Archive: August, 2021

Judith Shapsay Marmor passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 in Boca Raton, FL. She was the lifelong partner and devoted wife of fifty-nine years to Isaac “Joe” Marmor. Together they built a close family, instilled Jewish family values, and ran successful businesses in Quebec City, Canada. Judith owned her own children’s wear boutiques for close to 25 years, where everyone knew her.  She was the beloved mother and mother-in-law of Stephen and Stacey Marmor, Eta Marmor Chansky and Neil Chansky, Bonnie Marmor and Benjamin Linden, and watched over them and their families. Judith’s greatest passion was being a loving, doting and proud Bubbie to Gabriella and Daniel Chansky, Justin, Noah and Sasha Linden, and Hannah and Sarah Marmor. She adored her grandchildren and they loved her. She was the sister and sister-in-law of Adeline Shapsay, Barbara Shapsay, the late Doris and the late George Litman, Rina and the late Julius Bercovitch. Judy will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, close friends, and family all over the world. Being friends with Judith meant you were family.  Funeral service will be held at Temple Israel, 145 Hartford St, Natick, MA, Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm. Those attending the funeral service are required to be over the age of twelve and fully vaccinated. Burial at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA. Shiva will be held at the home of Ben and Bonnie Linden in Natick on Thursday following burial service until 8:00 pm, Friday, 2-6 pm, Sunday, 2-5 and 7-9 pm.  Evening services at 7:30 pm. Due to the advent of Rosh Hashanah, shiva ends Monday. Contributions in Judith’s memory may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (www.myasthenia.org).

For those unable to attend the Funeral service at Temple Israel, please access the livestream here.  or go to the Temple Israel homepage (www.tiofnatick.org) and click livestream in the upper right corner, and then click the forward, play arrow in the middle of the livestream page.

Ralph M. Warrington, III of Sarasota, FL and Saratoga Springs, NY passed away on August 29, 2021. Beloved husband of Freda A. (Spector) Warrington. Devoted father of Alisa R. Fisher (Scott Fisher) and Daniel A. Warrington (Sheri Vitali). Dear grandfather to Camryn, Kaylee, and Nicholas Fisher, and Marianna, Rocco, and Matteo Warrington. Loving brother of Nancy Warrington Bacon (the late Robert Bacon), Robert Warrington (Debora Downie) and Richard Warrington (Dawn Huber).

Ralph was born in Cambridge on April 28,  1943 to Dorothy Burkett Warrington and Ralph M. Warrington, Jr. He grew up in Arlington, MA and went to Tufts Engineering and graduate school at the University of Washington. He and Freda Spector Warrington were married for 54 years and shared the happiness of children and grandchildren. He thought of Freda’s brothers as his own…Reynold Spector, Arthur Spector and Alfred Spector.  Ralph enjoyed his gardens, his kayaking, his friendships. During a 37 year career with Shell Oil Company designing, constructing and installing deepwater platforms offshore California and in the Gulf of Mexico, he spent a lot of time in Korea, Japan, China, and Australia and explored the United States with the family.

Burial services are private but Ralph’s friends will know that he loved them dearly. Remembrances in Ralph’s memory may be made to your favorite charity or to a multiple sclerosis organization such as Accelerated Cure Project, 460 Totten Pond Rd., Suite 140, Waltham, MA 02451.

Ravech, Sarah (Ansin), of Newton, MA formerly of Fort Worth, TX, passed away August 25, 2021. Devoted mother of Linda Mesnik and her husband Peter, and Jim Ravech and his wife Kellie. Loving grandmother of Amara Mesnik, Ben Mesnik, Lizzy Mesnik, Lindsay Ravech Moore, Michelle Ravech Kingston, and Katherine Ravech. Proud great grandmother of Aubree Moore, Abbie Rose Moore, Chase Moore, KJ Kingston, and Kohen Kingston. Loving sister of Alane Ansin Youngentob and her husband Gene, and Leonard Ansin and his wife Jane.

Sarah grew up in Boston, MA, raised her family in Fort Worth, TX, and recently moved back to Newton, MA. She was an avid painter and artist, loved working on her jigsaw puzzles, and had a natural green thumb. Sarah was a dedicated volunteer for different mental health and cancer associations. She was recognized as volunteer of the year at the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County. She was a good friend and mentor to friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to 2life Communities, www.2lifecommunities.org

Sharon Ring Knopping, of East Hanover, NJ., August 25, 2021. Beloved mother of Susan Knopping, Jeffrey Knopping, and the late Edward Knopping. Dear grandmother of Rachel Talbert, Gregory Knopping, Ross Talbert, and Jacob Knopping. A private family Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Remembrances in memory of Sharon may be made to Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Ave., Suite 600, Bethesda, MD., 20814 or to projectmorry.org/donate.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Jacobs.

Barbara was born on August 28, 1952, to David and Pearl Jacobs in Sharon, MA. Barbara was the youngest of three children.

Throughout her life Barbara’s focus was devotion to her parents and family. Barbara graduated from Boston University and entered a career in education that lead to elementary teaching positions in Sharon and Delray Beach, FL. Barbara enjoyed her role as an educator and tutored young students privately. Barbara also created jewelry and used calligraphy, producing commercial menus and invitations in her spare time.

In her younger years Barbara was an adventurous daughter, little sister, cousin, and friend living by Lake Massapoag. Barbara was eager to water ski, swim, and skate on that beautiful lake that became the center of an active childhood.

As a devoted daughter, Barbara returned to Sharon to care for her father in his time of need. Barbara and her Mom were always best friends, helping and supporting each other. Each night they told each other short stories to remember family events to end their day. Family and tradition were always the defining centers of Barbara’s life. She always delighted in the news of her family’s adventures and achievements.

Barbara is survived by her mother Pearl of Sharon, brother Jim of Sharon, brother Ron and his wife Linda of Napa, their son Scott and his wife Heather, and their son Oliver of Kenwood, California.

A graveside service will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St, Sharon, MA, where Barbara will be laid to rest near her father, and the aunts and uncles that were so important to her life. Please click here to view a recording of the service.

Bilsky, Edward G. “Ed” of Framingham, MA passed away on August 24, 2021. Devoted son of the late Morton and Lois Bilsky and beloved husband of Susan M. Bilsky. Cherished father of Michela Rosenblum and her husband Zachary Rosenblum.

Ed was a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who devoted his career to the care of his fellow man. He was optimistic and brave throughout his battle with cancer, never losing his wit and sense of humor.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Ed’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Susan E. Jacobs of Peabody, entered peacefully into rest on Monday, August 23, 2021. Devoted widow of Cyril R. Jacobs, mother to Eric Jacobs and wife Christine and Gary Jacobs and wife Vicki, sister to Linda Minsky, brother-in-law to Alan Minsky, grandmother to Natasha and Piper Jacobs, step-grandmother to EJ Genest, Auntie Susan to Jill Twomey, Adam Minsky, and Robin LaRosa, friend to many, loved and missed by all.

In addition to her family she is survived by dozens of friends, many of whom she knew for over 50 years, who became as family to her.

Susan spent her entire career doing what she loved – nursing. The qualities that made her a good nurse also made her a good mother and a good friend: an innate nurturer, a healer of hurts, a comfort to the sick.

A private graveside service will be held August 25 at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Susan’s name to the American Stroke Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.

Spielman, Judith (Miller), of Newton, MA, passed away August 21, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Andrew Spielman. Devoted mother of David Spielman and his wife Susan Fay, Deborah Spielman, and Sue Spielman and her husband Steve Spielman. Proud grandmother of Madeline Beeders, Sara Spielman and husband Brandon Cipriani, Jacob Beeders, Samantha Spielman, Julia Spielman, Alexander Spielman, and Maya Beeders. Loving sister of Harold and William Miller.  Among Judith’s many accomplishments she was a Harvard University microbiologist and one of the first female PhD candidates at Johns Hopkins. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judith’s memory may be made to Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

Allen J. Koritz, of Wrentham,  died peacefully on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Beloved son of Sylvia (Zuckerman) Koritz and the late Harold Koritz. Loving brother of Carla Koritz and the late Karen Koritz-Estock. A private Graveside Service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Barbara Zetlin Pressman, age 84, of Parkland, FL, formerly of Wellesley and Chestnut Hill, MA, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

Barbara, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother is survived by her daughter, Lori Zetlin Rosmarin and her husband Adam Rosmarin of Boca Raton, FL, Eric Zetlin of Reno, NV, and Richard and his wife Leslie Zetlin of Ashland, MA. She is the beloved grandmother of Derek and Renee, Samantha, Taylor, and Jacob Zetlin. Barbara was also a great-grandmother of Palmer Zetlin.

Barbara loved her family. She enjoyed family dinners, watching sports and spending time with friends.  Barbara was an avid Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox fan, attending as many live events as she could for many years. She formerly worked as a bookkeeper at Firestone Financial and then opened her own bookkeeping practice. Barbara loved to travel and visited amazing locations across the country and around the world. Despite the distance separating them over the years, Barbara connected with her grandchildren on a regular basis, wanting to be involved with them as much as possible.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 12:00 noon at the City of Boston Lodge Cemetery (American Austrian) 19 Washington St., Woburn, MA 01801.  The livestream is available here.

Shiva will be held Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm at the home of Leslie and Richard Zetlin.

Donations in her memory may be made to TrustBridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407 in reference to “Barbara Pressman.”

Schwab, Ellen (Marks), of Waban, MA on August 17, 2021. Beloved wife of Leslie “Les” Schwab. Devoted mother of Zoe M. Schwab and Samuel W. Schwab. Loving sister of Jeffrey Marks. Funeral Services are private. Please contact the funeral home for Shiva gathering information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parents Helping Parents, www.parentshelpingparents.org

Helen I. (Bernstein) Cook, age 93, former resident of Natick, MA, died peacefully at home, August 14, 2021.  Pre-deceased in 2015 by her beloved husband, Burton Cook. Devoted mother of Marcia Cantor (Barry), Laurie Aaronson (Mark) and Susan Ross (Jonathan). Loving Grammy of Jeremy Cantor (Ali), David Cantor (Brittany), Benjamin Cantor (Arielle), Rebecca Slosberg, Noah Slosberg (Allie), Alex Ross (Alexandra) and Stefanie Ross. Fun-loving Great-Grammy to Asher and Evie Cantor, Charlie and Andi Cantor, Oliver Ross, and Veda Slosberg.

Born in Portland, Maine, July 29, 1928, Helen and Burton raised their family in Quincy, MA, where together they opened Tags Furniture. She was a founder of the Massachusetts Lupus Foundation, on the Board of Directors of Quincy City Hospital, the Quincy Tourism Department, and a Life member of Hadassah and B’Nai Brith.  She and her husband volunteered in Israel for the Israeli Army 3 times. Private graveside funeral with family only, Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Sharon Memorial Park. Helen had a zest for life and lived every minute to the fullest.  She will be dearly missed by many, most especially her children. Donations in her memory may be made to the Lupus Foundation or the Kidney Foundation. May her memory serve as a blessing to all who knew her.

Robert B. “Bob” Foster, age 72, resident of Scituate, MA died on August 10, 2021, from complications of lung cancer. He passed away surrounded and held by his loved ones. Bob was born August 3, 1949 in Boston, MA to Rosalyn Estelle and Melvin Jason Foster. Loving brother to Gail Rosenberg and spouse Arnold Rosenberg and Dr. Lanny Foster. Survived by his children Jessica Bode, Dr. Blake Foster, son-in-law Brian Bode, his former spouse and mother of children, Lynne Foster, the love of his life Deborah Ceccarini, her daughters Nicole and her spouse Robert Brown, Lisa Ceccarini and significant other Natalie Green, and faithful four-legged companion Vinnie Foster. He will be remembered fondly by his numerous nieces. Renowned locksmith to Wellesley, MA and surrounding areas. Owner and operator of L&M Lock Service, Boston Decorative Hardware and Foster Lock Service.

Passionate and competitive skier and golfer. Sought after ski instructor at Ragged Mountain Resort. Unwavering commitment to substance use recovery to himself and others. Lived side-by-side with his English Labrador Vinnie, forever going on adventures and giving each other love. Thrill seeker, spicy food lover and lived every day like it was his last. Movie buff, certified scuba diver and live-music enthusiast. Could be found taking the scenic route, particularly on the back of his soft-tailed Heritage Classic Harley Davidson. Always seeking peace through wind therapy riding on two wheels. His passion for life, humor and love will be eternally missed.

Three words to summarize his life: Never give up.

Memorial service held privately due to ongoing pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery (MOAR).

Jordan Lowell Golding died August 8, 2021 at home at Fox Hill Village from complications of vascular dementia with his beloved Sandy, his wife of sixty-eight years, and his family by his side. Jordan was born in Boston on July 12, 1927, to Herman H. Golding and Dorothy C. Golding. He loved to tell people that he shared a birthday with Julius Caesar. With that auspicious start, Jordan attended Boston Latin School, graduating in 1944. Matriculating at Harvard College with the Class of 1948, he enrolled in the Navy V-12 program, which took him to Bucknell and Franklin & Marshall for a semester each, with the ultimate objective of becoming a Naval Aviator. The war ended before he could get into the air, and Jordan returned to Harvard, completing his B.A. in Economics in 1948 from his suite in Eliot House. Although not on the air, Jordan served as business manager for WHRB, foreshadowing his successful career in finance. Jordan crossed the river to Allston and joined the Harvard Business School Class of 1950.

On January 7, 1950, Jordan accepted an invitation from a B-School classmate to join in a celebratory dinner as the arranged date of Sandra Hirsh, and the rest, as they say, is history. Upon graduation, although a position with his father’s accounting firm, H.H. Golding & Company, awaited, Uncle Sam had other ideas, as the Korean Conflict had begun, and Jordan owed the Navy some more service. Abandoning his flight plan, Jordan took his business degree and joined the Supply Corps and was assigned to the USS Charles H Roan (DD853) as a Lieutenant (jg) after completing training at Bayonne. Jordan and the Roan successfully defended Newport and Cuba for two years. Jordan courted Sandy with all the pomp and circumstance that the uniform and the flag can convey, and they were married on March 15, 1953.

After a brief foray into merchandising for Navy stores, Jordan joined H.H. Golding & Company, soon renamed Golding, Golding & Company, beginning his thirty-five-year career as a Certified Public Accountant. Despite the challenges of growing a small firm, Jordan was able to achieve a good deal of visibility in the profession through his work with the Massachusetts Society and the American Institute of CPAs. By 1967, Golding, Golding & Company merged with KPMG, then Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, and Jordan went from a partner in one of Boston’s smaller firms to a partner with the largest accounting firm in the world. At KPMG, recognizing the growing importance of innovation within the Route 128 corridor, he led the development of the firm’s technology practice. Within the firm, he was noted for his active and enlightened mentorship of junior staff.

Jordan’s prominence in the business community led to key volunteer roles with such organizations as The Beth Israel Hospital, The French Library, The Boston Symphony, the Harvard Business School Association, among other non-profits. When he retired in 1988, Jordan served as an advisor to The Warren Alpert Foundation, New Balance, and Grand Circle Travel among others, while continuing his existing community engagements. As a retirement present from his partners at KPMG, Jordan was afforded the opportunity to conduct the Boston Pops in their rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Quite a capstone to a musical career that began as a lowly trumpet player in the Boston Latin School band.

Despite a demanding and challenging career, family was always foremost to Jordan. Larry (1955), Ellen (1957) and Matt (1962) were each engaged with Jordan in unique and special ways. Despite the objections of several grandparents, Jordan would indulge the vestige of his foregone Naval Aviator career by taking the kids flying out of such airfields as Norwood, North Adams and Sebago Lake. Jordan typically planned the family vacation schedule around AICPA meetings, reserving two each year for the family, and one for him and Sandy alone. Trips to Ft. Lauderdale, Savannah, Biloxi, Washington DC and the Grand Canyon stand out as such memorable family occasions.

The family rented summer homes in Ogunquit for many years, and Jordan would commute on weekends to be with the family. In 1973, he purchased a home on Lake Wequaquet in Centerville, which became the permanent focus of family summer activities. It also allowed Jordan to resume his Naval career, as he became an avid racer on Sunfish in the weekly regattas at the Wequaquet Lake Yacht Club. His love for the Cape and the lake in particular led to his becoming a founding member of the Wequaquet Lake Protective Association, dedicated to the environmental health of the ancient body of water. In 1982 and 1983, Jordan joined Larry’s crew on his chartered sailboat off the Cape. This led to the pursuit of an offshore sailing certificate and the exploration with Sandy of the Caribbean Islands that he had not conquered during the Korean Conflict. Jordan and Sandy enjoyed travel, and counted Europe, Asia, Antarctica, and the South Pacific among their many passport entries.

Ever the loyal Harvard Grad, Jordan was a season ticket holder for contests on the Gridiron at Soldiers Field. The College, in all of its manifestations, from reunions, to football, to the squash courts at the Commonwealth Avenue clubhouse to lunch at One Federal Street, was never far from his thoughts.

Jordan leaves his wife, Sandy, son Larry (Cynthia) of New York City, daughter Ellen Rosenblatt (David) of Newton, and son Matt (Dawn) of Rancho Palos Verdes in addition to four grandchildren, Eliot, Rebecca, Sam, and Josh, four step-grandchildren, Danny (Missy), Sarah, Aaron and Sarah and two step-great grandchildren, Seth and Simon. He also leaves his brother, Marvin (Sis) of Boca Raton.

Services will be held at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 12 Noon. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park, (both will be live streamed). Masks are required for anyone in attendance. The family will sit Shiva at Fox Hill Village, 10 Longwood Drive, Westwood, on Wednesday and Thursday 7-9 pm. Donations in Jordan’s memory may be made to Hebrew SeniorLife Hospice, c/o Hebrew SeniorLife Development Office, 1200 Centre Street, Boston MA 02131, with Jordan Golding in the memo line, online at giving@HebrewSeniorLife.org, or to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, online at www.bidmc.org/giving.

To view the Temple Service please click here. To view the Graveside Service please click here.

Janice (Hootstein) Newman, age 93, longtime resident of Needham, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2021. Predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Donald J. Newman. Janice was the devoted mother of her son Mitchel S. Newman, also of Needham. Raised in Chelsea by her parents William and Dorothy (Gale) Hootstein, Janice was the loving sister and sister-in-law of the late Milton and Rosalyn Hootstein.  Retired for many years from her job in a sales accounting department, Janice took great pride in her work, her appearance and home. She loved to hear all the news about her nephews, niece, great and great-great nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Roxbury Mutual Cemetery in Woburn, MA on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 2:00pm. Special thanks to all the caregivers at Wingate Needham and Good Shepherds Hospice. Donations in Janice’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Hospice that cared for Janice, or the charity of your choice.

Mildred (Gluck) Barron, of Newton, at 88 yrs., passed away on August 5, 2021. Daughter of the late Menasha and Frimmet (Fogel) Gluck. Beloved wife of the late Richard Michael Barron. Devoted mother of Mark Barron (Susan), Debbie Smookler (David), and Jim Barron and the late Dana Barron. Cherished grandmother of Michelle, Eric, Lindsey, Matthew, Melissa, Richard and Andrew and their spouses Chanan, Julia, David, and Emily. Dear great-grandmother of Jack, Ben and Arielle Glambosky, Dean and Zack Smookler, and Simone, Jacob, and Drew Sandell and Theodore Barron. Loving sister to Ben and Betty Gluck and the late Sidney Goode, Marcus Gluck, Arthur Gluck, Bertha-Beth Snyder and Hyman Gluck. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Services at Temple Emanuel will be private with family only. Live streaming of the service will be available Friday, August 6, 2021 at 10:00am by clicking here.  Shiva will be private with a celebration at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Lois Fern Fleischer-Age 92, of Weston, formerly of Newton, August 2, 2021. Daughter of the late Irving L. and Goldie (Adler) Bloom. Beloved wife of the late Aaron N. Fleischer. Devoted mother of Andy, Daniel (Valerie), Elizabeth (Craig), and the late Gary and Jennifer. Proud grandmother of Jill (Matt), Douglas (Lee), Alison (Jeremy), Jayme, Robyn (Michael), Jordan, and Joseph. Great-grandmother of Drew, Lucas, Jaelyn and Avery. Sister of Barbara Smith. Private burial will take place at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Beatrice (Weidenfeld) Newman, 91 yrs, of Sharon passed on August 1, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Emanuel J. Newman. Devoted mother of Ellen Rothberg and her husband Howard, Art Newman and his wife Stacy and David Newman and his wife Sara. Cherished grandmother of Emma and Dahlia Newman, Carolyn, Emily and Sharon Newman, Darren Rothberg and Philip Rothberg and his wife Sabrina. Proud great-grandmother of Koren, Gavri and Zehava Rothberg.

Born on December 4, 1929 to David and Ida (Tobias) Weidenfeld, Beatrice grew up in Dorchester, MA with much loved siblings: Hilda, Amy and Morris. When their parents passed away early, the children, some with households of their own by then, relied on each other. Those siblings passed the love of family to their children, and it continues through the generations

Service will be held at the Temple Israel of Sharon, 125 Pond St., Sharon, MA on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 1:30pm. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. The funeral will be livestreamed via Zoom, if you wish to join the funeral service virtually please see below:

Meeting number: 3249779888

Password: minyan

To view the interment please click link below:

https://www.shiva.com/join-viewneral?jc=10000:GUjM1gc2KwLY5I07lztUWauZVMkyCEwW:bX3qKifTH7OEWtFefRXTUA==:3UZYvJuVD8mOXCP2XqA8/g==

Donations in Beatrice’s memory may be made to Magen David Adom or Temple Israel of Sharon.

Jane( Covitz) Greenfield-Of Boston, on July 28,2021. Beloved wife of Arthur Greenfield. Devoted daughter of the late Ruth ( (Jacobs) and Alvan Covitz. Dear sister of David Covitz and his wife Karen, William Covitz and his wife Cathy. Dear aunt of Dr. Lynne Hardy and her husband Drew, Amy Arnold, Rabbi Mark Covitz and his wife Stacy, Robert Covitz and his wife Rabbi Stephanie Covitz, and Jeffrey Covitz and his wife Elizabeth. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park,40 Dedham St., Sharon, on Friday August 6, 2021 at 1:45pm.Please assemble behind administration building. In Lieu of flowers remembrances to The Sherrill House, 135 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.

Howard I. Goldstein

October 18, 1947 – July 29, 2021

Howard Ira Goldstein, 73, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away on July 29, 2021, surrounded by the love of his devoted family and friends after a long struggle with prostate cancer.

Howie was so many things to so many people, and the world does not look the same without him in it.

He was a pioneer in the field of collaborative law in Massachusetts through his firm Goldstein & Bilodeau P.C., working as a compassionate and gifted family law attorney for decades and serving clients in their most challenging moments through his enduring belief in mediation as a tool to keep families emotionally intact at the end of a marriage.

After his initial cancer diagnosis in 2007, he became a relentless advocate for funding for prostate cancer research and awareness at the Massachusetts State House, working tirelessly to ensure that adequate testing and early detection tools were available in all communities. He also served on the board and was deeply committed to the work of Oneinforty, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about the risk of inheriting BRCA gene mutations (which he had and made his cancer far more challenging to treat) and provides the support individuals and families need to effectively manage their cancer risk.

Howie was also a committed political volunteer and advocate, and believed in politics as a means of uplifting leaders committed to the fight for justice, civil rights, and fairness. His work in politics over the decades brought him into the trenches of campaigns from Bobby Kennedy to Father Robert Drinan, to Governors Michael Dukakis and Deval Patrick, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

He was also incredibly passionate about his Jewish faith and advocacy within Boston’s vibrant Jewish community — serving at different times in leadership roles within his synagogue, Temple Emanuel of Newton, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, among many others. Howie’s final trip before his cancer made travel impossible was a long awaited journey to Israel with his daughter Jennifer and son Alex, where he was able to walk the streets of Jerusalem one last time, eat a good falafel (or six), and pray with and for his family at the Western Wall.

Howie lived a life of authenticity and humility, eschewing fancy people and fancy things for the simple pleasures in life. He loved a good piece of lemon pound cake, a cup of decaf coffee, and the privilege of being present around the table with good friends and his adoring family, or sitting at the piano and belting out some of his favorite oldies. He was a peacemaker and the purest of souls that could put people at ease by his mere presence, and the reverberations of his loss will be felt for many, many years to come.

Howie had more dear friends and colleagues than anyone knew how to adequately count and keep track of, and they relied upon him daily for his unsurpassed wisdom, love, and deeply empathetic ear. They will miss him so very much.

Most of all, Howie was an incredibly loving husband to his wife Miriam, to whom he was married for 45 years; a devoted, proud and endlessly supportive father to his children Jennifer and Alex; and a doting grandfather to his granddaughters Eloise and Vivienne.

In addition to his wife and two children, Howie leaves behind his son-in-law David, his daughter-in-law Alyssa, his sisters Donna and Tina, his niece and nephews Judi, Jake, David, and Zachary. His brother-in-law Stewart and his wife Liz,  his sister-in-law Betsy and her husband Don, and an extended family of cousins who loved him.

His legacy is one of tremendous love, kindness, humility, and peace that we should all aspire to carry forward in his absence.

Funeral, burial, and shiva, were held privately due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Donations in his name are encouraged to the organization Oneinforty.org.  We are all so grateful for the love and outpouring of support and kindness following his passing. May his memory be a blessing, always.

Donald “Donny” Fisher, 92, of Weston, FL, formerly of Newton Center, MA, passed away on July 27, 2021.  Beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (Sheffer) Fisher.  Devoted father to Robyn & Asaf Cohen and Lisa & Ted Niebloom.  Dear grandfather of Melissa Cohen, Ali Cohen, Adam & Brittany Cohen, Jarrod & Galit Niebloom, Joshua Niebloom, and Jacob & Talia Niebloom.  Proud great-grandfather of Basya Niebloom and Sara Niebloom.  Loving brother of Cheryl Bovarnick.

Interment will be held graveside at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 2:45 pm.  The family prefers all attendees be vaccinated.

Shiva will be held following the service until 8:00 pm at the Cohen Residence.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Donald’s memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Of Wellesley, passed away July 19, 2021, at home at the age of 81, surrounded by his family. Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joanne (Hirshfield) Ronkin of 49 years, his cherished daughter, Suzanne Ronkin, and grandsons Hayden and Caleb Leone of whom he was enormously proud.  He leaves his sister, Glenda Ronkin, dear aunt, Carol Ronkin, and nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Sally (Raskin) and George Ronkin. A private Graveside Service will be held at Congregation Chai Odom Cemetery. Remembrances in memory of Ronald may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.

MILLER, Aaron M., on July 16, 2021, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. Aaron is survived by his loving wife Charlotte (Grace) of over 70 yrs, his daughter Marcia Silverstein and husband Gary, and son Richard Miller and wife Jamie. Also survived by his grandchildren Steven Silverstein and wife Rachel, Michael Silverstein and wife Sharon, Hannah Miller and Jonah Miller. He was predeceased by his parents Tilly (Beck) and Frank Miller and siblings Henry Miller and Hilda Kasoff.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Grodberg. Shirley (Merkle), of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Newton, and Worcester, MA and Cincinnati OH, passed away July 14, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Marcus Grodberg. Mother of Joel, Kim, and Jeremy Grodberg. Graveside service at B’Nai Brith Cemetery, Worcester, MA on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 2 pm. Don’t send flowers, Shirley would prefer you plant something instead.

To view the service recording please click here.

Burton Silberstein of Chestnut Hill, MA, entered into rest on July 11, 2021, at the age of 93. He was the beloved and devoted companion of Marilyn Mades for 25 years, and the loving father of Karen and Keith Simmons of West Bloomfield, MI and Debra and Donald Silberstein of Andover, MA. He was the enormously proud “Pepa” of Ashley and Adam Wexner, Karlee and Alex Simmons and Allyson, David and Daniel Silberstein.  The greatest blessing were his two great-grandchildren, Leonard and Lewis Wexner. Burton is also survived by Marilyn’s children, Rick Mades, Mara Mades, Rebecca Dana, and Laura Mades. He was grandpa to Marilyn’s grandchildren, Ben and Matt Dana, Jackson Mades, and Andrew, Emma and Avery Mades, and great-grandchildren Maia and Eli Dana.

Burton was the devoted son of the late Rose and Louis Silberstein. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Carole Kisloff Silberstein.

Burton was born in Lynn, MA and grew to be a student athlete at Colby College in Waterville, ME, where he played baseball and basketball. He served in the military during the Korean War.  Following his return from the army, he founded Colby Footwear, which has now evolved almost 70 years later to Easy Street and is now run by his son, Donald.

Burton always had a wide circle of lifelong friends and family, and his commitment to these relationships was inspiring.  He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and he made connections with people wherever he went. He loved to play golf until he no longer could, and he enjoyed wintering in Boynton Beach, FL for many years, though Boston was always his special place.

Special thanks and gratitude to wonderful caretakers David Tugume and Godfrey Wagwekku.

Burton will be eternally missed. Funeral arrangements will be private, but can be found streaming here at 10:45 AM on Wednesday, July 14. Zoom shiva will be held Wednesday evening after burial at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Carole Kisloff Silberstein Brain Tumor Research Fund, or  Colby College Art Museum. 

Our beautiful, beloved mom, ma, mimi, Irene has completed her journey. She was the life blood of the Pearlstein/Finkel family. She is at peace, having joined our dad, Myron, as well as her family and friends who have passed before her. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Funeral will be private. There will be no memorial observance. Donations may be made to Seasons Hospice + Palliative Care, 597 Randolph Ave., Milton, MA 02186 or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Tess Wishengrad Siegel died peacefully at home in Canton, MA on July 9, 2021. She was 80.

She was cherished by her family and her dog, Nellie. A lover of music, literature and poetry, she enjoyed playing everything from Brahms to baseball, but was perhaps best known as a titan of the scrabble board with a soft spot for chipmunks and chocolate chip cookies.

Tess was born in 1941 in New York City, to Rose Pesin and Morton Wishengrad, writer for stage, television, and radio, known for his work on The Eternal Light produced by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Tess’s early life was marked by tragedy, losing first her mother at age 9, then her father at age 21.

Some of her happiest childhood memories were spent at Deerwood, a summer music camp in the Adirondacks where she developed a passion for music that sustained her throughout her life. She attended Vassar College, then completed her education at Boston University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Music, and later completed a master’s degree in Education.

In 1962, she married Paul Yager. Three years later, they moved to Israel to study Hebrew and eventually settled in the Boston area where they raised their children, Josh and Abby Yager.

In 1986, she married Eli Siegel, Professor of Biology at Tufts University, whose intellect and humor both amazed and delighted her throughout their marriage. Together with Eli, she raised his young son, Michael Siegel, whom she loved and cared for as her own.

Highlights of their life together include trips to visit relatives in Australia, Asia and Europe that they had long dreamed of taking.

Tess was a natural born teacher. Blessed with a flare for animating and conveying the subtleties of language, she taught high school English in Newton, Stoughton, and at the Maimonides School in Brookline where she is still remembered for her theatrical direction of Thorton Wilder’s, Our Town.

But it was as a piano teacher that she struck the most profound chord in students’ lives. In a career spanning 35 years, she mentored young musicians who flocked to her living room studio for individual lessons and gathered for monthly recitals to celebrate each other’s musical growth.

Several of her students with whom she remained in touch until soon before her death have said that she not only infused them with a love of music, but more importantly, cultivated their imagination, encouraged exploration, and fueled their belief in themselves.

As a wife, mother and grandmother she offered unconditional love, support and encouragement for which we are eternally grateful.

Tess is survived by her siblings, Joel Wishengrad, Nina Wishengrad and Dan Wishengrad;  her children Josh Yager, Abby Yager and Mike Siegel; their spouses Sarah Holewinski Yager and Ming-Lung Yang; her grandchildren, Miru Yang and Lilah Yager, and her beloved husband Eli Siegel, with whom she would have celebrated 35 years of marriage three days after her death.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 16th at 10 am Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02466. Burial will follow at Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132. Donations in her memory can be made to American Jewish World Service, PO Box 568, Edna, NH 03750.

Donald Saul Gair, 96, died at home in Arlington Thursday, July 8, this past week with his family at his side.

Married for 68 years, Donald and Joyce Rae Moon Gair, his partner in all that they created together, raised Nancy, Jane, and Peter and helped them and their spouses, Bill Champion, Keith Prairie and Wendy Muello, raise their six children, Jonathan and William Champion, Everett Prairie, and Nora, Molly, and Nathan Gair. All will miss Donald but hold forever his love and wisdom in their hearts.

Donald was born in New York City January 25, 1925, foretold by a solar eclipse (important family lore), to Mollie nee Arginteanu and Harry A. Gair. Donald and his beloved sister Barbara Gair Scheiber of Rockville, Maryland, who passed away in March at age 99, grew up in a family that prized words and stories and theater, arts, music, travel, and the outdoors and active participation in different areas supporting those in difficulty. Harry was a noted plaintiff’s attorney; Mollie a clinical psychologist; Barbara an author and vigorous advocate for disabled children; Donald a physician and child psychiatrist. Along with his loving stepmother Harriet Rosenberg Gair, who became a partner in the Gair & Gair law firm and a Putnam County Judge, came brothers Elwood Gair, and a bit later twins Roger and Anthony Gair, each crucial keys to Donald’s learning about being a good big brother.

Family and lore, perhaps, led Donald to a vision as a very young child. In the sky he saw a large business card:

Donald Saul Gair

All Questions Asked – & Answered.

Maybe to that end and to fulfill his four-year-old self’s declaration to become a doctor, Donald became Dr. Gair in 1950 at Harvard Medical School, a crucible of wonder for him and his many lifelong schoolmates, after attending Harvard, serving as Lt., J.G., in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and graduating from Harvard University in 1945 as a proud alumnus and member of the Signet Society.

His career as a physician and psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent care spanned over 70 years and featured the training of generations of those who became peers in his field.

Donald did his medical internship at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, his psychiatry residency at Boston Psychopathic with neurology at Queens Square in London as well as a child psychiatry fellowship at Mass Mental Health Center (renamed from the Psycho). Along with his private practice, he became Clinical Director and then Superintendent of the Gaebler Children’s Center for under 16-year-olds, after leading the struggle to keep it open by designating it a state hospital. During that time he was appointed Chair of the Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, consulting and teaching and supervising there after his retirement from BUSM. He reluctantly retired from his private practice in 2017.

Donald cherished teaching (recalling always that teacher in Latin is doctor) and supervision. His goal, if he had a first lecture to medical students, was for everyone to become child psychiatrists, to join him in his calling.

At the onset of his medical training, Donald began the far more important study of courting and harmonious relating and living as he met, proposed to, and got fortunately married to the vivacious Joyce Rae Moon, R.N., of Bangor, Maine, who, we believe, agreed to but on a trial basis, which successfully went Donald’s – and all our – way.

Some of his greatest joys were travel with his family especially with his wife Joyce. At their camp on Mousam Lake in Maine and in Virgin Gorda, BVI, long-time friends and new also became family sharing in birthdays, boating, and years-long conversation. All such travel and stays included singing and harmonizing often with plucked and struck strings and brass.

Surviving Donald are his wife Joyce, their three children and their spouses Peter Gair and Wendy Muello, M.D., Jane and Keith Prairie, Nancy Gair and Bill Champion; grandchildren Nathan, Molly, and Nora Gair; Everett Prairie; William and Jonathan Champion; his brothers Elwood Gair and Anthony Gair, an attorney at Gair, Gair, Conason, et al.; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews (including grands and great grands).

His sister Barbara Scheiber and brother Roger Gair predeceased him.

Donald and all his family want to thank the support from hospice and the lovely care from his 24/7 helpers which allowed him to be comfortable at home.

Burial will be private. In due course a memorial service will be planned to allow for a longer get-together and good-bye.

Please, if interested, see Dr. Gair’s brief reflections on parts of his ever-growing care for the field of his calling and those it served. In it is one of his powerful aphorisms (since continually worked on), “Truth is the fragile child of skepticism. Dogma the brutal spawn of certainty.” (Gair 1988).

https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/life_members/news/life_members_wisdom_and_history_a_gift_in_my_life.pdf

Donald Saul Gair – January 25th, 1925, NYC, NY – July 8th, 2021, Arlington, MA

Barbara (Sherter) Levitz, of Belmont, MA passed away peacefully at home July 6, 2021.  Daughter of the late Edith and Joseph Sherter of Dorchester, MA.  Beloved wife of the late Dr. Irvin Levitz. Devoted mother to Mark H. Rubin and his wife Lauren E. Rubin, and the late Eric J. Rubin and his surviving wife Roberta Rubin.Caring stepmother to Jennifer Aronson, Susan Levitz, Sandy Lunner and Michael Levitz. Loving grandmother to Jake, Grace, Lucy and Evan Rubin. At the request of Barbara’s family her funeral service and interment will be private. Memorial observance will be at the home of Mark and Lauren Rubin, Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 3:00 -5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 72 River Park Street, Suite 202, Needham Heights, MA 02494 or The National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02458.

PAVLOFF, JEFFREY A., of Randolph, MA, passed away July 5, 2021. Beloved son of Elaine (Harpel) and the late Richard Pavloff of Randolph. Loving brother of Alan Pavloff and his wife Lynda of North Easton. Adored uncle of Anastasia and Dylan. Graveside service at Custom Tailors Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeffrey’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, or the National Kidney Foundation.

Miriam Laserson Weiser Varon, an actress and poet who worked on stage, film, radio, and television on four continents in six languages and helped her husband establish and operate two Israeli embassies, died at age 102, on July 2, 2021, at her home in Brookline, Massachusetts, in the company of loved ones.

She was born May 23, 1919 in a horse-drawn carriage in Moscow, Russia, en route to the hospital. Her father, engineer Leon Laserson, fainted when she made her accelerated appearance. Her mother, Dr. Frieda Orkin Laserson, one of the first two women accepted to medical school in Russia, calmly delivered her third child.

From there, life continued eventful and surprising, and took her all over the world. Her family moved for a time to their native Riga, Latvia, and subsequently to Vienna, Austria. As a grade school student in Vienna, she was the only girl on a boys’ soccer team and became an ardent Zionist and avid mountain-climber, running away from summer camp at age 15 to summit the Grossglockner with three boys from her Zionist youth group. Her other great passion was for acting, which she studied at the Theatre de l’Atelier in Paris, France, while skipping lectures at the Sorbonne. World War II broke out while she was visiting her parents at their second residence in Bucharest, Romania, and she made her way to Palestine, where she lived in Tel Aviv from 1939 to 1947. She was an apprentice with the Habima Theater, later to become the national theater of Israel, and co-founded a new theater, Ha Teatron Ha-Hadash. She supported herself and eventually her widowed mother through a combination of day jobs and acting work.

She was cast in the movie “My Father’s House,” written and filmed in Palestine by American author Meyer Levin, and traveled to the United States to promote the film. She then settled in New York City, where she worked on Wall Street while performing off-Broadway and regionally and on live television. For CBS, she produced and starred in her own adaptation of Argentinean playwright Alejandro Casona’s “The Lady of the Dawn.”  In New York, she met Benno Weiser, a journalist, Zionist activist, and fellow Viennese, and after an on-again/off-again romance and a break-up trip across Canada in his convertible, top down all the way, married him on Armistice Day, 1956, when he “unconditionally surrendered.”  Together they wrote a play, A Letter to the New York Times, which they subsequently produced in Latin America.

In 1960, she and her husband moved their family to Israel, for which her husband had obtained key votes in favor of the United Nations partition resolution from various South American countries. After four years in Jerusalem, her husband was appointed an ambassador and tasked with establishing the first Israeli embassy in the Dominican Republic. At this time, to represent their nation abroad, they chose the Hebrew surname Varon. As ambassador’s wife, she arranged and supervised the various ceremonial and entertaining aspects of the job, and was evacuated together with her two young children to Puerto Rico during a civil war in which the deposed President was rumored to be living in her embassy. The family returned to New York in 1966 when her husband joined the Israeli delegation to the United Nations, and in 1967, moved to Asuncion, Paraguay, where her husband and she again opened the first Israeli embassy. During their diplomatic years she coped with war, terrorism, hurricanes, and earthquakes. She continued acting, mostly in Spanish, during her postings, and led her family in outdoor adventures on five continents on epic vacations.

Following her husband’s retirement from diplomacy, they settled in Brookline in 1972. While he wrote, raised funds for Israel, and taught at Boston University, she acted with Boston area theater companies including the Lyric Stage, Worcester Foothills, and the Nickerson Theater in roles that included Mrs. Alving in Ghosts, Esther in The Price, Jocasta in Oedipus Rex, Edith Frank in Meyer Levin’s adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, the Grand Duchess in You Can’t Take It With You, Bubbie in Crossing Delancey, and many roles in new plays and new play readings.  She appeared in locally shot films, industrials and commercials, and worked as a print model. During these decades she also wrote three volumes of poetry, Thoughtprints, Wind Chimes and Late Harvest, worked as a translator (she was fluent in English, Spanish, German, Hebrew and French, and capable in Russian, Yiddish and Guarani), and traveled the world.

She is survived by her son, Leonard (Amy Woodward), of Hingham, Massachusetts, daughter Daniela of New York City, grandchildren Aaron (Gail Rosewood) and Anna, nieces Ruth Ullman, Nina Dunn, Lillian Laserson, nephews Henry and Michael Hirschhorn, with their families, and by Sarah Nakato Luke, who from  2004 was a live-in caregiver first for her husband and then for her, allowing them to live out their lives in their home as was their fervent wish. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings Michael, Renata, and Gregory.

Funeral services will be at Bigelow Chapel, Mt. Auburn cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge on July 6, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.  Interment to follow at the cemetery. Donations may be made to The Actors Fund or Appalachian Mountain Club.

To view the livestream of Miriam’s service, please click here.

We share with you now the profound loss of someone we deeply loved and the world will miss. Nancy Levy died suddenly on late on July 1st, 2021. She had a very fragile heart and it could not survive one final incident. Nancy was a very special woman, who made friends easily of everyone she met- from fellow teachers, to many people at her new long-term care facility, to every mailperson, handyman, salesperson, etc. She was deeply spiritual and her temple describes her as the backbone of their congregation. Nancy touched many lives and made a huge difference in this world. She will be missed by many, many people, especially her sister, Ellen, and her 30-year-old son, Micah. Contributions can be sent to B’nai Or of Boston at their website   or mailed to B’nai Or of Boston PO Box 400715 Cambridge, MA 02140.  Please earmark any contributions to the Nancy Levy Spiritual Development Fund.  Shivas will be held on Zoom, Tuesday and Thursday night and in person on Weds night. For more information on attending a Shiva Minyan, contact Julie Leavitt at injewel1@gmail.com or marilynpstern@gmail.com. Traditionally, Jews say ‘May Her Memory Be for a Blessing.’ Those of us who knew Nancy echo this and also know that, without any doubt, Nancy Levy was a blessing for us all.

Funeral service on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Congregation Or Atid, 97 Concord Rd., Wayland, followed by interment at Beit Olam East, 42 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA.

Service can be viewed here

Ruth Loeb Forrest, 88, beloved mother, grandmother, long-time Newton resident, and nurse, died on June 29, 2021.

Ruth will fondly be remembered for her kindness, care for those in need and commitment to social justice. Ruth’s greatest love was her seven children and twenty grandchildren, giving them the gift of her attention and love. She also taught her children and grandchildren what it meant to live a life of purpose, conviction and resilience.

Ruth enjoyed cooking large family dinners and vacations on the Cape.   She loved art and enjoyed taking painting classes into her later years. Her artwork is cherished by her family.  Ruth volunteered at Temple Shalom pre-school, baking challah on Fridays and cultivating the children’s creativity through art. She was a loyal Red Sox fan and was thrilled to be at Fenway Park with her son to witness the Red Sox win their first World Series at home in 95 years. Ruth enjoyed being surrounded by her grandchildren, and also loved her dogs and grand-dogs.

Ruth was one of the last remaining survivors of the M.S. St. Louis, a ship that carried 900+ Jewish refugees from Germany to Cuba and back to Europe in 1939.  She and her family eventually settled in Elmira, NY, and she moved to Boston in 1958 to attend Beth Israel Hospital’s Nursing School.  Ruth volunteered to share her story, despite the pain in doing so.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Martin, her brother Armin Loeb and her parents Bella and Leopold Loeb. She leaves behind seven children, Lisa Baron (Paul) of New York, NY, Susan, (Nick) of Killingworth, CT, Robert (Pam) of Bethesda, MD, Steven (Paula) of Natick, Richard (Heather) of Newton, Jonathan (Debbie) of Bethesda, MD, and Barbara (Peter) Sullivan of Newton.   She will also be greatly missed by her twenty grandchildren who adored her, and her two nephews. Services will be private. Donations in her honor may be made to Jewish Vocational Services of Boston or The United States Holocaust Museum.

Dana, Irma (Hirsch), of Mashpee, formerly of Newton, MA, on June 29, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Norman L. Dana for 51 wonderful years. Daughter of the late Morey and Helen (Goldstein) Hirsch. Devoted mother of Steven A. Dana and his wife Nancy, Harvey M. Dana and his husband Gustavo Berroeta, Audrey Kradin and her husband Rick, and Faith Burns and her husband Joseph. Cherished grandmother of Ashley, Jared, Hilary, Taryn, Mallory, Samantha, Jaclyn, Alex, and the late Melissa Rose. Proud great-grandmother of Gunnar, Kareena, Bryson, Lilah, Joshua, Archie, and Penelope. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Friday, July 2, 2021 at 10:45 am. Following services, memorial observance will be at the home of Audrey and Rick Kradin until 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irma’s memory may be made to the Melissa Rose Kradin Foundation, 37 Fillmore Ln., Walpole, MA 02081.

Berkovich, Vitaly, age 62, of North Grafton, MA, passed away June 27, 2021. Beloved husband of Mila (Soyfer) Berkovich. Devoted father of Lenny Berkovich, and Sabina Shtilman and her husband Dmitriy. Proud grandfather of Jonathan, Isabella, and Elijah. Dear brother of Rolina (Berkovich) Levin and her husband Alex. Proud uncle of Eugene Levin and Gary Levin. Devoted son-in-law to Tatyana Soyfer.

Vitaly has lost his battle of 4 years to Glioblastoma (brain cancer). He fought very long and hard with hopes of getting better and having a cure one day.

Vitaly was a very kind and lovable person.  Without hesitation, he would drop everything and go out of his way to help friends and family. He loved to travel with his wife,  and  together they traveled Europe, the Caribbean and across the states. One of Vitaly’s ultimate plans had always been to visit the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Fortunately, two years ago, during his remission, Vitaly was able to take his dream trip with his wife.

Vitaly was born in Riga, Latvia, where he met and married his wife at age 21. They had two children, and in November of 1988 they immigrated to United States with just five suitcases to fit all of their belongings and to start a new life.

In the United States, Vitaly started to work odd jobs at first, in order to provide a better life for his family.  He and his wife were able to sponsor all of their extended family and even some friends to the United States and help them gain a better life as well. Vitaly was a very hard worker, and he was even more devoted to his family.  He always wanted a better life for his children and his family. One way he was able to accomplish this was that with his wife by his side they grew and built a successful business that allowed him to provide a life of which he had always dreamt. Vitaly was very much loved and admired and will be dearly missed.

Graveside service at Puritan Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Leonard N. Zinman, MD, FACS, FRCS (Hon), Professor of Urology and one of the founding fathers of reconstructive urology, passed away on June 26, 2021.

Dr. Zinman was a graduate of Boston University and Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his surgical training at the Boston VA and Urology Residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was inspired by both Drs. Wyland Leadbetter and W. Hardy Hendren to pursue a career in genitourinary reconstruction. He joined the Lahey Clinic in 1964 before embarking on fellowships in Reconstructive Urology with Mr. Richard Turner-Warwick at the Institute of Urology in London, England from 1967-68, and Renal Transplantation at Middlesex Hospital from 1973-74 with Mr. David Innes Williams at Newcastle Royal Infirmary, New Castle, England.

Dr. Zinman, whose career at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center exceeded 50 years, founded the Center for Reconstructive Urologic Surgery at the Lahey Clinic in 1973.  While at Lahey he served as residency program director from 1970-1990, and Chairman of the Department of Urology from 1986-1993.  In 1987, Dr. Zinman co-founded the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS) with Drs. Gerald Jordan, Charles Devine, and Charles Horton, and served as president in 1992.

During his long and distinguished career, Dr. Zinman made significant, innovative contributions to the field of urology. His academic work includes over 130 peer-reviewed published manuscripts, multiple textbooks, and numerous visiting professorships. At Lahey, Dr. Zinman was instrumental in creating one of the finest urologic reconstructive centers in the country. His pioneering efforts changed contemporary reconstructive urology, helping improve the lives of patients worldwide. In his own words:

“Our major contributions over the past three decades have been the development of techniques to repair radiation injuries, male genital cancer, integrated use of axial muscle and myocutaneous flaps with oral mucosa onlay grafts in long segment high risk strictures, the adjunct use of antiproliferactive antifibrotic injectable agents, and the use of alternative grafts.”

Dr. Zinman won numerous awards during his career, including election to the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons (1994), Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (2010), AUA Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Urologic Surgeons (GURS) Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), and the Frank Lahey Award (2019).

Yet, the true impact of Dr. Zinman’s career is not encapsulated by the awards and achievements he received during his illustrious career, rather, by the profound impact he had on all those who knew him.  Dr. Zinman had a passion for medicine and insatiable thirst for knowledge and inquiry.  He loved his patients and colleagues, and we all loved him back. In addition to improving patients’ lives, he trained countless residents, forever impacting future generations of urologists.

The urologic community has lost a visionary surgeon, leader, and friend. We will forever be grateful for the impact he had on all of us.

Dr. Zinman leaves behind his beloved wife, Roberta (Green) Zinman of Canton, his son, Eric Zinman of Cambridge, and loving brother Murray Zinman of Connecticut and the late Samuel “Sonny,” Israel, Beverly, and Ethel Zinman. Dr. Zinman was the son of the late Harry and Gussie (Katz) Zinman.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to the Reconstruction Urologic Surgery Fund in memory of Leonard Zinman, MD, sent to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, c/o Philanthropy, 41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA  01805.  You may also donate online here.

Betty Friedman, 92, of Weston, FL and West Orange, NJ, passed away on June 22, 2021. Beloved wife to the late Joseph Friedman. Devoted mother of Mark Friedman (Carol Friedman) and Richard Friedman (Jan Shoyer). Dear grandmother of Eric, Emily, Ross, and Celia. Proud great-grandmother of Aiden and Gavin and another on the way.

Services are private.

Ullian, Phyllis (Geffen) of Newton, died peacefully on June 21 at the age of 86. Phyllis was the devoted daughter of the late Rose and Israel Geffen. Loving mother of Marjorie Sokoll and her husband Mark of Newton, Howard Ullian of Bangkok, and Nancy Salvin and her husband Ken of Framingham. Cherished grandmother of Talya and David Sokoll, and Jessica, Rebecca and her husband Ryan Miller, and Joey and his wife Etana Salvin. Phyllis was delighted to become the great-grandmother to Rylan Miller and Sima Salvin. Dear sister of the late Milton Geffen and Robert Geffen. Graveside services at Sharon Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 23 at 11:45 am. Please gather at the administration office between 11:15 and 11:30 am. Shiva at the home of Marjorie and Mark Sokoll following interment and through Friday afternoon; daily 2:00–4:00 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm. Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Center for Jewish Healing, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451.

Of Newton, June 20, 2021. Beloved husband of Alice (Lurio) Axelbank.  A Graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 1:45 pm. Relatives and friends invited.

LIEBERMAN, Annette Lee (Brounstein) Formerly of Amherst, MA, Newton, MA and Sunapee, NH, passed away June 20, 2021. Annette was devoted to her family and friends, to teaching children, and to teaching future teachers of children. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1934, she was an alumna of Brooklyn College and ABD from UMass Amherst; most recently she served as Teacher Certification Officer and Director of Field Placement for UMass Boston. Annette was a devoted wife of 65 years to her late husband Alan; mother to Joshua (Marcia Okun), Amy (late James Dasch), and Elizabeth (David Greif); grandmother to Andrew, Sam, Peter, Amalia, Michal and Aryeh. Funeral Services followed by Interment will be held Thursday, June 24, 1:00 pm at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to the Children’s Literacy Initiative, or a charity of one’s choice. Annette will be missed by her many friends and family members who remember her devotion to child education and how she savored the beauty and serenity of Lake Sunapee.

To view service, click here.

Lucas Miles Smith of Quincy, June 15, 2021. Beloved son of Erik Smith and Celia (Tang) Smith. Brother of Michaela Smith. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10:45am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA 02067.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Edith Levey, aged 91 on June 13, 2021.

Raised in Holliston and Framingham Mass, Edith lived in Lexington for over 60 Years and was an active member of the Lexington Senior Center for many years following the death of her husband Gil in 2005.

Loving mother to her children Jane Levey Dowling and Richard Levey, mother in law to Ed Dowling and Lisa Halm and grandmother to Nikki, Zoe and Isaac and Aunt to many nieces and nephews including her niece Terri and her husband Andy.

An avid reader, Edie loved to discuss politics and the latest biography she had taken out of the library.  Edie enjoyed swimming in the Atlantic well in to her eighties and was a talented amateur painter in her youth.

Funeral service at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, Sharon, MA, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 2pm. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Lexington Senior Center, 39 Marrett Rd., Lexington, MA 02420.

Claire Jacobson Cohen, of Dedham passed away on June 13, 2021. Formerly of Wellesley, Newton, and Palm Beach, FL. Claire was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Bernard Cooper Cohen, and brothers Murray Jacobson and Alan “Buddy” Jacobson. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Ethel (Adelman) Jacobson of Chestnut Hill.

Born in Boston, Claire graduated Boston Teacher’s College in 1948 and received her Master’s in Education from Harvard University in 1966 after which she was a learning disabilities specialist in the Newton and Weston schools.

She is survived by her children Leslie Godoff (Stan) of Palm Beach, Richard Cohen (Wendy) and Jerry Cohen (Susan), all of Boston. Proud grandmother of Matthew Godoff (Allison) of Weston, Tyler Godoff of Miami, Ian Cohen (Lauren) of Wellesley, Adam Cohen (Liza Eaton) of New York City, Jamie Ovadia (Hagai) of Newton, Samantha Gaspar (Jeremy) of New York City, and Frank Cohen (Sophia Chesrow) of New York City. Beloved great-grandmother to eight.

Claire will be remembered as a kind, sincere and generous woman who was a loving mother and grandmother, joyful and enthusiastic about even the smallest pleasures in life. Above all, she loved her family and created a Jewish home filled with beautiful traditions and wonderful memories.  Her determination to become the first adult bat mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in Palm Beach was an inspiration to her grandchildren and the entire congregation. She was a loyal friend, strong and capable leader and passionate about the causes she supported.

Throughout her life Claire held leadership positions in secular and Jewish organizations including chapter president of American Jewish Congress, endowing and facilitating programs for the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Institute, and President of the Women’s League at Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach.

Claire’s family wishes to thank Ilma Paixao, her compassionate caregiver, for her daily devotion and support.  We are also extremely grateful to Hebrew SeniorLife Hospice, the women from Tribute Home Care and Celtic Home Care and Mara McLaughlin who provided skilled care and companionship.

Service to take place at Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., Brookline, MA on Tuesday, June 15 at 10:00 am. Masks are requested to attend the service. Interment strictly private for immediate family members only. Donations in Claire’s honor may be made to Hebrew SeniorLife, c/o Hebrew SeniorLife Development Office, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131.

Dr. Joe Karlin, of Newton, MA, passed away on June 9, at age 88 of natural causes.   After graduating from The City University of New York and SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in New York, Joe went on to a residency in dermatology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York.  He served as a captain in the U.S. Army and chief of dermatology in the U.S. Army Hospital in Fort Jackson, SC during the Vietnam War, training medics in the humane way of caring for the wounded.  Joe then practiced dermatology in New York and in Denville, NJ for 35 years before retiring in 2000.  As a child in Manhattan during World War II, he and his family were instrumental in saving thousands of Jews from Hitler’s camps. Helping people remained a mantra for the rest of his life.  Among the numerous awards he earned as a physician, his favorite accolade took place on his last day of practice. When he opened the doors of his office at 9am, he was amazed to find the building’s halls and lobby filled with three generations of patients bearing balloons, cookies, flowers, and photos, all in gratitude for his many years of care.  Together with Robby, his beloved wife of 58 years, he traveled the world and through life with a keen interest in music, science, food, and wine.  Joe is survived by his two daughters, Susan and Linda, son-in-law, Peter, and grandchildren Alex and Rebecca.  He was a wise, loving, generous, and fun person.  Funeral services at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA, 02459 on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 9:30 am. Per Temple regulations, all attendees must be fully vaccinated. Burial will follow at Lindwood Memorial Park, 490 North St., Randolph, MA 02368.

Remembrances:

Musicians of the Old Post Road  www.oldpostroad.org

The Nature Conservancy  nature.org https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Temple Emanuel  https://www.templeemanuel.com/

Charlotte  Bloom- of  FL, on June 8, 2021. Services were private.

GORDON, Susan Jane, of Natick, formerly of Newton and Wayland, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 8, 2021. Beloved sister of Esther and Stephen Gordon, adored aunt of Allison and Charles Abrams and Kara and Todd Gordon and devoted great aunt to Sophie, Rebecca and Matthew Abrams and Jack and Liana Gordon, dear daughter of the late Sophia and Samuel Gordon. In a nearly 40 year teaching career, almost entirely at the Bridge School in Lexington, Susan was the sought after “Miss Gordon” who provided over a thousand First Graders with a life-long foundation in reading, writing, arithmetic and, even more importantly, listening attentively, working productively and getting along with others. She gave that same foundation, and so much more, first to her niece and nephew and then to her great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom provided her with the light, laughter and purpose of her later years. Her gifts to her family are readily apparent today and will be everlasting. Susan will be remembered only for good because she lived her life only to do good. Services are private. Contributions in her memory may be made to Steppingstone Foundation https://www.tsf.org/.Memorial observance Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 3pm – 7pm at Pine Brook Country Club, 42 Newton Street, Weston, MA.

Edwin (Ted) Solon Harwood, 82, died on June 7 after a short illness. He was the loving partner of Alice (Chester) Schwartz, the father of Dr. Bryna Harwood (Sidney Manansala), Alexander Harwood, and Abigail Harwood (Daniel Hensley), grandfather of Max and Robin Manansala and Willa Hensley, and brother of Cynthia Harwood.

Ted graduated from Stanford University, served three years in the U.S. Army, and earned a doctorate in sociology from The University of Chicago. He taught college sociology for more than 20 years. After leaving teaching he developed a communications and writing consulting practice.

Cynthia Deitel Burstein of Chestnut Hill, MA passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021 at age 103. Beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Paulina Deitel. Beloved wife of the late Hyman Burstein. Devoted mother of Gerald Burstein (Phyllis) and the late Paula Burstein Lerner. Mother-in-law to the late John Lerner and the late Adelle Shapiro Burstein. Loving grandmother of Adam Lerner (Stacey), April Van Dam (Michael), Jessica Sherer (Joshua), Candice Masters (Kenneth). Proud Great-grandmother to Peyton and Ava Lerner, Parker, Aaron, and Skylar Van Dam, Charlie and Alex Sherer, and Max and Brody Masters. Loving sister to the late Saul Deitel and late Helen Engleman.

Cynthia was a 1939 graduate of Portia Law School and received an honorary doctorate degree from the New England School of Law.

She was past President of The Boston Chapter of Hadassah. Also, she was an active member of CJP.

Her hobbies and interests included; golfing, mahjong, and ceramics. She was a fashionista, world traveler, shopper and enjoyed the company of her many friends.

Graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cynthia’s memory may be made to Hadassah Northeast, 1320 Centre St., Newton, MA 02459 or the charity of your choice.

There will be a private Shiva observed.

Robert Peck of Newton, MA passed away on June 6, 2021. Beloved husband of Ann (Loeb) Peck. Devoted father of David Peck and his wife Debra, Ellen Traganos, and Karen Caponetti and her husband Michael. Proud grandfather of Lindsey, Lauren, Haley, Jennifer, Nicole, Andrew, and Alexandra. Loving brother of the late Burton Peck, Beverly Zindler and Gerald Peck.  Brother-in-law to Leo Zindler. Graveside service will be private. A memorial reception will be held at the conference room on Wednesday at the Imperial Towers, 280 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA from 12:30 pm – 4 pm. Memorial observance will continue Thursday and Friday from 1 – 5 pm at Ann’s residence. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459.