Obituaries

Jerome B. Smulow, of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 91, on May 24, 2022. Beloved husband of Miriam Smulow. Devoted father of Julie (Michael) Fuhrman and Daniel (Dena) Smulow. Proud grandfather of Zoe and Benjamin Fuhrman, and Jacob and Tyler Smulow. Loving brother of Jacqueline Berse. Graveside service at Walnut Hills Cemetery, Brookline, MA on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 2pm. Due to Covid there will be no shiva observance. Remembrances may be made to Temple Israel of Boston or an organization of choice.

Myron “Myke” S. Simon, of Newton, passed away peacefully on May 23,2022 at the age of 95.  Beloved husband of the late Rose Reguera Simon for 68 years; devoted father and father-in-law of Laurel and John Bobrowich, Amy and the late Eric Berg, Ethan and Marcy Simon; caring grandfather of David and Eli Bobrowich, Sonia and Charlotte Berg, Samantha and Erica Simon.  Born in Burlington, Vermont, Myke was educated at Boston Latin School (BLS) and at Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree (1946), master’s degree (1948), and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (1949, under the supervision of Robert Burns Woodward). He remained involved with activities related to BLS and Harvard throughout his life.  He joined Polaroid Corporation in 1949 and was the first chemist to synthesize molecules in the research program aimed at creating instant color film, becoming one of the key inventors of the chemistry in the Polaroid Instant Color Photography system, including the dye-developers used in the first Polacolor peel-apart color photo systems and the alkali-stable naphthol phthalein dyes uses in the SX-70 camera system.

He retired from Polaroid in 1988 as a Research Fellow and Associate Director of Organic Chemistry. He was a National Fellow of the American Chemical Society and for many years was active in the society’s Northeast Section.

Both Myke and Rose were devoted to their family and encouraged a love of nature and outdoor activities, often centered around the cabin they constructed in New Hampshire, serving for three generations as a starting point for many expeditions in any season, related to hiking, camping, backpacking, skiing, boating, and bicycling.  Myke believed in the importance of education and never stopped learning.   He was a creative thinker who constantly found innovative ways to solve challenges, whether of a scientific, logistic, or artistic origin.  His calm and caring approach to life, sprinkled with dry humor, brought joy to many.

Myke lived most of his adult life in Newton, MA, most recently he was a resident of Lasell Village in Auburndale.

In lieu of flowers, donations “In memory of Myron S. Simon” may be made to the Boston Latin School or the Harvard University Chemistry Department.

The memorial service and shiva will be private due to Covid-related concerns.

Etkind, Lillian (Itzkowtiz) age 103, of Cohasset, MA, formerly of Waltham, MA, passed away May 23, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Irving J. Etkind. Devoted mother of Alan Etkind and his wife Alice, and Stephen Etkind and his wife Susan. Dear grandmother of Michael and his wife Wendy, Diana and her husband Matthew, Matthew and his wife Laura, Alexander and his partner Lara, and Zachary and his partner Ciera. Dear great grandmother to Corey, Timothy, Xander, Abigail, Annalise, and Oliver. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on May 25. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Israel, 25 Harvard St., Waltham, MA 02453.

To view the service recording click here.

Gerald  “Jerry” Feld, Age 83, of Gloucester, MA, formerly of Brookline, MA, quickly passed away on May 20, 2022   from cardiac arrest after contracting pneumonia. Born in Boston, son of the late Anne and Max (Holy) Feld, he was a 1956 graduate of Brookline High School and captain of the basketball team. As a kid, he followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a camper, counselor and devoted lifetime member of the West End House. After earning a BA from Bates College, he enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Navy, later training to become a proud Navy Seal. Following 5 years of active duty, he joined the Naval Reserve retiring as Captain. He went on to earn a JD from Boston University Law School in 1972, and practiced law as an industrial accident and Workmen’s Compensation trial attorney. Summers were spent with his young family in tow cruising to Martha’s Vineyard, Cutty Hunk, and Nantucket. An all-around star athlete, always seeking an adventure, he enjoyed deep-sea diving, fishing, boating, golfing, skiing, the Celtics, and later, winters in Florida. Jerry loved a good time and was known to be a loyal friend. He was predeceased by his son Gabriel, as well as his sister Helen Wallinger. He is survived by his wife Phyllis (Belsky), son Jonah, wife Gillian (Carter), and 3 precious grandchildren: Miles 5, Maisy 4, Elliott 2, and special friend Laura Walker.

Graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park,40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 12:45 p.m. To view a Livestream of the service please go to Brezniakfd.com. Due to Covid, there will be no Shiva, but friends and family are encouraged to offer their condolences following the service. Donations in his memory may be made to the West End House Boys and Girls Club 105 Allston St., Allston, MA 02134.

Crowder, John C., passed away peacefully at his home in Chestnut Hill, MA, on May 15, 2022, at the age of 85. He leaves his beloved wife Janice Lane Crowder, his devoted daughter Sabrina Crowder Preston, dear grandchildren Briana, and Brian Adams, Nola and Naomi Preston, and great grandchildren Wesley and Wade Olden. He leaves his loving sister in law Ellen S. Lane of Westport, CT, and dear nieces and nephews Arielle Traub and her husband Ethan Prosnit, and Dana and Garhett Solomon and their children.

Johnnie was a loving, caring man who made people feel good about themselves. He was sympathetic and empathetic, non-judgmental honest and gave unconditional love. He had a great smile that would light up a room when he walked in along with his infectious laughter. People just wanted to be around him. John taught music and was an avid jazz fan. He read all the biographies of the jazz greats. His interests also included playing and watching tennis and he enjoyed all sports. His zest for living life was ever present!

A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., #1150, Chicago, IL, 60601, or Boston Medical Center, Office of Development, 801 Mass Ave., 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02118. Please write Geriatrics on memo line of check.

To view the service live please click here.

Amy (Berger) Schneier of Wellesley, MA, unexpectedly passed away on May 17, 2022 at the young age of 68. Beloved wife of Eliot Schneier. Daughter of the late Freda and Melvin Berger. Greatest mother to Abby Schneier Williams and her husband, Greg, and Adam Schneier and his wife, Jennifer. Cherished grandmother of Madison and Lexie Schneier. Loving sister of Michael Berger and his wife, Debra, and Alex Berger.

Amy will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, thoughtfulness, and generosity to others. A loyal friend, Amy always brought her smile and positive outlook on life. Her spunky personality and quick wit always kept those around her laughing. All who knew her, loved her, and she will be greatly missed.

Services in The Chapel of Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, on Sunday May 22, 2022, at 10 am. Masks will be required. Following the interment, a memorial observance will be held at the home of Adam and Jennifer Schneier on Sunday until 7:00 pm, and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 72 River Street, Suite 202, Needham, MA 02494.

Fine, Dr. Albert Hessel, of Tilton, NH, and formerly Newton and Revere, passed May 17, 2022. He was the beloved father of Peter, Jeffrey, Natalie Fernsebner, and Jenifer Fine-Loven, the proud Papa to Jeremy, Audrey, Ezra, Hallie, Melon, and Tess, and cherished Uncle Al to his deeply adored nieces and nephews. His former wife Marcia, whom he met when he was 15, remained his friend until the end. Al was the partner of his dear Janie Francis Gavin, who
worked along side him at Somerville hospital for nearly 40 years. Services at 2:00 pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Shiva to follow from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the home of Jeff Fine. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jewish World Services (AJWS.org), an organization that helps those in need all over the world.

Wyzanski, Bernice (Lovitt), of Brookline MA, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2022.  Born and raised in Worcester, the youngest of 4 siblings, she was the beloved wife of the late William Wyzanski. A Brookline resident for 55 years, she was the devoted mother of Steven and his wife Stacey of Revere, Mark of Brookline and Eliot and his wife Kirsten of Walpole. Loving grandmother of Robert, Samuel and his fiancé Hailey, Sofie, Seth, Alana, Addison and Victoria. Proud great-grandmother of Jaiden, Anthony and Dominick.  Also survived by nephews Arnold and his wife Jackie and Robert and his wife Stephanie, all of Miami FL, along with many great-nephews and nieces.  In her later years she enjoyed volunteering in the building she resided in, Hebrew Senior Life.  Her other hobbies included spending time with her family, playing mah-jong with friends, attending Broadway shows, and cheering for our great Boston sports teams. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon MA, on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 2:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernice’s name to the charity of your choice.

When David R. Kuppenheimer died at 71, on May 16, 2022, we lost a loyal brother and friend, and our world became a little less kind, less thoughtful, less funny.

He  was predeceased by his parents Selma (Hauser) Kuppenheimer and John Daniel Kuppenheimer, and his brother John D Kuppenheimer Jr.  He is  survived by his brother Robert B. Kuppenheimer and his wife Nancy of Corona Del Mar California, with whom he talked every day, and during his long courageous struggle with prostate cancer,  often more.

David had a twenty-year career in mental health and human services and for many years ran a treatment program for incarcerated sexual offenders in the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. He graduated from Doherty High School in Worcester and received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Human Services Management from Brandeis University in 1981.

He was committed to social justice in his work and through his generous support of many institutions for victims of poverty and injustice. As a long-time Board member of Emerge, a non-profit agency providing treatment and education for abusers, in Cambridge, MA, and as a member of the Newton Human Rights Commission (2018-2022) he spoke out for social justice, gun control and against the death penalty. He was a member of the international multidisciplinary Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers since 1994.

David’s deepest connections were with a circle of friends;  rounds of golf, trips to Fenway, an annual outing with a foursome,  Thanksgiving gatherings, elegant Christmas dinners,  and always concerts.  The music of Springsteen, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, BB King and more.  And food – he tracked all the new restaurants and was a wonderful cook. He was a member of many families.  He was part of their lives, marriages, births, baptisms and birthdays, and a special godfather to one.

Celebration of life to be held Monday, August 8, 2022 at Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham, MA.

Service at 12:30 pm followed by a BBQ luncheon- all are welcome.

Donations in memory of David may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org or World Central Kitchen, www.wck.org.