Obituaries

Hal Cohen
March 3, 1941-March 18, 2023

Hal Cohen of Newton, MA passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023 at the age of 82. He was the loving father of Marcy Navarro (husband José), Kimberly Goldman, and Chari Cohen-Oliveira, proud grandfather of Joseph Navarro, Marc Navarro, Arielle Cohen-Oliveira and Amanda Cohen-Oliveira, and the ex-husband of Rosalyn (Stein) Cohen.

Predeceased by his parents Charlotte (Goodwin) and Maxwell Cohen, and his brother Bernard Cohen, Hal was born in Boston and lived in Newton all his life. He graduated from Newton High in 1959 and from Harvard University in 1963. His father was also a Harvard graduate. Hal took over his father’s corrugated box company, Maxwell Box, when he was a senior in college. He successfully ran Maxwell for many years until retirement.

He raised three daughters with his former wife Roz in Newton and enjoyed spending summers at Old Silver Beach in North Falmouth, MA. He was extremely involved in community affairs and regularly volunteered in the Upham’s Corner neighborhood of Boston. Hal was an avid Boston sports fan and was a Red Sox season ticket holder for many years. He also had an interest in flowers and plants, as he majored in biology with a focus in botany at Harvard.

The graveside service will take place at Lindwood Memorial Park, 497 North St., Randolph, MA on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 12:30 pm.

Following interment, memorial observance will be at Charles River Landing, 300 Second Ave., Needham, MA from 2-5 pm.

Please park in the front circular driveway, or on the street in front of the building.

Robert (Bob) Louis Kass, MD

August 29, 1963 – March 17, 2023

Robert Kass, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, loyal friend, physician and kind neighbor will be entered into rest on March 20th at the age of 59.

Bob was born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey  on August 29, 1963. He was the son of Brenda (Toub) Kass and the late Barry Kass. He graduated from Pequannock Township High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Growing up, Bob loved to make movies, enlisting family and friends to star in original stories.  He also was an avid reader of comics, a passion that led to an extensive knowledge of the characters and universes that defined those worlds.  At the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on the history of science, he also developed a broad love of music ranging from opera to punk.

Following his lifelong passion to help people, he completed his medical degree in family practice and then moved on to focus on geriatrics, specifically late stage dementia patients, because he believed that he could be of greatest service helping them to live their best quality of life in their later years.

Bob left clinical work mid-career to work in healthcare at Zynx Health. He believed that in this role, he was truly able to have an even greater positive impact on healthcare for the broadest population.  At Zynx Health, he found a group of like minded colleagues who were connected not only by their commitment but their kindness toward one another.

A resident of Boston, Bob loved the local neighborhood and the friends that became an extended family.  He also enjoyed the Berkshires, discovering its boundless natural resources and enjoying countless times at Tanglewood, finding a quiet peace there.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family, and he is survived by his wife, Shayne Gilbert, and their daughter, Marlie Kass. Together, they enjoyed learning and the arts, especially theater. With a boundless curiosity, he was a true Renaissance man.

Bob is survived by his mother, Brenda Kass of Waltham, MA, his brother Ronald Kass, also of Waltham, MA and his brother, Michael Kass and the love of his life, Penny Spiratos, of Reading, MA.

Shayne’s family, Dianne and Henry Gilbert of Hyannis, MA, brother Barry Gilbert and Jenny Sartori and their daughter, Celia Gilbert-Sartori, of Watertown, MA, sister Alyssa (Gilbert) Stern and Robert Stern along with with their sons, Evan Stern, Matthew Stern and Dylan Stern of Needham, MA and sister Susan Gilbert and Morris Singer along with their children, Dora Gilbert Singer and Max Gilbert Singer of Needham, MA are a warm, loving close knit family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 20th at 10 AM at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave, Needham, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robert Kass can be made to Brimmer and May School, 69 Middlesex Road, Chestnut Hill, MA. Donations will support the children’s literature collection at the Lower School Library and Brimmer’s long standing partnership with the Sumner School in Boston.

Bob is loved by so many and is already missed more than words can express. His sweet smile and his many acts of kindness will live on in our hearts.

Arlene Ostroff, born in Syracuse, NY in 1946, passed away on March 16, 2023, in McLean, VA. Arlene, who spent most of her life with her family in Natick, Massachusetts, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She is predeceased by her husband Saul, and her sister, Lindy Seidberg of Syracuse, New York. She is survived by her son David, his wife Sara Jaffe, grandchildren Hannah and Nora of Arlington, Virginia, and her younger son, Andrew Ostroff of Brooklyn, New York, and his partner Erin Shipley. She is also survived by her brothers Herb Ryen and his wife Lois of Durham, North Carolina, and Jerry Ryen and his wife Linda of New Haven, Connecticut, plus many nieces and nephews. Arlene, who in her younger years was an art teacher, was an avid reader, and summertime gardener. However, her favorite activity was talking about her children. Later, this shifted to discussions about her granddaughters, whom she was incredibly proud of. Arlene was a very optimistic person with a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. She is remembered fondly by her family and friends, who will certainly miss her conversations, as her most impressive skill was her ability to have a meaningful chat with just about anyone. Graveside service at the Moses Mendelohn Cemetery, Grove St., West Roxbury, MA on Thursday, March 23 at 12 Noon. Donations can be made to American Diabetes Association.

Donations can be made to American Diabetes Association.

Marsha Spiewak, of Milford NH, formerly of Sudbury, MA, died peacefully in her sleep on March 14 after a brief illness. Born in Providence, RI, to the late Reuben Cohen and Charlotte Cohen (Homonoff). Devoted mother to Joshua and Daniel. Proud grandmother to Ben, David, Abbie and Noah. Loving sister to Michael Cohen.

Marsha was an avid knitter, reader of mysteries, solver of puzzles, and a lover of classical and folk music. Deeply caring and brilliantly witty, she brought comfort, joy and laughter to her family and friends, many of whom she knew since childhood. She lived fully, loving and being loved by the many wonderful and diverse people in her life.

Graveside service at New Town Cemetery of Sudbury, on Friday March 17 at 10:45 am. Shiva will be observed from 2-4 pm on Friday and 2-4 pm on Sunday March 19 at the home of Joshua Spiewak and Ariella Evenzahav, 160 Walnut St in Newton, MA. Donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).

Miller, Macey, of Newton, MA passed away March 13, 2023. Beloved husband of Lenore (Wolf) Daniels Miller. Devoted father of Barry Miller, David Miller, Suzanne “Suzie” Lowery, and the late Daniel Miller. Cherished grandfather of Ashley, Austin, Mason, Betsy, Joyce, Sophie, Charlie, and Simcha. Proud great grandfather of Maya, Miles, Emmet (Chase), and Teddy. Loving brother of the late Franni Miller. Services at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA (parking on the Riverway), on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 12 Noon. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Memorial Observance will be at the Miller Residence, Saturday 6-8:30 pm and Sunday 4- 8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Macey’s memory may be made to Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02215, Perkins School for the Blind (Library Fund), 175 N. Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472, or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

Dr. Kitty Stein, PsyD, passed away peacefully in hospice on March 10, 2023, age 74. She was the daughter of June (Karelsen) and William Goodman, both deceased, of Danbury, CT. She leaves her life partner, John Langell, her service dog Boone, sister Susan Goodman-Goldstein (Manny) of Alameda, CA, and brothers Douglas Goodman of New York City, and Louis Goodman (Nancy) of Bethesda, MD. Her brother Michael Goodman of Westport, CT (Anamaria) predeceased her.

She leaves behind her longtime friend, Arnee Winshall (Walter) of Weston, MA, nieces Elizabeth Goodman (Dave Brown) of Brooklyn NY, Dr. Jennifer Goodman (Dr. Fred Yturralde) of Sarasota FL, and Sasha Goldstein-Sabbah (Yaniv) of The Hague; and nephews Kelric Goodman of Catonsville MD, Somers Goodman (Felicia Chase) of Waco TX and Joshua Goldstein (Lindsay Grau) of Nevada City, CA. Her great nieces and great nephews Ella, Isaiah, Julian, Kaia, Sophia, Jesse, Henry, Helen, Daisy, Dalia, Rebecca and Lucas were a source of great joy to her, notwithstanding their distance from her home.

Dr. Stein was a clinical psychologist in private practice. After obtaining her professional degree from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP, now William James College), she was one of the area’s early providers of therapy for families of people with chronic illness. In this regard, she was a founding member of Boston Center for Family Health in Brookline, MA, where she practiced until its closing. She was also a contributor to the Stone Center for Developmental Services and Studies at the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. Dr. Stein retired from private practice when Multiple Sclerosis made it too difficult to see patients regularly.

Kitty loved gardening, travel, and outdoor activities. She enjoyed going to movies and museums with her friend Arnee. She was a graduate of Hebrew College’s Me’ah program and continued her studies in Judaism with adult education at Kerem Shalom, Concord, MA, where she and John are congregants. At the synagogue she participated in two spiritual studies groups. She was also a member of three book groups.

A memorial service will be held later this year.

To view livestreaming of funeral click here

Doris Janet (Karp) KRUPP-Of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Chestnut Hill, MA, on March 10, 2023. Adored wife of the late William C. Krupp. Devoted mother of Paul & Harris Krupp, Geralyn & Martin Lobel, Ellen & Jeffrey Slone and Jody & Royce Yudkoff. Dear sister of the late Jerome Karp. Adored grandmother of Kimberly & Eric Karofsky, Jill & Juan Uribe, Elizabeth & Mike Fish, Devra Lobel & Jay Golon, Fox Lobel and Hannah Lobel, Aaron Burrows, Jessica & Pat Stockhausen, Amanda & Nic Higgins, Alexandra Yudkoff & Jeffrey Bailin, Lindsey & Aron Rissman and Zachary Yudkoff. Also survived by 17 great-grandchildren. Services at Temple Beth Elohim,10 Bethel Road, Wellesley on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Memorial observance at the residence of Paul and Harris Krupp Monday and Tuesday evenings 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Remembrances may be made to:  Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Matching Gifts, 733 Third Avenue Ste. 510, New York, NY 10017.

Born 4/11/1932 as Constance Frye in Boston, Connie went to Girls Latin School and graduated from Wellesley College in 1953 with a degree in English. She was married to film and TV director Leslie Martinson on 9/24/1955 and hosted “Connie Martinson Talks Books” from 1979 to 2015, which was viewed nationwide. Her guests included Al Gore, Barack Obama, Ray Bradbury, LeRoy Neiman, Maya Angelou, and Gloria Vanderbilt. Connie died peacefully at home with her family on 3/9/2023. Mrs. Martinson is survived by her daughter Julianna, her son-in-law Douglas, grandson Richard, and grandson-in-law Michael. In lieu of flowers, please honor Connie by donating to OPICA Adult Day Care center in Los Angeles.
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Manuel Spector Phd-Of Chestnut Hill, formerly of Needham, on March 9, 2023. Beloved husband of Rachel (Needleman) Spector. Devoted father of Samuel Spector and Rebecca Spector Bridger. Dear grandfather of Julia and Emma Spector and Naomi, Rose and Miriam Bridger. Dear brother of Clare Spector Figler and the late Joseph and Oscar Spector. Graveside service at The Sons of Jacob Cemetery, 50 Buxton Rd., Danvers, on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Shiva will be held in the North Community Room at The Towers of Chestnut Hill, 250 Hammond Pond Parkway, Sunday, March 12 at 7:00 pm. On Monday, March 13, Shiva will be held at Shaarei Tefillah at 6:40 pm, and on Tuesday, March 14, a gathering will be held at Rachel Spector’s home, 250 Hammond Pond Parkway, Apartment 808N, Newton, MA at 7:00 pm. In lieu of Flowers, remembrances may be made to Shaarei Tefillah, 35 Moreland Ave., Newton, MA 02459, Care Dimensions Hospice House, 125 Winter St., Lincoln, MA 01773 or Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207.

Edward Neuman of Wellesley, Massachusetts, formerly of New York City, passed away March 9, 2023. He was 93 years old. Ed was a loving husband to Carol Neuman for almost 66 years. Ed was a devoted father to his two daughters, Marianne (and husband John Gilday) and Elizabeth (and husband Jerry Spar). He was a proud grandfather to Olivia, Ellis and Kyler Spar. Ed was born in Brooklyn in 1929. He received B.A. and master’s degrees in English from New York University. Ed worked in advertising, first at Executone and then at the Brooklyn Union Gas Company. Ed had a lifelong love of books. While serving in the Korean War, he established a library that became popular among the soldiers. He enjoyed playing tennis with his family and watching matches on television. When he lived in New York City, he took full advantage of the theater and concerts that the city offered. Although he loved the city, he was very excited to move to Wellesley to become a homeowner and be closer to his daughters. In Wellesley, Ed enjoyed the little things that life has to offer — spending time with his family, barbecuing in the backyard, walking the family dog, listening to music and watching old movies with his wife. A private graveside service was held March 12. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies (cjp.org).