Archive: September, 2021

Robert Norman Belinsky passed away September 30,2021 after a brief recent illness.  He spent his 86 years of life working, dancing, devouring food, raising a family and leaving a smile on the face of everyone who met him. Robert was born in Lowell, MA on August 28,1935.  He was a great student and got a double-promotion in grammar school. Robert was lucky enough to love and be loved by two wonderful women. His wife of 44 years, Natalie Leven Belinsky passed away in 2003. He lived with his current amore, Phyllis Guinazo, in Orlando, FL. Robert’s parents, Joe and Jean Belinsky (both deceased) of Brookline, MA referred to him as “Bobby” as did his two sisters, Marcia Twitchell of Topsfield, MA and Sandra Miano (both who predeceased Robert)  of Honolulu, Hawaii. He was “Dad” to his son Mark and wife Kelly Belinsky of Westwood. His grandchildren, Kara and Joshua Belinsky called him “Papa.” He was known as “Bob the Meatman” to millions of shoppers in Haymarket square.  He was famous for grabbing shoppers on the arm as they walked by and asked them “Want some meat?” In fact, Bob the Meatman had several cameo appearances on local TV shows and the locally filmed movie “The Brinks Job!” Robert loved traveling to Saratoga, playing the horses and the stock market.  He was an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Celtics and the Red Sox.

Robert loved good food, and Pinwheels (chocolate cookies) were his absolute favorite. Phyllis introduced him to his most recent passion of dancing to Mariachi Cobre and traveling to Mexico. Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel at 12:00 noon. Masks are required. Donations in Roberts’s memory may be made to Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Drive, Norton, MA  02766 https://www.ouimet.org

To view the recording of Mr. Belinsky’s funeral service please click here

A member of the French Resistance and Survivor of the Holocaust, of Watertown, formerly of Brooklyn, NY and Metz, France, on September 30,2021. Beloved wife of the late Arthur. Devoted Mother of Lynda Babcock (Reginald) and Miki Abelow (David Smith). Loving grandmother of Katharine, James, Nathaniel, Elena, and Lexie. Cherished great-grandmother of Caroline, Eddie, Sam and Hannah. Dear sister of Monique Feinberg and the late Leon Strumer and Jean Pierre Strumer. Graveside services were held at Beth Israel Memorial Park, Waltham, Friday, October 1, 2021.Remembrances in her memory may be made to The United States Holocaust Museum,100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington DC 20024, Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or any local Veterans Organization of your choice.

Lucille Sherman of Marblehead and Delray Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2021, a little short of her 90th birthday. Devoted aunt to David and Jennifer Morse and to Robert and Julie Morse Cummins, Sister to the late Eileen Morse, Marshall Sherman and Richard Sherman. She loved dogs, traveling, shopping, being near the seashore, and was a beloved great-aunt to Joshua, Richard, Gabriella and William. Services will be at the Kehillith Jacob Cemetery in West Roxbury, Sunday October 3, 2021, at 11 AM. In lieu of gifts, contributions may be made to the MSCPA (mspca.org).

Zena Rosenberg, 95, of North Andover, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late Albie Rosenberg. She is survived by her three loving children and their spouses, Marilyn and her husband Lloyd, Sherry and her husband Harry, and Lloyd and his wife Linda.  Zena was the grandparent of Lauren, Julie, Sarah, Daniel, Jeremy, and Kendra and the proud great-grandparent of Dylan, Miriam, George, Graham, Poppy, and Eva.  She was the loving sister of Jerry and Larry and a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Zena embraced life with joy and passion every day.  She loved to travel around the world and enjoyed dancing, singing, theatre and socializing with her numerous friends.  She worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Queens College.

We are so fortunate that she touched our lives with her continued love and kindness.  May her memory and spirit live on and she will always have a place in our hearts.

Donations in Zena’s memory may be made to Hadassah New England, 1320 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA 02459.  Funeral services are private.

Suzanne Oesterreicher, 62, of Newton, died unexpectedly, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Loving daughter of Arthur Oesterreicher and Thelma “Tybee” (Jacobson) Oesterreicher, who predeceased her. Beloved wife of 31 years of Jeffrey Freudberg. Devoted and endlessly proud mother of Jeremy, Rose and Jake Freudberg. Loving sister of Jennie, Brian (Lorie), and Harry Oesterreicher; Lamiel (Danny) Navarro; and the late Milena O’Connor, who passed away in 2008. She was the best aunt possible to her nieces and nephews Rebecca (Ali) Aslam and Christopher Collura; Adam (Nicole Sweet), Michael (Jackie Cutrone), and Daniel (Beth Dion) Freudberg; and Corey O’Connor. She adored her great-nephews and great-nieces Evan, Noah, and Leah Freudberg; Rama and Amar Aslam; and Lily Freudberg. She is also survived by many dear family members with whom she shared close and enduring relationships, including her mother-in-law Rita Freudberg and sisters-in-law Audrey Freudberg and Lynn Gutter. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law Stuart Freudberg in June 2021 and father-in-law Richard Freudberg in April 2017.

She was born March 7, 1959 in Mount Kisco, NY. Her early childhood was spent in northern New Jersey, her junior high and high school years in Mountaindale, NY. She was a 1977 graduate of Fallsburgh Central High School in Sullivan County, NY, and a 1981 graduate of Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. She resided in Newton since then.

Suzanne’s life and the impact she had on her family, friends and the world around her can not be fully captured here. Those who knew her, loved her. And she knew many, many people, forging deep, lasting friendships and collegial relationships throughout her life and through her career as a marketing and sales director for Butterworth-Heineman/Reed Elsevier Publishing and later in her work to support the vital mission of Understanding Our Differences in Newton. She was a lover of the performing arts and a loyal supporter at numerous theaters in the Boston area, attending performances with friends and family. She contributed her time, talents and passion to doing good in the world in many ways, including volunteering as a tax preparer with AARP, working the polls, and organizing many events and activities at her children’s schools.

A private funeral for immediate family will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at Newton Cemetery, Newton, MA. The family will receive visitors (shiva) at their home from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Understanding our Differences, PO Box 600671, Newton, MA 02460; Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors, c/o Newton Community Pride, 1294 Centre St, Newton, MA 02459; or The Whale Museum, PO Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

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Suzanne (Sue) Oesterreicher Freudberg passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 25, 2021, leaving behind so many people she cherished and who loved her in return. She made friends and changed lives wherever she went, for everyone she met. Some called her Suzanne, some called her Sue. She was Momma to her children, Aunt Sue to her nieces and nephews, Smo/Smoley/Smolinsky to her siblings, and Bunny to her husband. While she went by many names, for this memorial tribute, let’s call her Sue.

You can’t sum Sue up in a few paragraphs, or tell her life story in any meaningful way without context and details. Lots of details. But if you had to describe her in one word, it would have to be unforgettable. She made a lasting impact on everyone she met. If you could use more than one word, you would describe her as powerful. And brave. (Truly brave.) Generous (to a fault). Devoted (to family and friends alike, old friends and new ones). Resourceful. Witty. Knowledgeable (about a million different things). The list could go on and on, because she knew just about every word in the dictionary. This is not surprising since she grew up studying every page in a mammoth Oxford dictionary so she could win at a family-favorite parlour game. In truth, Sue was pretty competitive—another good word to describe her—but generally in a good way. She loved to win games, and she usually did. Monopoly, Clue, Yahtzee, Pitch. Life. You name it, she won it. She loved to be in charge, offer advice, and solve problems. She always had an answer for everything.

Sue’s life began on March 7, 1959 in Mount Kisco, NY, the second child of Arthur and Thelma “Tybee” (Jacobson) Oesterreicher. She joined her elder sister Milena in the family that would soon include sister Jennie and brothers Brian and Harry. They were a noisy, boisterous family of intellectual do-gooders who tilted at windmills and believed deeply in justice, fairness, love and compassion.

While Sue was not technically the oldest child, she sure acted like it. As a two-year-old in diapers, she watched with envy when three-year-old Milena went in a taxi to preschool. The very next day Sue potty-trained herself so she, too, could go to preschool. And that’s how her life continued to roll. She was a go-getter, self-determined and self-reliant, achieving just about everything she set her mind to accomplishing. Milena may have been the birth-order eldest, but anyone who saw Sue’s family-of-origin in action just naturally assumed she was the oldest. Sue took that role and she ran with it, and she made it look easy.

In 1977, Sue graduated from Fallsburgh Central High School as a stellar student in a small-town community in Sullivan County, NY. She then enrolled at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, where she graduated in May 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies (and an accidental second major in Psychology). What can you do with a degree like that? Well if you’re Sue, you parlay that degree and your work-study experiences in the African Studies department at Brandeis to become a marketing and sales director for Butterworth-Heineman/Reed Elsevier Publishing. And then you marry the love of your life, Jeffrey Freudberg, in September 1990.

Sue loved kids. All kids. Especially her family member’s kids. First-born niece Rebecca Aslam was the first to feel Sue’s passionate and devoted love. But Sue then shared it equally with the nieces and nephews who followed, including Christopher Collura; Adam, Michael, and Daniel Freudberg; and Corey O’Connor. And, oh the day her twins were born! Sue and Jeffrey were a well-integrated tag-team of devoted parents to Jeremy and Rose from the day they entered the world in January 1997. And then they welcomed Jake with open arms in August 2000. Whatever her kids loved, Sue loved it, too. Baseball, orchestras, gymnastics and trapeze. Sue was right there cheering for her kids, and learning all the intricacies of their interests so she could be a part of them, too. She held her kids’ hands tightly enough so they felt secure, and yet loosely enough so they could explore the world. Yes, the world. From the Azores to Ireland, Maine to California, and lots of places in between, Sue’s kids now travel freely and with confidence, knowing they have the full support of their parents who made sure they had the knowledge and skills to forge their own paths. Sue taught them independence, but she was always there to be a decisive voice.

Sue also loved cats, all cats, and especially her beloved Helen, Uno and Mila. Growing up, Sue loved many other cats—too many to name here but still forever etched on her heart—and also one delightful dog, Red Dukie Yowmie.

While Sue loved being home with her purring kitties, she also loved to travel. She regularly planned a wide array of family adventures, often revisiting over and over again her family’s favorites. Sue and her family were regular guests at East Hill Farm and visitors to Storyland, both in New Hampshire. They also made an annual day trip to Horseneck Beach in southeastern Massachusetts, which they had down to a very exact science, stopping before the beach at a local farmstand to buy just about everything, eating (the best) lobster rolls and blueberry pie at the Bayside Restaurant, and finishing the day with ice cream. When her kids were younger, Sue and Jeffrey would load up the car to head west to upstate New York to visit Sue’s sister Jennie, joining up for “dino-digging” giggles at the Eagle Mills Cider Mill and Family Fun Park. These family trips often included Sue’s extended family of relatives and friends. For years, for example, niece Corey was part of many trips to East Hill Farm, Horseneck Beach, and Eagle Mills, while mother-in-law Rita, father-in-law Richard, and close friend Lillian visited the Farm too.

While Sue’s adult years were spent delighting in her children’s escapades and those of her nieces and nephews, she also devoted considerable time to volunteering at her kids’ schools, organizing complex events that required a great deal of time and leadership to prepare and execute, such as the Bowen Elementary School raffle and the Newton South High School used book sale. She used her talents to support the vital mission of Understanding Our Differences in Newton, tackling essential development and operations projects with them for many years. She further directed her passion for doing good in the world by serving as a volunteer tax preparer with AARP to help senior citizens accurately complete their tax returns at no cost to them. She also worked the polls for local elections in Newton alongside Jeremy and Rose, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when being a poll worker was potentially quite a risky thing to do. Sue was an ardent advocate for many social causes, from saving the endangered Orca whales to supporting the local mutual aid group in Newton.

Sue enjoyed the performing arts and was a loyal supporter at numerous theaters in the Boston area. Attending shows with her friends and with her daughter Rose, she loved every genre from comedy to drama, and it was rare to find a show for which she didn’t leave with a glowing review. She was a longtime supporter of the New Repertory Theater in their years in Newton, and she was a recent subscriber to Speakeasy Stage, the American Repertory Theater, and numerous others. She was even a volunteer usher for many performances with her friend Betty so they could add even more shows to their packed show schedule. In addition to theatre, Sue became a lover of circus arts, a passion of Rose’s, and she was an eager audience member at many of these shows as well.

In recent years, it was time to welcome the next generation of children. Sue was totally enthralled with her great-nephews and great-nieces Evan, Noah, and Leah Freudberg; Rama and Amar Aslam; and Lily Freudberg. She loved being around all the young, wide-eyed, playful ones. She brought endless gifts, spent hours playing and planning outings, and formed a special relationship with each one. She visited Rama and Amar weekly—sometimes more than weekly—and was known for bringing over bubble blasters and ice cream treats. She could spend hours recounting stories of the silly things she had done with “her babalings” that week and gushed over their every achievement and milestone. She gave them—and she received from them—complete, unadulterated, unconditional love.

It’s no wonder, really, that she loved kids. Sue’s childhood was a jumble of children laughing and playing, sometimes in pairs and trios, and sometimes all five siblings together. She carried that sense of family joy with her as she built her adult life around the children she loved. But her first real love was her sister Milena, for whom she had to bid a broken-hearted farewell when she died in 2008 following a long, tortuous illness. Sue was there for Milena, right up until the end. Sisters, always. As hard as that loss was—and it was indeed hard—grief was no stranger to Sue. She lost her grandfather Herman when she was nearly 5, her grandfather Jacques when she was 19, her mother when she was 20, her grandmother Kate when she was 21, and her father when she was 37. Through all those losses, Sue was always the strong one that others counted on to carry the ball forward, and to help everyone else carry on, too. She was there to support her family when her father-in-law Richard died in 2017 and then again when her brother-in-law Stuart died in June, just three months before her own passing.

In the weeks before her death, Sue was troubled with pains in her back and her hip, but she was taking steps to address those issues. She did not know, nor did her family and friends, that her time to pass would soon come in an instant. She had lunch plans with her dear friend Lillian the day she died. She was also preparing to leave on yet another vacation with her husband, kids and mother-in-law, and they would have been joined later in the week by those two great-nephew babalings she loved so much. (And oh yes, the babalings’ parents were coming to join the fun, too.)

While it ended far too soon, Sue lived her life fully and completely, not wasting a second. Busy, productive, and oh so loved, right up until the end. She leaves a “Sue” shaped hole that her family and friends don’t know how to fill. We can’t and we won’t. We will leave the light on in her honor, and we will carry the ball forward the best we can, guided and strengthened by the eternal echoes of Sue’s so-often-shared words of encouragement and advice.

Mother, Matriarch, and Community Leader

Cynthia Brezniak Shulman left peacefully on the morning of September 23 in her home at Newbridge on the Charles. She had suffered a stroke in early August, a few days after celebrating her 90^th birthday with friends and extended family. She leaves three children, four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, a sister, devoted nieces and nephews, countless friends, and a legacy of community service, leadership, and love.

Cynthia was born on August 6, 1931, to Frank and Sonia Brezniak. Her parents were Jewish immigrants from the Russian Pale of Settlement who met in Boston after World War I. When she was six, Cynthia and her family moved from a second-floor apartment in Dorchester to a new home in Newton Center just a short walk to Temple Emanuel. Both she and her parents became cherished lifelong members of that congregation.

In the Spring of 1948 Cynthia graduated from Dana Hall High School. That summer she met Leon Shulman, a World War II veteran from Brookline, at a baseball game at Cleveland Circle. Four years later, after she completed her degree in Political Science at Smith College, Cynthia and Leon were married. The couple started their family in a rented apartment not far from the place they’d met. With their second child on the way, the family moved to a home in Newton Center, just down the street from where Cynthia’s parents lived. Her three sons, Steve, Ken, and Billy, walked to the John Ward Elementary School just as she had.

Like her parents, Cynthia made community and service into a way of life, beginning with a stint on the Ward School PTA and several seasons as a cub scout den mother. The qualities that distinguished her throughout her life—intelligence, commitment, and compassion—led her to myriad organizations and leadership positions. She served as both Campaign Chair and Chairperson at Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, where she and her husband endowed the “Cynthia and Leon Shulman Acharai Leadership Program.” She was President of the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee and was later named a Brandeis University Trustee. At Hebrew Senior Life, a cause also dear to her parents, Cynthia served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary, and was the first woman to serve as HSL chairperson.

For Cynthia, leadership was about communication. She was a gifted writer and captivating public speaker. At meetings, whether formal or informal, she strove, and usually succeeded, to make participants and stakeholders feel seen and heard. She didn’t shy away from strong opinions. Instead, she helped colleagues express those opinions in a manner that could best lead to consensus. Heated debate became respectful and productive discussion. Relationships grew stronger and deeper. Groups coalesced. And that collegial spirit spread through entire organizations.

Above all, Cynthia was most proud of her family. The multigenerational Shulman clan enjoyed traveling together—to Alaska, Africa, Colorado, Guatemala, Israel, and most recently to Germany and the Netherlands—where Cynthia, at 86-years-old, insisted on scrambling up the steep narrow stepladder that led to the attic of the Anne Frank House. She was the center and soul of a loving community she helped create and nourish—a community that helped sustain her after Leon’s death in 2011. And she enjoyed a rare bond with her grandchildren and their partners, and with her nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren.

She leaves her son Steven and his wife Debra Yanofsky of Brookline; her son Ken and his companion Francesca Casella of Cambridge; and her son Billy and his wife Wendy of Needham. She leaves beloved grandchildren Harrison Shulman, his wife Emma, and their son Silas of Lincoln; Andrew Shulman of Los Angeles; Sophie Shulman of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Simon Shulman of Boston. She also leaves a sister, Renee Glazier, of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law Ann Lord, wife of the late Eugene Brezniak, of Brookline, and scores of adoring friends including the fabled “Hannukah Group,” a group of nine young couples who remained close friends for seven decades.

Funeral services will be held outdoors at Temple Emanuel in Newton, on Sunday, September 26 at 2:00 pm. After a private burial, the family will observe the first day of Shiva at the Temple, also outdoors. For the remaining Shiva, the Shulman family will receive friends and relatives beneath a tent at the home of Steven Shulman and Debra Yanofsky in Brookline on Monday and Tuesday 2-6:30 pm and Wednesday 2-7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers and food, please consider a donation in Cynthia’s honor at:

The Cynthia and Leon Shulman Acharai Leadership Program at CJP  or

Hebrew Senior Life

TO VIEW THE SERVICE AT THE TEMPLE PLEASE GO THE WEBSITE   Templeemanuel.com

With broken hearts we announce the sudden loss of Adam Taylor Housman. Adam had a brilliant mind always taking on a challenge with pride and success. Adam was passionate about history, golf, basketball and hiking. He successfully hiked the Appalachian trail an accomplishment he was so proud of.  Adam was the grandson of the late Arline and Bert Housman and the late Libby and Bob Seltzer.

Adam was a devoted son to his parents Nancy (Seltzer) and Richard Housman. Protective and caring, Adam was one of their three most precious gifts. Adam shared many topics of interest with his older brother Maxwell often reminiscing about visits to museums and foreign countries. Adam and his twin brother Jake had a special bond that will live on forever. Always looking out for one another and balancing each others strengths. Their differences complimented each other like pieces of a puzzle from the day they were born on March 31, 1987.  Adam admired his sister-in-law Catherine, appreciating her intelligence, kindness and gentle manner.

Adam had special relationships with his Uncle Kenny, Auntie Debbi and Uncle Marty. Engaging in their company with ongoing conversation meant a lot to him. Holidays hosted by Aunt Susan and Uncle Ben were great memories for Adam.  Adam enjoyed spending time with his cousins Julie, Jaclyn, Kevin, Diane, AJ, Jonathan and Samantha. Each one of them bringing individual connections to the Adam they knew and loved. Adam adored his little cousins Robbie and Chloe showing his love by showering them with stuffed animals and dolls. In his own quiet way Adam was kind and thoughtful. We will love and miss Adam always and forever.

Donations in Adam’s memory may be made to the: Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Drive Norton, MA  02766 https://www.ouimet.org  Recipient email: NSH1122@aol.com

Dorothy Norman, beloved mother of Geoffrey and Lawrence Norman, passed away peacefully on September 15,2021 after a short illness. She was 95 years old.

Dorothy was a much-loved grandmother to Daniel, Rebecca, Ashley, Savannah, and Alexander Norman, as well as great-grandmother to Noah and Theodor Norman-Hansen and mother-in-law to Dale Norman. She died after she had listened to the Kol Nidre service.

Dorothy and her husband Arthur immigrated to America from South Africa in 1986 to join her children who had already immigrated. She was the youngest of ten children, and was the last surviving sibling. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, and mother, Dorothy took great pride in her family and delighted in spending time with them.

In South Africa, Dorothy ran a fashion retail store for women called Young Miss. She loved her work, traveling around the world on buying trips. Once in the USA, she continued to work in fashion retail, finally retiring at the age of 82.

In her retirement, she spent time with family and friends, ran a film club, learned to paint, read voraciously, and made excellent Sunday breakfasts that her family enjoyed regularly.

Dorothy led an inspiring, independent life and will be missed by all who knew her. We know she is now reunited with her beloved Arthur. She will be buried at the Baker Street Cemetery, Beth El Section, Temple Emeth Lot, on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 11:00 am. Remembrances may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Pl, Boston, MA. 02215.

Benjamin “Ben” Lewis Flammey, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on September 12, 2021. He was a devoted husband to Janet for 64 years, father to Bruce (Bobbi), Steven (Carolyn) and Gail (Ruben) whom he adored, and most proud of his three grandchildren, Lindsay (fiancé David), Rachel and Mitchell.

Born in New York City he attended James Madison High School, continued his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.  Ben graduated from college in 1957 and served as a Supply Officer on the USS Courtney, Newport, Rhode Island. After he completed his Naval career Ben was a corporate trainer in the Washington, DC area for over 45 years.

Ben’s favorite pastimes included cross country trips with his family, tennis and golf. He was a member of Westwood Country Club, Vienna, Virginia. He was an avid baseball fan and as a young man spent many afternoons at Ebbets Field cheering on his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. When he moved to the Washington, DC area he adopted the local sports teams and continued his love of sports watching the  “Washington Redskins” and Nationals. His happiest times were those spent with his family and friends and a close second was an afternoon on the golf course.

Graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Framingham Natick Jewish Cemetery, Fairview Ave. & Windsor Ave., Natick, MA.

Donations in his memory may be made to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation National Headquarters, ATTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Ave., Ste. 510, NY, NY 10017 or the Rabbi Daniel Liben Endowment Fund at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA 01760.

To view recording of graveside service click here.

Howard Malcolm Ecker, MD, age 90, of Brookline, passed away Monday, September 13, 2021 in the hospital care of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1931, he was the son of William H. and Celia R. Drooker Ecker. His brother was the late Donald A. Ecker. Howard graduated from Worcester Academy and then Harvard College in 1953. He attended two years of Harvard Dental School, followed by two years of active-duty service in the Naval Medical Corps. He graduated from Tufts University Medical School in 1960. After a surgical internship at Boston City Hospital, he completed a general surgical residency at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and finished his training in plastic surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, 1964-1967.

Dr. Ecker opened a private practice in Brookline in 1967 as the 20th plastic surgeon in Boston, and the first to use a bipolar coagulation machine. He later had offices in Boston. He practiced at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and at the Sancta Maria Hospital for 45 years. He was regarded by his colleagues as a fierce advocate for patients, a surgeon of great technical skill and aesthetic judgment, and a demanding, but beloved, surgical teacher.

Howard served two years as the President of the Norfolk District Medical Society. He worked diligently for many years on various committees of the Massachusetts Medical Society, including the Committee on Publications and, served at the Boston Medical Library as a Trustee.

He was an amateur lapidary and jeweler, and an avid collector of natural materials in which he found great beauty including mineral specimens and stones, particularly agates, and seashells from around the world. Many of his happiest days were spent at rock shows, exploring caves and geological outcrops, and beachcombing. He often attended the Tucson Gem and Mineral show. He was a loyal member of the Harvard Club of Boston. Howard followed his father as a Freemason in Massachusetts for some 68 years, first in the Mount Scopus Lodge in Worcester and later in the Harvard Lodge in Boston.

Howard was a devoted husband and father. He leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Wendy Lipsey Ecker, and his children, William L. Ecker and Lisa Ganz Ecker of New York, Dr. Heather L. Ecker of Dallas, Texas, Merrill L. and Daniel Theobald of Norwood, Dr. Robert D. Ecker of Portland, Maine, and his grandchildren Emily, Alexander and Sophia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Howard’s memory to the Harvard College Fund, Tufts University School of Medicine or the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

of Natick, MA, formerly of Newton, passed away September 13, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Ronnie Powell. Devoted mother of Julie Powell, Pam Johnston and her husband Jim, and Andy Powell and his wife Jennifer. Proud grandmother of Sam Johnston, Sydney Johnston, Rachel Powell, and Betsy Powell. Loving sister of Joanie Rubin and her husband Wally. Services at Temple B’Nai Shalom, 117 East Main St., Westborough, MA on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11 am. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Sylvia Doris Cohen died on September 12, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida. She was born in Chelsea, MA and resided in Massachusetts before moving to Dover, N.H. with her husband Herbert to raise their family. Sylvia and her husband later migrated to the Sarasota area where she lived for the rest of her life.

She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert, sister, Edith, and grandson, Gregory.

Sylvia is survived by three children, Eliot of McLean, VA, Ellen (Mark) of Osprey, FL, and Jeffrey (Kathy) of North Potomac, MD.  In addition, she is survived by three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A private funeral service was held at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Herbert and Sylvia Cohen Fund Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Sylvia Cohen. Contributions can be made at http://giving.childrenshospital.org/  Or mail checks, payable to Boston Children’s Hospital, to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include Sylvia’s name in the memo line.

Karen Michele Arnold was born on August 19, 1951 and died suddenly Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Marlborough Hospital after a short fight with metastatic lung cancer.

She is deeply missed by all those she leaves behind, but especially by her loving husband Richard “Ricky” Arnold of 49 years, beloved daughter Sara Arnold and partner Bill Simon of Clinton, granddaughter Verity Arnold-Simon, and mother Ann Zucker of Coral Springs, Florida.

She is predeceased by her granddaughter, Liberty Arnold-Simon, who also died of cancer.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Karen spent her childhood there and graduated from high school in Westfield, New Jersey.  She went to college at 17 at Boston University where she obtained a degree in education and met her soulmate after meeting through a mutual friend in Brighton. She later achieved a master’s degree in library science from Salem State University. She moved to Burlington in 1977 and lived there until 2013 when she moved to Stuart, Florida.

She was a teacher for many years, primarily as a media specialist in Wilmington and then at the Harrington K-8 school in Cambridge. She was also a Hebrew school teacher at Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington and was one of the original employees at Digital in Maynard. She was also a library trustee in Burlington and was involved in the construction of the new library, where her name is on the entrance plaque.

Karen impacted so many lives in her 70 years. She was incredibly intelligent, caring, compassionate, and empathetic.  She always made sure people knew she cared about them and that they mattered; she was loyal and devoted to all those that were lucky enough to be loved by her.  She was overjoyed to be a parent, and a grandparent twice over.

She loved books, beaches, shopping and fashion, sunshine, lions, hamsa and the tree of life, fine art, delicious food, and high-quality cannabis.  She always looked beautiful and put together, which was a point of pride for her.

Karen will be particularly remembered for her utterly hilarious sense of humor, infectious laugh, and ability to be silly and carefree.

She will be missed and remembered forever, especially by her sweet girls (forever and a day).

Donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Love for Liberty Arnold-Simon DIPG Foundation (loveforliberty.org), of which Karen was a dedicated board member, and was created in memory of her late granddaughter.

Services will be graveside Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm  at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, MA. Details, including the shiva, will be available soon.

To view service click here

Services at Kaminker Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Dr. Richard Jay Bravman, 67, dedicated and loving husband, father, brother, son, friend and oral surgeon passed away on September 6, 2021.

Rick grew up in Great Neck, NY and raised his family in Centerville, MA. After graduating from Clark University, he received his Masters in microbiology from NYU and his DMD from Tufts University. He went on to build an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice across three offices on Cape Cod. He was Chief of Staff at Cape Cod Hospital and served on the finance and investment committees. He treated his patients with the utmost care and empathy. After dinner every night, he would call each patient to check on their wellbeing. For 38 years, he imparted this compassion coupled with a high bar for excellence to the oral surgery students he taught at Tufts University and Boston University.

Rick was an avid runner, skier, golfer and swimmer. The energy and stamina that made him a great athlete extended to all areas of life. He loved traveling, especially when he could practice his Spanish or dine in the newest restaurants in NYC. His passion for food may have been outweighed by his love for music, particularly Bob Dylan. He loved listening to vinyl records and attending concerts.

Of course, nothing matched Rick’s love and devotion to his family. He was the model of an exceptional partner to the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Debbie. He took immense pride in his children, Rachel and Jason, who could always count on him for unwavering love and support. He loved and appreciated every minute spent with his grandchildren Griffin and Gemma. And always viewed his son-in-law, Neil, as his own. Rick was a dedicated brother to Laurel Kaplan, brother-in-law to Dr. Robert Kaplan, and uncle to Julie, Lindsey and Nikki, as well as brother-in-law Kenneth Hyman and sister-in-law Linda Hyman, who all loved his sense of humor.

Rick will be remembered for his honesty, gentle demeanor, generosity, loyalty, drive and love of life.

Donations in Rick’s honor may be made to Tufts Dental, an organization that had such an instrumental role in his life.

To view the service recording please click here.

Florence (Ober) Mann, formerly of Newton, MA entered into eternal rest on September 6, 2021 at the age of 94. She was the loving daughter of the late Dora (Goldstein) Ober and the late Louis Ober and sister of the late Ruth (Ober) Fleischer, Miriam Ober, and Herbert Ober.

Florence was the devoted wife of the late Theodore “Teddy” Mann, and a loving mother and mother-in-law to their five children and spouses, Leslie and Alan Kaplan of Newton, Rick and Sophie Mann of Newton, Eric and Karen Mann of Chelmsford, Deb and Stu Schmill of Needham, and Stacie and Alan Shapiro of Needham. She was preceded in death by her adored granddaughter Becca Schmill and is survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her cherished niece, Judy Herman, of Ashland.

Florence grew up in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School in 1945. She met Teddy in September of 1949 and they were married four months later. They remained happily married for 44 years, until his passing in April of 1994.

Aside from her family, Florence’s great loves included crossword puzzles, mystery novels, coffee ice cream (especially Brigham’s), and chocolate fudge. As an independent thinker with strong liberal views, she never hesitated to share her political opinions with anyone who would listen.

Florence was a fixture in the City of Newton where her husband served as Mayor for a quarter of a century. She was a volunteer at the Newton Fund for the Arts and the Arthritis Foundation and a long-standing member of Temple Mishkan Tefila. But her starring role was always as a mother. She considered her children to be her greatest accomplishment in life and dedicated herself to their happiness. In turn, her children were deeply devoted to her.

She will be missed by many and forgotten by none.

Funeral services will be for family only at gravesite. To view the recording of Florence’s service please click here.

Shiva will be by Zoom on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm. Join the Shiva using the following link here.

Donations in Florence’s memory can be made to Boston Medical Center, c/o “Becca’s Gift,” Office of Development, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118 and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238.

If you would like to leave a condolence note, please visit Florence’s obituary here.

Services at Kaminker Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Fox, Steven Howard, age 66, after a long bout with Cancer. A real estate contractor for over 40 years, Steven was loved by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Beloved brother of Alan and Robert Fox and predeceased by his late parents Morris and Pearl (Monson) Fox. He leaves loving sisters in-law- Sara and Terry Fox, nieces, Alexandra and Rebecca Fox, nephews, Michael, Matthew, and Eric Fox, and last but not least loyal friends and cousins, too many to mention, but all strong lifelong brothers and sisters at heart. Steve will always be remembered for his gregarious personality and humor mixed in with movie star looks and most of all his undivided loyalty to his family and friends through thick and thin. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 1:45 pm . A celebration of Steve’s life will be announced later. Donations in his memory may be made to Lauren Beth Breslof Memorial Fund, 2 Partridge Hill, Sharon, MA 02067.

Freedman, Paul A., of Boston, MA, formerly of Chelsea and Medford, MA, passed away September 2, 2021. Beloved husband of Merle Adelson. Dear son of Ruth Freedman and the late Philip Freedman. Loving brother of Bess Horn and the late Jimmy Freedman. Graveside service at Linhas Hatzedek Cemetery, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA, on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 1pm. A link to view the funeral service can be found here. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to MA General Hospital, c/o The General Fund, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.

Jane Bode Brown, of Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away on August 28, 2021, in her home after a long fight with ovarian cancer.  She spent her final days surrounded by her family and close friends. She was 72.

Born in London, England, Jane emigrated to Canada with her family in 1954 and then to the United States, settling in East Longmeadow, MA.  She graduated from Bates College in 1969, where she met her husband Steve and made many lifelong friends.  Jane had an exceptional eye for art and design, was an avid traveler, and enjoyed collecting sea glass while taking long walks on the beach with Steve near their second home in Saco, ME, often joined by her children, grandchildren and family friends.

An innovator and pioneer in the field of college and university enrollment management, Jane led a distinguished career in higher education spanning 40 years and touching the lives of countless students, administrators, and faculty.  Originally trained as a clinical speech pathologist, Jane joined the administration of Emerson College (Boston, MA) after serving as a faculty member, eventually serving as Dean of Admissions and Vice President for Enrollment.  She later served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Mt. Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA) and Northeastern University (Boston, MA).  Her legacy at Emerson, Mount Holyoke and Northeastern includes building accomplished student bodies with diverse academic interests from all walks of life, and a deep commitment to increasing opportunities for students from underserved communities.  Jane’s work ethic and strategic mindset were matched only by the grace, compassion, and empathy she displayed in every aspect of her work and life.

Though Jane’s professional accomplishments were considerable, her greatest joy was found in her family. Jane is survived by her devoted husband and partner of 50 years, Steve Brown, children Jessie (Chris Fanelli) and Noah (Anne), grandchildren Ben, Leif, Nina, Janie (“Yaya”), and Nick — all of whom were the true lights of her life — sister Sharon Corliss, brother-in-law John, nephew Alec, and her father Robert Bode.  She was predeceased by her mother, Lorna.

A memorial service will be held in Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12pm.  The facility requests that all attendees be vaccinated and wear masks.  The family is planning to hold a celebration of Jane’s life in the future when public gatherings are safe.  In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jane’s memory with a gift to the Posse Foundation (possefoundation.org) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (dana-farber.org/gift).

A link to view her service can be found here

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.