan, Ryan, and his little princess, Olivia. Son of the late Phillip F. Faneuil and Irene (Grass), brother of Nancy F. King and the late Edward J. Faneuil, brother-in-law of Helene (Ostroff) and Marshall and Ellen (Taylor) Saidel. Uncle to Ari and Jesse Faneuil, Phillip and Michelle King, and Joshua, Matthew, and Daniel Saidel. He was a father figure to many.

Robert was the family’s patriarch.  He approached everything in life with passion and dedication.  He taught his children how to love without limits and that quitters never win, and winners never quit.  He was the ultimate, die-hard Boston sports fan with a knack for remembering the details of any and every sporting event of years past.  His legacy lives on through his guidance, silliness, and unwavering love that has touched so many.

Funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA on Sunday, April 30 at 12:30pm.  Burial at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva to follow at Temple Beth Shalom from 4-6 pm. Shiva will continue at the home of Stacey and Simon Mann Monday and Tuesday 4-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s honor can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cheryl W. Skura of Marlborough, MA, formerly of Brookline and Needham, MA, passed away on April 26^th, with her family by her side.  Beloved and devoted wife of Arthur Skura, mother of Sam Skura and his wife, Mindy Skura, Stacey Skura Zedeck and her husband, Jason Zedeck, and Rachel Burris and her husband, Brad Burris.  Cherished Nana to her grandchildren: Adam, Stephanie, Joey, Molly, Ella, Lilly, Sienna and Scarlett.  Dear sister to Sara Kane and the late Harry H. Wise, and sister-in-law to Brenda Skura.

Cheryl will be remembered for her love and loyalty to family and friends.  She was particularly proud of her eight grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy.  Cheryl was an avid sports fan and especially loved her Patriots and Red Sox.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family on Friday, April 28^th.  Cheryl enjoyed spending her mornings watching native birds through her kitchen window; in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the National Audubon Society.

David A. Bailen, M.D.

David A. Bailen, of Dedham, formerly of Newton, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. Beloved and devoted husband of Helene Bailen of 57 years. Loving father of Laurence Bailen, M.D., and his wife Jennifer Weber, of Newton and Mark Bailen and his wife Jessica Rosenworcel, of Washington, DC. Cherished Papa of Daniel, Lily and Molly Bailen, of Newton, and Caroline and Emmett Bailen, of Washington, DC. Beloved uncle of Jeffrey Kateman and his wife Nam, Jonathan Kateman and his wife Millie, Jill Glashow and her husband Jason, Laurie Medvinsky and her husband Larry, and Eric Davidson and his wife Kelly, and brother-in-law of Kenneth Davidson. He will also be missed by numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Judy Bailen Kateman, brother-in-law Paul Kateman, and sister-in-law Arlene Davidson.

He was born in Boston on July 27, 1941 to Marion and Edward Bailen. A devoted son to his parents, David was also a cherished nephew to numerous aunts and uncles.  He was raised in Brookline and Newton.  He attended the Driscoll Elementary School in Brookline and Weeks Junior High School in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1959, Brown University in 1963, and Boston University School of Medicine in 1967, where he was an Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society graduate. He was Chief Resident in Medicine at University Hospital, Boston Medical Center and subsequently completed a fellowship in Rheumatology. He went on to develop a thriving primary care practice at Boston Medical Center spending his entire 40 year career there. He loved internal medicine and the relationships he formed with his patients.  He was known throughout the medical center as a superior diagnostician, an intelligent, dedicated, and, above all, kind individual and physician. He was beloved by hospital staff and patients alike.  He was a doctor’s doctor.

As an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at BU School of Medicine and Instructor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, David taught students and medical residents at Boston Medical Center and Faulkner Hospital for many years. He was President of the Medical-Dental Staff at Boston Medical Center and served as President of the medical staff at the former Jewish Memorial Hospital in Roxbury. He also served as Chair of the Patient Care Committee and other committees at Boston Medical Center. He was President of the BU School of Medicine Alumni Association, dedicating many hours to the medical school.

David was devoted to his synagogue, Temple Israel of Boston. He regularly attended weekly Torah study, Shabbat services, and many educational and musical programs. He served as Chair of the Music Committee. 

He was a voracious reader, constantly curious, loved making connections with everyone he encountered, and enjoyed teaching, especially his children and grandchildren.  His interests were as varied as classical, ragtime, and cajun music, politics, foreign affairs, public transportation, especially trains, and New England beaches. He loved walking, swimming, and music.  He was an eternal optimist and loved life.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel of Boston, 477 Longwood Ave, on Sunday April 23 at 1:30pm. Interment to follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Wakefield.  Shiva will follow on Sunday, 7-9pm, Monday, 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Tuesday 7-9pm at Jennifer and Laurence’s home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Fund for Music at Temple Israel of Boston (https://www.tisrael.org/make-ti-yours/give-to-temple-israel) and/or to the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (www.bu.edu/give2busm) under the “Dean’s Discretionary Fund” with a note that the gift is in memory of David A. Bailen, M.D

of Dedham, MA, formerly of Newton, MA on April 20, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Norman Lichtin. Devoted mother Harold Lichtin, Sara Boyd, Daniel Lichtin. Cherished grandmother of Karla Boyd, Sharon Boyd, Nathaniel Lichtin, Rebecca Lichtin, Joanna Lichtin, and Samantha Lichtin. Proud great grandmother of Yael Boyd, Liora Boyd, and Quentin Price. Graveside service at Temple Emanuel Memorial Park, 497 North Ave., Randolph, MA on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2 pm. A memorial service will begin at NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Greatmeadow Rd., Dedham at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to the Boston Medical Center Grow Clinic.

Marian Chase Broder passed away on April 19th, 2023 at the age of 81 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Marian was a passionate, creative, and engaged mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. Wherever she went in life she created meaningful connections and communities, inspiring those around her with unbounded optimism, playful humor, and a tireless pursuit of learning. To know Marian was to be pulled into the orbit of her relentless curiosity and her wholehearted love of life.

Marian grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of Bertha and Samuel Chase and sister to Audrey. She attended Sarah Lawrence College where she received her bachelor’s degree. In what would come to be a well-known feature of Marian’s personality, she continued to push forward in pursuit of education and meaningful contributions, graduating from Columbia University School of International Affairs and Case Western Reserve University School of Law.  Marian started her career working as a research assistant at The White House Conference on Civil Rights, in the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health and then in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, in Washington DC.

Though many vied for Marian’s affection while she lived in Bethesda, there were none who caught her eye until she agreed to a blind date with the handsome man who turned into her “bashert,” Martin. Martin asked Marian to marry him on their second date, only to be turned down. Little did he know, also consistent with Marian’s clarity of vision, she then went out and bought her wedding dress, a white minidress perfectly embodying her sassy and classy spirit in one elegant dress. Martin realized quickly after meeting Marian that a life with her meant he would never be bored. He did not need to propose again- it just became clear that they were meant to continue on together.

Marian and Martin married in 1969 and began a life that was a blessing and a constant adventure. They built a life together on the bedrock of shared values and intellectual pursuits, with their combined curiosity always broadening their horizons. They were blessed with four children: Sharon (David, Brookline, MA), Jennifer (Arlington, MA), Molly (Ed, New Rochelle, NY), and Sam (Alecia, Anchorage, AK) and seven grandchildren, Rayna, Adam, Jack, Charlie, Daniel, Beth, and Maggie. Marian felt that her primary job in life was to give her children and grandchildren “roots and wings,” imprinting in them fundamental values of love, decency, compassion, generosity, and the importance of family, so they could fly. Marian’s love for family was a guiding principle in her life. She made spending time with her family her number one priority, endlessly planning creative activities from salamander hunts to family Passover plays. In addition to involvement with her children and grandchildren, she avidly researched genealogy, updated family trees, planned and organized family reunions and other small gatherings to keep her family close and connected.

Professionally, Marian’s law career continued in Cleveland, OH, and Springfield, MA, where she worked for private law firms, was an attorney for nursing homes and taught health law and medical ethics at Western New England University School of Law. Though a lawyer by profession, Marian was an avid volunteer, especially in the Jewish community. She was proud of her Jewish identity and appreciated the values and wisdom offered to her by Judaism. She was an active member of Temple Beth El for over 40 years. Her community was enriched by her boundless energy, her creative spirit, and legendary attention to detail.

Additionally, she poured her skills, knowledge and dedication into projects at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, as a member of its Ethics Committee, its Institutional Review Board and the Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Breast Center. She was also the Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Nursing Home of Western Massachusetts and served on the Board of Temple Beth El. In 1998, she co-authored a book “Memories of Zionism: An oral history of residents of greater Springfield and the Pioneer Valley.”

Characteristically Marian threw herself into a range of hobbies that largely focused on bringing people together and sharing ideas. She participated in multiple book clubs, organized murder mystery games, wrote lively stories about her own memories, recorded oral histories of her family and friends, and enjoyed water aerobics. She passed on her love of nature walks, bird watching, and ocean vistas to her children.

Marian brought love and light to so many of her relationships. She found joy wherever she could and taught her family to do the same. She fostered creativity and loved unconditionally. Her unflagging determination to immerse herself in family, ideas, literature, culture, Judaism, and the natural world regularly amazed everyone who knew her.

Those wishing to honor Marian are welcome to donate to Rays of Hope at Baystate Health Foundation [https://secure2.convio.net/bayhf/site/TR?fr_id=1240&pg=entry], helping individuals in the fight against breast cancer. Or smile at someone, ask them about themselves, and listen to their story.

Entrepreneur, Devoted to Family and Friends

Henry D. Vara, Jr.

At age 85, of Holbrook, formerly of West Newton and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away on April 18, 2023. Born in Brookline, he graduated from The Michael Driscoll Elementary School, maintaining  friendships with his classmates until his passing. Henry attended Bordentown Military Institute in New Jersey, Boston University, and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His entrepreneurial spirit was established as a young man. He began investing in real estate and development as the owner of Rocky Point and Crescent Park amusement parks in Rhode Island. He developed an interest in media by founding several television and radio stations across the country, among them KKCO, an NBC affiliate in Boulder, CO, WJTC in Pensacola, FL, WRCC in Ft. Myers, FL, WKGR in West Palm Beach, FL, and KSKI in Vail, CO.

Henry was President of The Boston Charitable Society. He was the owner of the famed Studio54 in New York City, The Kenmore Club, Jacques in Boston’s Bay Village, and clubs in New Hampshire, Texas, and California. At one time, he owned the most liquor licenses in the City of Boston. He owned and operated Crown and Anchor Motor Inn in Provincetown, Mill Hill Club in West Yarmouth, MaryAnn’s in Brighton, Beacon Hill Pub, and Fathers 1,2,3,& 4. He loved antique automobiles, including a rare 1937 Packard Super 8, one of only ten in the world. But with all his entrepreneurial projects, Henry was about family and endearing long-lasting  friendships.

Beloved husband of Patricia Nee and the late Virgina “Gini” (Gangi) Vara. Dear son of the late Henry Dante Vara and Angelina Riccio Vara. Devoted father of Holli Pauline Vara and her husband Tom Donnelly, Henry Dante Vara III, Christian Dante Vara and his wife Ellen and the late Lisa Ann Vara. Cherished grandfather of Lisa and Zachary McAuliffe, Nicholas, Mitchell, Jack-Henry, Scott-Christian, Eliza, and Isabel Vara. Dear brother of the late Carmine A. Vara. Dear brother-in-law of Louis P. Gangi and his wife Vincenza M., and Lawrence P. Gangi and his wife, Jesse.  A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Church, 1523 Washington St., West Newton, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment  will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours at The Burke and Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton, on Friday from 3-7 pm. Remembrances may be made to Shrinerschildrens.org.