Boston philanthropist and business leader, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025 at the age of 85.   Beloved husband of Rosalyn (Greenberg) Slifka. Devoted father of Amy Cook and her husband Jamie, Karen Dattilo and her husband Jeffery, and Andrew Slifka and his wife Jodi. Cherished grandfather (“Grumpy”) of Shayna and Daniel Cook, Joseph and Michael Dattilo, and Julia and Jason Slifka. Dear brother of Alfred Slifka (z’’l) and his wife Gilda.

Richard was a proud alumni of Boston Latin School and M.I.T.

He and Rosalyn met at age seventeen on an arranged date and they were married for sixty-three years.  They raised their family of three, and watched their family grow to include their children’s spouses, 6 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild and 1 step-great-grandchild. Richard cared deeply about making the world a better place. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, from 2002 to 2024. He served on the Board of Trustees of Boston Medical Center, the academic medical center and safety net hospital, from 2006 to 2019, and of BMC Health System, Inc. from 2013 to 2021. At BMC, he sponsored the Richard B. Slifka Chief of Neurology position.

Richard became involved in fighting Multiple Sclerosis in honor of his mother, Sonya Slifka. He was a director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 1981 to 2019.   He served as Greater New England Chapter Chairman from 1986-1988 and was elected to the National Board of Directors in 1987 where he served as Chairman from 1998-2001. He and Rosalyn supported many Jewish causes and charities in the United States and in Israel, including many day schools.

Chairman of the Board of Global Partners LP, Richard joined the company in 1963 and held various leadership and governance roles with Global Partners or its predecessors throughout his career. Mr. Slifka entered the oil industry at his brother Fred’s request to join him at Slifky’s Reliable Oil Company, the business started by his father, Abraham, in 1933. Fred and Richard transformed the business into one of New England’s largest wholesalers of distillates, gasoline, residual oil and bunker fuel. Mr. Slifka and his family successfully completed Global Partners’ initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Mr. Slifka is a past director of the New England Fuel Institute and served as president of the Independent Fuel Terminal Operators Association.

Services at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon, MA on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  Family and friends are invited to join Richard’s family at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 776 Boylston Street on Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 7 pm.  Memorial observance will continue on Tuesday, June 3 from 5 to 8 pm at Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter or to a charity of your choice.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Robert “Bob” D. Sadler passed away peacefully at his home in Dedham, MA, on Tuesday, May 27 at the age of 97. A devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Bob lived a life defined by resilience, dedication, and love for family.

Born in Munich, Germany, on May 14, 1928, to Emil Sadler and Lise Birn Sadler.  Bob, his brothers and parents fled Nazi Germany in 1934, eventually settling in Buenos Aires. There, he attended Carlos Pellegrini High School, a rigorous academic institution where he earned a diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Although he never attended college, Bob deeply valued education and carried a lifelong curiosity for learning.

In 1952, Bob immigrated to the United States, where he built a successful career in the wool industry. He was President of Hart Wool, his father-in-law’s company, and played a key role in its growth and eventual sale—an achievement that reflected his keen business sense and unwavering work ethic. After retirement Bob remained engaged as a consultant, especially for nonprofit organizations. He was particularly proud of his contributions to Gore Place in Waltham, MA, where he served on the Board and helped develop their now-popular annual Sheepshearing Festival.

Bob cherished time with his family and was a source of guidance and encouragement to those around him. He loved sharing meals and ideas with his family and close friends in the business community. He spoke many languages, read voraciously and traveled the world with Alyce. He and Alyce spent many happy years in their homes in Quechee, Vermont and Phoenix, Arizona.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Alyce Simon Sadler; his children Mona Sadler, Gary and Anne Simon, Nancy and Bobby Casper, Doug and Anna Simon his nephews, Andres and his wife Evelyn, Alberto and his wife Daniela, and Alex and his wife Aurora Sadler; seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his dear older brothers, Theo Sadler and Fred Sadler.

Though he considered himself neither German nor South American, Bob proudly embraced his identity as an American. He will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family. His life was a testament to perseverance, love, and a remarkable spirit that touched all who knew him.

A private ceremony was held in Sharon, MA, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Remembrances in memory of Robert may be made to the Temple Beth Shalom Annual Fund @ tbsneedham.org/annual-fund/

In Loving Memory March 23, 1935 – May 25, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Herbert H. Itzkowitz, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Herb was a man of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born on March 23, 1935, in Malden, MA, he was a proud graduate of Everett High School and Northeastern University, where he later returned as a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and passion for learning with generations of students. A highly respected Certified Public Accountant, Herb built a long and distinguished career marked by professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.  For decades, he served his clients and colleagues with care, precision, and the highest ethical standards, earning the trust and admiration of all who worked with him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herb was first and foremost a family man. He was the devoted husband of Judith (Rudman) for almost 60 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

He was a loving father to Mindy, Michelle, Stephen, Marcy, and his son-in-law, Peter Klay. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob, Haley, Blake, and Andrew, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He was a devoted friend to many, someone who could be counted on for sound advice, a kind word, or simply a steady presence.

His loyalty, sense of humor, and genuine care for others earned him lifelong friendships that he nurtured with grace and humility. Whether teaching in the classroom, solving a complex tax return, or telling stories around the dinner table, Herb touched the lives of many with his kindness and quiet wisdom. His presence had a way of making others feel calm, heard, and cared for.

In addition to his beloved family, he is survived by many extended family members, friends, former students, and clients who will carry his memory forward with deep affection. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah Itzkowitz and Frada Marvel. He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Esther (Balter) Itzkowitz, sisters Eleanor and Miriam, and brothers Howard and Barry.

A celebration of Herb’s life was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham.

Though we mourn his passing, we are deeply grateful for the many years we shared with him. He will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts.

In memory of Herb and his dedication to Northeastern University, donations can be made to the Herbert and Judith Itzkowitz Scholarship Fund at Northeaster University, Attn: CPS Scholarship, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Donations can also be made in Herb’s memory to Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd., Framingham, MA 01701.

Allan Jay Krueger, born March 25, 1946, died on Friday, May 23, at the age of 79, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. Allan (2 A’s, 2 L’s) was the son of Murray Krueger and Lee Krueger, of Dayton, Ohio. He was graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and, along with a degree in Psychology, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Allan earned a Masters of Business Degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Allan married Ellen Feinstein Krueger, after 16 years of friendship for a marriage of 50 years. Allan’s children Lauren Krueger and Max Krueger, were lucky to have him as a father, role model, mentor, and great guy to hang out with. His grandchildren, Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik had all that and the fierce love of Allan as Grandpa. David Krueger was honored, and lucky to have Allan as his big brother.

After retiring from a career in administration with the Air Force, Allan went on to have a long career as a systems analyst and project manager with the Air Force and Defense Contractors. After the birth of his first grandchild, he chose retirement to spend time with his growing family, and to travel with Ellen. He was an active and committed member of the Congregation Beth Elohim Acton Community for over 40 years. Allan also had a close and loving relationship with Temple Emunah in Lexington.

Allan is survived by his wife Ellen Feinstein Krueger, daughter Lauren Krueger, son Max Krueger, son-in-law Matthew Brozik and daughter-in-law, Shannon Voto, and grandchildren Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik, his brother David Krueger and sister-in-law Elaine Berson Krueger, nieces Jennifer, Alyson, and Rachel Krueger and their families, and in-laws Brother in law Barry and sister in law Laura Feinstein, Sister in Law Sharon Feinstein (Jerold Feinstein, deceased), nephews Michael (Viktorya)  and Daniel Feinstein (Melissa), Scott Feinstein (Jaime), Bonnie Feinstein (Michael Maniker) and all of their children, along with many loving cousins

Services will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton, on Tuesday, May 27 at 11:30 am with internment to follow at Beit Olam Cemetery, Wayland. Shiva will be held Tuesday, 5-7 pm at Beth Elohim. Wednesday and Thursday, shiva will be from 5-7 pm at the family residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Allan’s memory to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute or to Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton.

Link to livestream service

Robert Dworet Fanger passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025.  He was born on April 15, 1933 and grew up with his parents, Philip and Esther Fanger and his sister Ruth Fanger Backman in Brookline Massachusetts.

Bob graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and received an MBA from Columbia University in 1957. Shortly after, he joined the Stop and Shop grocery store management training program and became the company supplies buyer.  Later, he founded the Robert D. Fanger Company, food brokers, and then co-founded Firestone Financial Corporation where he served as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors. He was also a founding partner and consultant at Sullivan, Fanger and O’Brien, and a founder, officer and board member of Medallion Funding Corp. in New York City. After retiring, he remained active in the finance world as an adviser to Eastern Funding LLC, NY, New York.

More important than his career was his dedication to family, friends, Dartmouth College and philanthropy.  Bob was a lifelong member of the Dartmouth community, chairing the class of 1955 25th and 50th class reunions, and acting as class president and Alumni Council representative. He also devoted time and energy to charitable and civic causes. He served on the food team for Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and as trustee of University Hospital, Boston Children’s Services, and the Home for Little Wanderers. Bob’s greatest strength was his gift for friendship.  He built a network of friends that extended around the world. He was the undisputed king of “small world stories” running into old friends on ski lifts, in airports, and on the Great Wall of China.

He leaves behind his loving wife Iris Fanger of 68 years, his children Michael Fanger, Linda Sattel and Laurie Fanger Reed; grandchildren Rachel Fanger, Jon Fanger, Ember Reed and Nat Reed; and nieces and nephews Paula MacDonald, and Jill, Charles, Bruce, and Garett Backman.

A funeral service and reception will be held at noon on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Temple Israel 477 Longwood Ave Boston 02215. Parking on the Riverway.

Visiting hours at home:  Monday May 26 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm and Tuesday May 27 2-5 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston MA, Dartmouth College, or the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Wood’s Hole MA.

To view the livestream please click here

Joani Katz, 76 of Newton passed away peacefully after a heroic battle with leukemia on May 21, 2025.

Joani found her perfect partner and husband in Arthur Aframe, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began on the tennis courts of the Waltham Racquet Club and flourished into a lifetime filled with intellectual curiosity and shared adventures—hiking, traveling, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.

Joani was born on June 11, 1948 in Brockton to her parents, the late Samuel and Edith Katz. She was a proud graduate of Colby College and a dedicated alumna. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. With a deep sense of compassion and purpose, she devoted over 30 years to advocating for and supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Her career was a true embodiment of compassion and selflessness.

Joani was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Newton, where she found great joy and purpose in her faith. A regular participant in the weekly Talmud classes, she was deeply rooted in Jewish values—particularly tikkun olam, the call to repair the world—which guided both her personal and professional life.

Joani is survived by her loving sisters, Debbie Mann and Susan Held, with whom she shared an exceptionally close bond, speaking with them every day. Their spouses, Jeff Mann and Jon Held, were equally close to her, cherished as part of her extended family. Joani’s warmth also extended to her sister-in-law, Barbara, and her husband, Bob Murphy. She was a cherished aunt to Hillary and Andy Mann of Needham, Beth and Arnon Klein, Lauren and Ofer Cohen, and David and Erica Held of New York. She was adored by her 10 great nieces and nephews and played an instrumental role in many of their young lives.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed immediately following the burial at the family residence from 2:00 – 6:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 25 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Donations in Joani’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in recognition of the care and support she received.

June (Hoffenberg) Welz, 82, of Newton, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 20, 2025. June was the Wife of the late David Welz, Daughter of the late Jean (Rosenberg) and Jack Hoffenberg, Mother of Deborah (Jim) Murphy and Ronald (Laura) Welz, Grandmother of Bobby, Jake and Abby, and Sister of Toby Abel. Burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Shiva will be held at the Welz residence in NEWTON on Wednesday, May 28th from 3pm-7pm and Thursday, May 29th from 3pm- 7pm. Donations in June’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Betty Ann Sweet, age 92, passed away May 19, 2025.  Betty was born January 17, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio.  Betty moved to Brookline in 1965 where she would work and raise a family.  While her kids were young, Betty worked as a dressmaker, including intricate bead work for figure skating outfits.  She then worked with her husband Allen, owner of the popular women’s shoe store Ralphs. She was best known to her family for her holiday pie baking, her love of cats, and knowledge and love of gardening and bird watching. Betty resided for the past three years at Adelaide of Newton, an assisted living memory care home.

Betty is predeceased by her husband Allen and two sisters Mollie and Eve.  She is survived by her Daughter Lynne Sweet and husband Tom Rezendes, and son Bruce Sweet and wife Deborah Faragi Sweet, their two children Eric Sweet and Ariel Hondros, and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11am followed by lunch and visiting hours until 2pm.  Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Friends of Arnold Arboretum.

Joseph Fox of Lexington, MA, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 88.  Joe was a devoted husband to Myrna Fox for 66 years.  Joe and Myrna met at a Teen Town social in Dorchester and became an inseparable pair shortly thereafter.

Always a dedicated and caring husband, Joe wholeheartedly supported Myrna’s love of travel and the two had many adventures walking the streets of foreign cities.  There were also adventures closer to home as Joe pursued his love of sailing.   Starting with a remarkably small boat, Joe honed his sailing skills around Marblehead Harbor as Myrna nervously held on.   Biking in the fall and skiing in the winter, Joe and Myrna were always on the go, all while lovingly raising a family of three boys at their home in Lexington and tirelessly caring for their own parents over the years.

Joe had a very long and successful career working in the Government Systems Division of GTE.  With amazing stamina and sense of purpose, Joe excelled as a proposal manager, retiring from the company after an incredible 40 years of service.

Not one to slow down, Joe then sought out other rewarding endeavors by first volunteering at the Museum of Science, then serving as a guide in several of Lexington’s historic buildings.  In a move no one saw coming, Joe decided to take a position as a cashier at Starbucks.  Although he was never known to be an extrovert or even particularly social, there was something about the Starbucks environment that transformed Joe.  When he put on the green apron, he effortlessly started to smile and welcome patrons.  After 14 years behind the counter, Joe was known near and far by Starbucks regulars, always receiving a warm greeting from those he had served.

Joe adored his grandchildren, and he was always willing to pack up the car for a ride to New Jersey or Maryland to see them.  Mollie, Zoe, Sophie and Daniel kept him very busy building sandcastles on the beach and lugging ski equipment up the mountain.  As the great-grandchildren came along, Joe was filled with joy when he could spend time with Theo, Josie and Rafa.

The Fox family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care Joe received from the dedicated staff at Cooperative Elder Services in Arlington and Belmont Manor.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on May 19, at 1:45 pm.  The Fox family will welcome friends and family at the house in Lexington at 4 pm.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Temple Emunah, or to a charity of your choice.

Kenneth Ulin, age 75, of Arlington, MA, died May 15, 2025, from heart disease. Unassuming and kind, he was happiest helping others in his work as a Medical Physicist and at home as a good neighbor and friend. Giving back was important to Ken. Should you wish to remember him with a charitable donation, please consider supporting the charity of your choice.

On October 23, 2024, Erich Goldhagen, 94, died peacefully in his home in Short Hills, New Jersey that he shared with his beloved and loving wife of 67 years, Norma Goldhagen.

Erich, born in 1930, survived the Holocaust in Chernivtsi, Ukraine (then Romania), and, as a scholar, was one of the Holocaust’s most penetrating interpreters. After being liberated by the Soviets in 1944, he and his parents fled west, living for a year in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. As a teenager, he just walked in and attended the Nuremberg Trials. Sponsored by family friends, his family emigrated to Canada in 1948, where he went to college and at McGill University earned a master’s degree. He then migrated to the United States to enroll in a PhD program in political science at Harvard, specializing in Soviet Studies.

Erich, an old-world intellectual with encyclopedic knowledge, was a dazzling thinker and speaker and had extraordinary command of English, even though he began learning it only as a teenager after the war, in good measure by measure reading Shakespeare, whom, in conversation, he would often quote from memory. Although not a professional linguist, he was a near super-polyglot, speaking nine languages, in many of which he was virtuosic. Erich, raised in the Orthodox tradition, was wedded to his Jewishness and steeped in its culture, even though he was secular in belief. As a person, he was marked his entire life by the suffering and the loss of most of his extended family that he endured during the Holocaust. As an intellectual, he set out, clear-eyed and dispassionately, to understand and explain the Holocaust’s commission.

Erich taught one of the first courses on the Holocaust at an American university, and started in the early 1970s a quarter century run at Harvard University, at its Russian Research Center and Divinity School, teaching his legendary undergraduate General Education course Explaining the Holocaust and the Phenomenon of Genocide. His son, Daniel Jonah Goldhagen, also a former professor at Harvard, is the author of the landmark book Hitler’s Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust that changed the way much of the world understands the Holocaust. Daniel always emphasized his intellectual debt to Erich, to whom he dedicated the book. Erich’s story can be seen in Daniel’s PBS documentary Worse Than War.

In addition to his wife Norma, and his son Daniel, he is survived by his children, Benjamin Goldhagen, Ethel Bogursky, and Mayer Goldhagen, and by eight grandchildren, to whom he was a devoted Grandpa.

Andre Rosowsky died on May 8 in his 90th year. He was born in 1936 in Lille, France, and spent the first six years of his life in Paris until, in 1942, the occupying Germans instigated a massive campaign against Parisian Jews. Andre’s parents were given one night’s advance warning of their imminent arrest, and arranged for their only child to go into hiding with non-Jewish friends. Although his parents and many other members of his family were killed in Auschwitz, Andre survived the war and emigrated to the United States to be raised by an aunt and uncle in California. He studied chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, earned his PhD at the University of Rochester, and completed his post-doctoral studies at Harvard. In 1962, Andre married Erlene, and they had three children—David Rosowsky, Lisa Rosowsky, and Jessica (Rosowsky) Smith. Andre spent an impressive forty-seven years as a pharmaceutical and medicinal research chemist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, producing more than 300 publications and holding 18 patents. Brilliant and humble, with a dry wit, he devoted the latter years of his career mentoring younger scientists in grant-writing, and spent many hours after retirement keeping up with the latest developments in medicinal chemistry. In addition to his loving wife and children, Andre leaves his adored grandchildren: Madeleine, Sophie, Sam, Melissa, April, and Leo. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday May 13 at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street, Auburndale, Massachusetts (with private burial to follow). The family will receive visitors for shiva from 4:00–7:00 pm on May 13 and 14 at his late residence. Online remembrances may be left at Legacy.com. Donations in Andre’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or to Yad Vashem.

To view the livestream please click here.

Leonard Allan Mintz, 89, of Westwood, Norwood, Norton, Canton, and Indio, California, died peacefully at home. Len was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tina, and his beloved parents,  Henry & Helen. Len is survived by two daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, two  grandchildren-in-law, and one great grandchild. Len was a proud graduate of Hebron Academy,  Hebron, Maine, later serving on the Board of Directors, and he remained a dedicated supporter and advocate of Hebron throughout his life. After graduating from Tufts University, Len successfully ran Franklin Manufacturing for many years, designing and patenting hot stamping machines still in use across the globe. Len enjoyed a long retirement, traveling in a motor home with Tina, often to the Southwestern US, which he loved. After Tina’s death, Len was blessed by connections with old and new friends. Len was a fine, gifted pianist and enjoyed sharing his musical talent with family and friends. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hebron Academy, 339 Paris Road, PO Box 309, Hebron, ME 04238-0309. Service to be held Sunday, May 11, at 10:00am at the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, Sharon, MA, with interment to follow in the Safed section. Shiva to be held at his daughter’s house in Sharon.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Zalman S. Agus, former Professor of Medicine and Physiology, and Associate Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania died on May 7 after a short battle with cancer.  He was a world-renowned nephrologist and former Chief of the Renal-Electrolyte Section at Penn.

He was a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University and later attended medical school at the University of Maryland, after he was denied admission to Johns Hopkins due to a quota on Jewish students.  He completed his residency at the University of Maryland and a nephrology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is the son of renowned rabbi and theologian Rabbi Jacob B. Agus and Miriam S. Agus.

Dr. Agus has served the American Society of Nephrology as Vice Chair of the Program Committee, Chair of the Nephrology Training Program Directors’ Executive Committee, and Chair of the Informatics Committee. He has served on the Executive Committee of the National Medical Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation. He is a past Chair of the Council on Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease of the American Heart Association, was elected to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation and was a fellow in the American College of Physicians. He served as a Major in the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in the early 1970s.

Dr. Agus authored and edited over 120 publications and is internationally recognized for his expertise in the physiology and pathophysiology of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium transport.

Along with Sondra, his loving wife and life partner of almost 62 years, they raised their family in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, except for a 2-year stint in San Antonio. Together, they helped found a Jewish day school in San Antonio, and in Cherry Hill, they helped steward and grow the Kellman Academy day school, where Zalman served as Chair of the Board. They moved several years ago, along with his service dog Doc, to the Boston area to be near two of their sons and their families. He is survived by Sondra, sons David (physician and CBS News contributor, Santa Monica, CA), Joel (attorney/financial planner, MA) and Michael, (physician, Newton, MA), as well as daughters-in-law Amy Povich Agus, Beth Agus, and Elisa Deener-Agus, nine grandchildren Eytan, Sydney, Noah, Eli, Miles, Kayla, Kobe, Sammy, Marley, and two sisters Edna and Deborah. He was predeceased by his brother Robert.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT at Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut St, Newton, MA. For those who are unable to attend in person, it will be livestreamed at https://www.walnutstreetminyan.org/live-events.html.

Interment will follow at Independent Pride Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva minyanim will be at the homes of Zal’s sons in Newton, Sharon, and Los Angeles. Shacharit at 8:00 am Sunday through Thursday (Newton). Mincha at 7:00 pm, followed by Maariv 8:00 pm Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday (Newton), and Tuesday (Sharon).

Contributions in memory of Zalman Agus z”l may be made to America’s Vet Dogs.

Kenneth Erwin Karger, of Framingham, formerly of Newton, died on May 5, 2025. He was a graduate of Boston Latin School, Boston University, and Boston University Law School on the Law Review.  Ken served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the US Army for three years, then graduated Bentley College with top honors in a Degree of Accounting.  He was an elected Town Member in Brookline. After being legal counsel at Honeywell for many years, he founded a private commercial law practice in Boston for over 60 years representing many large corporations in the development of the computer industry throughout the country and abroad.   He was a former President of Temple Reyim, in Newton, and a long- standing member of Wightman Tennis Center.  A season ticket holder of many Boston teams and an avid sports fan, he also enjoyed skiing and spending holidays on Nantucket with old friends.

Son of Charles and Ruth Karger, brother of Barry Karger, Ken was a loving husband to Margery (Bloch) for 63 years, a devoted father to Daniel and Lisa (Pollino) Karger, Bill and Tracey (Kagno) Karger, and a proud grandfather of Jake and Kristie (VosWinkel), Jackie, Max and Emily Karger.   Ken was hardworking, well respected and cared deeply for his family and many friends.

Funeral services will be graveside at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:45 am.  Shiva will be observed immediately following at his residence, and on Friday, May 9th from 3-7 pm.

Marc S. Miller of Dedham, on May 6, 2025.

Adored son of Roanne Miller and the late Robert Miller. Loving brother of Jonathan Miller and sister-in-law Alycia Miller. Loved uncle of Travis Miller.

Services at Beit Olam Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10AM.

Following services, Memorial observances at Jonathan and Alycia’s residence until 5pm. Shiva will continue at Roanne’s home Saturday 7-9pm and Sunday 2-6 pm.

Kindly omit flowers. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

To view the livestream please click here.

DUKAKIS, Katharine (Kitty) Dickson, 88, of Brookline, died surrounded by her family on March 21, 2025. Kitty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Michael S. Dukakis; son, John Dukakis; daughters, Andrea and Kara Dukakis; grandchildren, Ali Dukakis, Peter Dukakis, Sofia Dukakis, Alana Dukakis, Niko Hereford, Olivia Onek and Nora Onek; sons-in-law, John Hereford and David Onek; nephews, Rob and Mike Shain; niece, Betsy Barry. Kitty was preceded in death by granddaughter Jobie Hereford.  A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on May 11, 2025, in the Roberts-Dubbs Auditorium at Brookline High School.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jobie Project, supporting pediatric brain tumor research at Dana Farber, in memory of Kitty’s granddaughter, Jobie. Checks can be made out to “American Endowment Foundation – FBO Jobie Project DAF H23058” and mailed to American Endowment Foundation, Attn: Accounting, 5700 Darrow Rd Suite 118, Hudson, OH, 44236. Donations can also be made to RefugePoint, which provides support for refugees, online at www.refugepoint.org/give or by mail to RefugePoint, 89 South Street, Suite 802, Boston, MA 02111.

Lila Goldstein passed away on May 4th at the age of 92. She was a creative, sharp, hilarious woman with a generous heart. She was a book brimming with life, filled with stories, and memories. Her children and her grandchildren were her absolute greatest pride and joy until her last day.

Lila was consumed by her love for adventure, her love of family, and by the pride of the legend she left behind which exists in each of us that carry the Goldstein, White, Theriault, and Macklin names.

Known as Nana to her grandchildren, Lila was a spitfire. A timeless comedienne who served as President of her own country. She was born and raised in New York City. Her parents, Harry and Sarah Sherry, emigrated from Russia and sold linens at their modest shop in the Bronx. They taught her patience, hard work, and Jewish values which she carried with her throughout her life and passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her prowess as a teacher, artist, life-long learner, adventurer, and grandmother showed us how important laughter is in a world plagued by divisive politics, societal inequities, and international conflict. She consumed knowledge at an incredible rate for a woman 92 years young – loving her news channels, but most of all, her exclusive time with Lester Holt as he hosted the evening news.

Lila knew the importance of travel and cultural immersion and spent every opportunity encouraging her family to explore – nurturing a curiosity for life within each of us. She was brave and fearless. And she instilled those same qualities in those closest to her.

She attended Brandeis University and Hunter College to become an elementary school teacher, later putting her skills to use teaching English as a second language and at Jewish religious schools where she made life-changing impacts on young lives. She created a prolific collection of beautiful paintings that are exhibited in the homes of friends and family across the globe. They fill us with pride and they will live on in her honor.

Lila is predeceased by her devoted husband of 47 years, Dr. Harold M. Goldstein and her sister Miriam Blaustein. She is survived by her four children – Debora (Peter), Mark (Amy), Seth (Genalin), and Michelle (Matthew), her nine grandchildren – Hallie (Michael), Kayla, Noah, Sam, Rachel, Michael, Kelly (Adam), Jessica, and Brendan, and her great granddaughter, Gayle. She touched the lives of our family, friends, and strangers as she even recently rolled up to any location in her wheelchair, whether it be her favorite cafe, opera or dialysis, dressed to the nines and exuding confidence and charm. Thank you to all of Nana Lila’s care takers, drivers, physical therapists and doctors – “Team Lila” – for keeping her comfortable and nurtured, and for extending her life so we could enjoy her eternal optimism. We are forever grateful to you: Rita, Joyce, Sophia, Dawn, Gurzel, Diana, Donavan, Rosie, Joe, Gerard, Tina and Dr. Ronald Goldin.

Lila’s funeral will be at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd, Wellesley, MA at 10:30am Friday, May 9th. Burial will then be at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford St, Lexington, MA.  After the burial from 1:30-4:00pm friends are invited to join the family for an informal lunch and Shiva at the home of Debora and Peter White.  We also invite Shiva visitors on Saturday May 10th from 5:00-8:00pm. Lila was an incredible woman who will live forever in our hearts.

Donations in memory of Lila Goldstein may be made to Wellesley A better Chance.

Aviel Klausner, April 26, 2025, beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin and friend, and Distinguished Systems Developer at InterSystems, died early Saturday morning while folk dancing. Born in Israel in 1956 to a loving family and kind and brilliant parents Yehudah z”l and Yocheved, he was instilled with a deep love of learning and of his Jewish heritage, overflowing kindness, and a desire to connect with people. He had an intellectual and curious mind, and a sweetness and purity of heart with which he approached all things throughout his life. Aviel grew up and spent his time between Israel and the U.S., living a child in Princeton, New Jersey and Detroit where his father studied and worked as a professor. The family returned to Be’er Sheva, their home in the Negev desert, where Aviel attended Ben Gurion university after serving in the Israel Defense Force. He later moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts where he received his PhD in computer science from Harvard. There he fell in love with and married his cherished wife Andrea, whom he endlessly adored, who was pursuing her master’s degree in education at Harvard. In the Boston area Aviel also fell in love with the Harvard Hillel community, the Israeli folk dancing community, and his job and colleagues at InterSystems, where he held the most senior developer position in the company, and always looked forward his work, which continued to stimulate him for over 38 years. In 1990, Aviel moved back to his hometown of Be’er Sheva with his wife and children, where he lived a short walk away from his parents and enjoyed being able to spend more time with his three brothers, David, Meir, and Moshe, his nieces and nephews, and extended family. Upon returning to Boston in 1996, Aviel built a warm and loving home in Newton with Andrea and their three children, Zak, Yael, and Ben, and became a beloved fixture in the Newton Center Minyan (now Walnut Street Minyan) community, as well as in the Israeli folk dancing community. Aviel died while folk dancing, an activity that he loved passionately. Aviel engaged in every activity he did with deep enthusiasm and a childlike delight and curiosity; he was endlessly optimistic, giving and loving unconditionally. Avi filled each moment of his life with people and pursuits that brought him delight and so much joy, everything from Torah study and communal prayer, celebration of holiday traditions, family dinners and time spent time with his beloved wife and children, helping friends and community members without hesitation, playing with and embracing babies and young children, writing code and connecting with colleagues, participating in the annual Walk for Hunger (which he completed over 24 times), treasure-hunting at yard sales, editing Wikipedia articles, dancing multiple nights a week, doing yoga, tending to his plants and spending time in nature, telling jokes, solving puzzles, or enjoying good scotch or a cup of coffee. His sudden loss is felt immensely by his family and the countless people and communities he touched. Immense too is the gratitude, honor and love felt by those who had the privilege of knowing this kind, unique and joyful soul.

Funeral Service will be held 11 am, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut St., Newton, MA. Burial will follow at Independent Pride of Boston, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva minyanim will be at the Klausner home, 90 Westminster Road, Newton Centre at the following times:

Wednesday: Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Thursday Shacharit 7:15 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Friday: Shacharit 7:30 am

Sunday: Shacharit 8:30 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Monday: Shacharit 7:15 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Tuesday: Shacharit 7:30 am

Visiting hours during the week are from the end of Shacharit until 3 pm and from 6:30 pm until after Maariv.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Walnut Street Minyan Tzedakah Fund

Edward William Jay, Jr. of Brookline, Massachusetts, died at home on April 29, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. Loving and beloved husband of Heidi (Shuman) Jay. Adoring and adored father of Samantha (Jay) Crane and husband Nick of Delray Beach, FL, and Molly Jay and husband Kyle of Brookline, MA. Doting grandfather (Crummy) of River Jay.

We will always remember Ed and his razor sharp wit, singing and dancing throughout the house with the kindest smile, and making us laugh with the smartest dumb jokes we’ve ever heard.

Funeral services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. To honor Ed, please vote Democrat.

It is with shattered hearts that we say goodbye to Florence Wiener, 93, of Needham, MA. Preceded in death just one year ago by her husband of 64 years, Herbie Wiener, Florence is survived by her daughters Michele Sharaf and Beth Wiener, her grandsons Benjamin and Daniel Sharaf and her brother, Marvin Weinstein.

Florence lost a short battle with complications associated with Leukemia just two days after the first anniversary of her beloved Herbie’s death. Florence was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and aunt.

Her grandsons, in particular, were a great source of  her pride and joy. But she was more than a doting grandmother, she was the family’s matriarch in every sense of the word. Omniscient and omnipotent, Florence was the conductor who made beautiful music out of cacophony, the captain who calmed troubled seas and the bright light that illuminated otherwise treacherous roads ahead.

A Holocaust survivor, Florence came to the United States after WWII in 1947 with her father and brother. After surviving the murder of her mother and grandparents at the hand of the Nazis and the horrors of living in the forests of Belarus for five years, Florence was not deterred.

While looking after her father and brother, she managed to teach herself English by sitting in on five high school English classes a day and simultaneously become a skilled bookkeeper.

Florence became a US citizen in 1954 and met her beloved Herbie soon thereafter and they married in 1960. Best friends for life, they were the perfect ying to each other’s yang, but Florence defined the family. A force to be reckoned with, Florence didn’t pull any punches. She told it to you straight and could be as tough as nails. At the same time, her empathy was palpable. If you hurt, she bled. She was a hard shell and a cotton candy middle, a drill Sargent with a heart of gold, a lion tamer without a whip.

For most of her life, she worked in a local print shop and loved every minute of it. Outside the shop she seemed to know everyone and they knew her. A bit of a yente, she loved to chat up her customers whenever she ran into them. A real celebrity around town. She was devastated when she lost her job at age 70, but turned lemons into lemonade and got healthy. For many years you could find her on the elliptical machine at the JCC on level 8 or walking around the track at the high school.

Sharp as a tack until her final hours she knew every bill coming due, every dollar owed and the cost of grapes at every supermarket within a ten mile radius. There was no putting one over on Florence. We should all aspire to be just a fraction of the woman she was.

Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed. There was no one like her, as unique and wonderful as they come. This world will seem a bit duller without her shine. Our only solace is that she is now reunited with her beloved Herbie.

Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holocaust Legacy Foundation.

Herbert J Zarkin, age 86, of Boca Raton, FL and Mashpee, MA, died on April 25, 2025.

He was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1938, son of Bernard and Dorothy Zarkin, née Simon.

He graduated from Lowell High School in 1956 and attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Zarkin spent his entire professional career with one organization, beginning as a stock boy for Zayre Stores in 1961 and moving his way up the corporate ladder to store manager and then to the the home office. In 1988, he was promoted to Chairman and Chief Executive of Zayre Stores.  In 1990, Mr. Zarkin became the President of BJ’s Wholesale Club and in 1993, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Waban Inc. He retired in 2010.

Mr. Zarkin was well known for his philanthropy, in particular to Dana Farber Cancer Institute where he established the Zarkin Family Foundation to encourage cancer research as well as to support the nursing staff.

In addition to his success in business, he is most fondly remembered by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan Zarkin, née Bell, and his daughters, Amy Reiner (Neal) and Beth Ann Ditkoff (Charlie), his four grandchildren, Allyson, Michael (Jayme), Andrea (Andrew) and Julia (Andrew), as well as his brothers Gerald (Phyllis) and Norman.

Services will be private. The family will hold Shiva on Wednesday April 30^th at the Reiner residence from 3-7 pm and on Sunday May 4^th at the Ditkoff residence from 3-7 pm.

Donations in memory of Herbert Zarkin can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org or to the charity of your choice.

Frances Pinsky Goroll of Whippany, New Jersey died peacefully on April 24, 2025 reaching her 104th birthday, at Lester Senior Housing.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Benjamin and Celia Pinsky, the oldest of 3 girls (Iris and Pauline).  Frances lived in Jersey City until she met Jacob Goroll, married and moved to Irvington, New Jersey and finally settled in South Orange, New Jersey.

Mother to Barbara Sternfield, Dr. Allan Goroll (Phyllis Wasserman), grandmother to Brett Sternfield (Michele Esposito) and great grandmother to Jules Arielle Sternfield and Remy Noa Sternfield.  Frances and Jacob were dedicated to the continuity of the Jewish community through their tireless volunteer efforts and charitable donations.

Frances was president of the Irvington Chapter of Hadassah and chairman of her Jewish National Fund chapter.  For almost 20 years Frances worked for New Jersey Food Stamps helping to assist new Russian immigrants who escaped the Soviet Union.

Frances leaves a gaping hole at her senior housing and a legacy of feistiness and determination—her famous expression was “push”.  The family is deeply indebted to Sharon Creary who devoted her caring and kindness to Frances.

Graveside service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA in the Beth Zion section. Rabbi Moshe Waldoks will officiate.

Following services, the family will receive guests at the home of Dr. Allan Goroll and Phyllis Wasserman until 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made Hadassah, where Frances was a lifetime member.

To view the recorded funeral service please click here.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Myrna Franzblau, age 87, on April 23, 2025.  A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Myrna was married to Carl Franzblau, and together they built a life full of love and laughter. She was the devoted mother of William Franzblau and Debra Fisher, and Rachel and Scott Weiss, and the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren (Andrew, Sarah, Zachary, Ethan, and Stephanie). Her family was the center of her world, and her love and support shaped their lives in countless ways.

Born with a passion for learning and nurturing others, Myrna dedicated her career to teaching. As an educator, she touched the lives of many students with her warmth, patience, and wisdom. Outside the classroom, she found joy in painting and spending time on the golf course, where her creative spirit and competitive edge both found room to shine.

She was known by all for her sharp sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and strong will. These traits made her a pillar of strength to her family and a trusted friend to many. Her presence lit up every room, and her laughter was both unmistakable and unforgettable.

A funeral will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Temple Reyim 1860 Washington Street, Newton MA, at 11:30 AM. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life. Following interment at the Beth El Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA, family and friends are invited to the Clubhouse at the Gables 407 Dedham St., Newton, MA until 4 pm. Memorial observance will continue at the Franzblau home that evening, 7-9 pm, Monday and Tuesday, 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Myrna and Carl Franzblau Fellowship Fund at Boston University School of Medicine.

To view the service, please click Zoom link .

Surrounded by close family, Terrie M. Winograd of Acton, Massachusetts died peacefully on April 21, 2025 at the age of 74. She is survived by her husband Mark, her children Joshua and Leah, their spouses, Catherine and Nicholas, as well as her grandchildren Julian, Roslyn, and Solomon.

Born in the Bronx, raised in Westchester, Terrie always had a soft spot for New York City. After high school, she went to University of Buffalo, then worked in Vista, before moving to Cambridge, Massachusetts and getting her Masters degree at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Set up by a mutual friend, Terrie married Mark and built a life of fifty years together in Acton, Massachusetts alongside her in-laws.

For Terrie, there was nothing greater in life than her family — the whole family, including all the distant, extended family. She was known for making great feasts, but most of all, for making great feasts of dessert. She was a baker who crafted intricate cakes, a locally famous banana bread, and more cookies than you could ever imagine. Though nothing gave her greater joy than the hours she spent on the grandkids’ birthday cakes — from a race car cake, to a rainbow, sparkle, unicorn, princess cake, her happiness was always in the awe on her grandchildren’s faces.

If Terrie wasn’t hosting at her home in Acton, she was hosting down in Bradenton, FL where she loved to winter with her husband. She loved her toes in the sand of Coquina beach during the day and friends over at night for a smattering of always too much food. Even as she bravely battled pancreatic cancer, even in her final months and weeks, she made sure that where she was, her friends and family were there too with a feast.

Terrie will be remembered for her warm and loving spirit as a friend, a wife, a mom, and a grandmama. In her honor, a funeral will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim 133 Prospect St., Acton, MA  on April 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM.

Shiva will be observed at the family residence, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5-7 pm, with Minyan at 6 pm.

Donations in Terrie’s honor may be made to the ACLU or Household Goods.

Mark Greenberg passed away on April 19 at the age of 94.   Born in Boston on October 15, 1930, he grew up in the Dorchester section of the city, son of Ruth and Jack and brother of Gloria.  He was a proud alumnus of Boston Latin School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  While stationed in Rochester, NY in the Air Force, he met Norma Fishman. Mark and Norma lived in Newton nearly all of their married life and there raised three children, Susan, Richard, and Louis.  On April 17, Mark and Norma celebrated an incredible 70^th wedding anniversary.

Mark was a devoted husband and father, and grandfather to Sam, Eliza, and Harry.  He loved all kinds of card and word games, playing and watching sports, planning road trips to beautiful places in New England and beyond, and taking frequent trips to Ogunquit beach in Maine, a tradition his parents began when he was a child.  After retirement he and Norma travelled extensively in the U.S. and Europe, and spent winter months in Sarasota, Florida.

Mark had a remarkable memory and capacity for mastering complex subjects.  This served him well in his long and successful career in the field of accounting, working for several corporations before concluding his career with Ernst and Young as a nationally recognized expert in government accounting practices and regulation.

Mark had a natural gift for making people feel comfortable, and all enjoyed his company.  He made many friends in his community and workplace and maintained those friendships for decades.  In his later years, he combined his love of challenging games and what he might call “kibbitzing” by becoming a regular bridge player with several groups.  For both his skill and camaraderie, he was in great demand as a player.

Mark took great joy – and sometimes heartache – as a passionate fan of all the Boston sports teams.  His greatest love was the Boston Celtics, for which he had season tickets in some of the Bob Cousy and Bill Russell years, and to which he brought Norma and his children to hundreds of games across championship eras, creating lasting family memories.  He attended the 1967 Red Sox World Series and the famous Game 6 of the 1975 World Series and watched or listened to most of the Patriots game since their founding.  But as passionate as he was to see Boston teams victorious, in the end it was always good sportsmanship and the fun of competition that mattered most to Mark.

Elaine, born March 16^th,1926., daughter to Alick and Ethel Rosenblatt, grew up in Everett, Massachusetts with her sister Inez Burgin.  Elaine was married to her beloved husband, Edward Groipen for 67 years and resided in Newton, MA.

Elaine was hard-working, had endless amounts of energy and was always ready to help anyone in need. She loved to work.  She spent 40 years as a market researcher then immediately following retirement, she stepped right into a new role volunteering at the Day Surgical Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Here, she spent over 25 years volunteering well into her 90’s.

She was a devoted mother, wife, nana, and GG. Elaine was happiest when she was surrounded by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Elaine was loving, generous and always ready to take her loved ones on an adventure. You could always count on Elaine for a good laugh with her quiet sarcastic sense of humor which was always full of surprises.

The family would like to thank the staff at the North Hill Retirement for their attention and care for the past 8 years. Her presence left a lasting and memorable impact on everyone she met, both at work, home and with friends.

Elaine is survived by children Beth Melnick, Paul Groipen & Todd Satterlee, and Larry & Lori Groipen. Her grandchildren Julie Groipen Herzlich, Jennifer & Nick Jasilli, Jamie & Sam Korman, Allie Melnick & Benjamin Hendel, Rosalynn & Andrew Baker and Bradley Satterlee. Her great grandchildren AJ, Zachary Edward, & Aliyah Jasilli, Piper, Bennett, & Oakley Baker, Liam Korman and Nico Groipen. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of kindness and strength.

Memorial service will take place Thursday April 24,2025 at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park at 1PM. Following interment family and friends with gather at the home of Paul Groipen and Todd Satterlee until 9:00 pm. Minyan service to begin at 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Emanuel, 365 Ward St. Newton, MA 02459, Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave Swampscott, MA 01907, or Epstein Hillel School, 6 Community Rd. Marblehead, MA 01945.

To view the livestream please click here.

Howard Abel of Wayland, MA, passed away on April 17, 2025. Beloved and devoted husband of Susie Schwartz Abel (pre-deceased) for 63 years. Father to Julie Abel of Watertown, MA and Karen Abel Lucero and her husband, Mike Lucero of Pelham, NY, previously of Kirkland, Washington. Loving grandfather to Josh, Jordan and Sydney Lucero. Howard was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. His 3 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never missed a birthday or milestone.

Howard was a long-time member of Sudbury River Tennis Club, Wayland Men’s Retirement Club and along with his wife Susie one of the oldest and most active members of the Wayland Swim and Tennis club where he played weekly tennis games until his eighties and was affectionately known as the “Mayor.”

Howard and Susie loved to travel and were fortunate to have travelled around the world. He loved to play Poker and Gin and enjoyed weekly card games for over 60 years with his oldest and dearest friends. He was a sports enthusiast and die-hard Red Sox fan. Over the decades, he and Susie enjoyed hosting many gatherings, which often included his famous Caesar’s salad, chicken chili and ice-cold martinis.

Howard was a natural salesman, enjoying a long and successful career with London Fog. When that chapter ended, he and Susie teamed up as sales reps, traveling across New England, selling beautiful crafts and jewelry to small businesses, and making countless friends along the way.

He will be missed dearly by all who knew him, especially his daughters.

Services will be held at 11 am at Congregation Or Atid, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 97 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA. Followed by Burial at North Cemetery, Old Sudbury Rd., Wayland, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal St., 2nd Fl., Boston, MA 02110 or Wayland Swim and Tennis Club, PO Box 315, Wayland, MA 01778. For full obituary notice please visit www.brezniakfd.com

Joan Raphael Katz, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 surrounded by her family in Boston. Joan was a resident of Newton since 1968 and was a trailblazer in clinical social work in Massachusetts. She worked in the criminal justice system for decades, advocating for her clients on the witness stand, in prisons and to attorneys and public defenders in the state. Joan was an avid reader, with a passion for mysteries and loved attending the August annual mystery writer’s conference in England. She had an insatiable thirst for travel, art, culture and the diversity of the world. She was passionate for women’s rights, civil rights and the protection of animals. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She raised two sons, with her husband Sanford Noah Katz, who preceded her in death in February of 2024. She was incredibly proud of her family, son Daniel Katz of New York and his wife Meg Parsont and son Andy Katz of Newport, RI, and his wife Denise Padilla. Joan always loved to discuss her beloved and devoted grandchildren, Lucia and Salvador Katz. A service celebrating Joan Katz’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA. Burial service to follow.

An Angel Went to Heaven.

Bryna (Levine) Curley passed away April 16, 2025 at age 84. She was the wife of Steve Curley and mother of Brad (Karen) and Joy (Joe Kempfer). She leaves her two perfect grandchildren, Isaac and Molly Curley. Bryna was the daughter of the late Harry and Sylvia Levine and grew up in Dorchester and Newton, MA. She graduated from Newton High School and started college at Boston University until she and Steve got serious. Dating led to engagement and then to a wedding in May of 1961. Bryna was a great wife and mother. She cared for Brad and Joy and had to take care of Steve as well. Their love for over 65 years was what commitment was supposed to be.

Bryna worked for IBM on a machine that today, nobody knows but was the rage back in the early 60’s. She was thrilled to be paid “$100 clear”. She worked in banking with Bank of Boston and enjoyed her time as an ombudsman at the Senior Living Village of Farm Pond. She was sweet. She was an angel. She was fine. She was dignified. She had impeccable taste in everything from clothing to jewelry to antiques. It was antiques that made her happy. She was an expert and had a great reputation in the industry in Glass and China. Bryna did antique shows where she bought and sold and was respected for her knowledge.

There was no one that knew Bryna that didn’t love her. She never offended anyone and was everyone’s friend. She was, as her husband called her, a China Doll. The family wants to recognize the love, support, and assistance Bryna was afforded at Mary Ann Morse Nursing facility in Natick by all the nurses and aides in the Birch Section.

Funeral service at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Shepetovka Cemetery (Baker St., West Roxbury).

Memorial observance will be at the Hampton Inn, 319 Speen St., Natick, MA 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm, continuing Wednesday, April 23 from 5-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bryna’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Betsy Marjorie Arnold Abrams—adored mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend— died April 16 at Newbridge in Dedham at the age of 82.

Born in Worcester, she raised her family in Newton and summered in Ogunquit, Maine, where neighbors waved as she drove through town with her dog Claude  in her red Mini Coop convertible.

Betsy was funny, warm, and totally down to earth; it would not be an exaggeration to say she was liked by everyone she met. An avid traveler, gardener, reader, and supportive friend, Betsy was a longtime volunteer at the Parent Child Home Program in Watertown, where she worked with the parents and children of immigrant families, helping them understand the American culture and learn English.

She leaves her son and daughter Matthew and Robin Abrams, her grandchildren Zachary, Jack and Logan Abrams of Brookline and brother Mark Arnold of East Dennis.

She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Marjorie Arnold and her brother Richard Arnold.

A special thank you to the staff at Newbridge, who will miss her along with everyone whose life she touched.  She was the best.

Donations in Betsy’s memory can be made to The MSPCA (support.mspca.org) and Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Amy Arman Cohen, born in New Haven, CT in 1926, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2025 at the age of 98.

She was high school valedictorian, graduating at 16 years old and then went to college at American International College.  She met Leo Cohen on a blind date, and he knew immediately that he would marry her.  Amy went back to school in her 40’s to earn her Masters in Social Work from Simmons College. She loved being a therapist and was proud of the work she did.

Amy was a lover of books and a lifelong learner, studying religion, philosophy, and psychology into her 90s.

She adored being a savta (grandmother) and savta rabah (great-grandmother).  Always looking for ways to give back to her community, Amy was a lifetime member of both Hadassah and Temple Israel’s Sisterhood.

She is survived by her children Phil, Sandy, and Ronni; brother Charlie; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place Friday, April 18, 2025 at 10:45 am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PJ Library: pjlibrary.org/donate

Constance “Connie” (Coe) Holsberg lived her life with fierce determination until her final day on April 13, 2025. Growing up in Dorchester, MA, she was a proud first generation American and an only child raised by her single mother, grandparents and aunt and uncle.

Connie was a strong believer in education and received a nursing degree from Beth Israel Hospital. After earning two bachelor’s degrees, Connie then became a Family Nurse Practitioner and spent most of her career at University of Mass Boston, Student Health Center. She touched so many lives with her medical knowledge, kindness and adventurous spirit. While in nursing school, on a blind date, she met her husband, Joel. Even though she said that she would not give him a second date, he won her over and they had a wonderful life together for almost 60 years until his passing in 2022. Their love for travel took them to many countries, on amazing adventures, and introduced them to wonderful people with whom they enjoyed during their snowbird seasons in Mexico and Florida.

Connie survived multiple cancer diagnosis and lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 13 years. Connie leaves behind two daughters, including Michelle, a son-in-law, and granddaughter.

Graveside services will take place Monday April 21, 2025, at 1:45pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

The family asks that in-lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Lampert, Chicki (Gordon), of Newton, MA formerly of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away April 12, 2025. Beloved wife for 56 years of the late Sidney Lampert. Devoted mother of Steven Lampert & Anita Feins, Scott & Sharon Lampert, S. Randy Lampert, Spencer & Diane Lampert. Cherished grandmother of Sam Lampert & Jennifer Moisi, Ben Lampert & Courtney Nobile, Stephen & Hailee Tellier, Matthew & Kerrian Lampert, Wendy Lampert, Benjamin & Elizabeth Stein, Brian & Amanda Meltzer, Alexander & Jennifer Lampert, and Fernando & Taylor Lampert-Ventura. Proud great grandmother of Joanna Lampert-Moisi, Gabriel Lampert-Moisi, Hugh Lampert, Boyd Lampert, Lily Tellier, Zoey Tellier, Sydney Lampert, Bryce Lampert, Olivia Stein, Reid Meltzer, Wesley Meltzer, and Sienna Lampert. Loving sister of Allen Gordon and Harold Gordon. Funeral service at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA (parking on the Riverway), on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Agudath Israel Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA. Memorial observance following interment will be held at Temple Israel, Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chicki’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, or Temple Israel, Boston.

We are heartbroken to share that Sy Demsky passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, just nine days before his 93rd birthday. He was surrounded by love in his final moments—his devoted wife of 63 years, Hilda Green Demsky, was by his side, along with their children, Brad and Michele Demsky (and grandchildren Maxwell, Zachary, and Jacob), and Jordana and Larry Alford (and grandchildren Arielle and Mikayla).

Sy lived a life rich in love—both deeply given and abundantly received.

Sy lived a life overflowing with love, purpose, and generosity. To know Sy was to feel deeply cared for—he gave of himself wholeheartedly, always placing others’ needs before his own. More than 40 years ago, Sy was diagnosed with serious heart issues and told he would be living with a heart functioning at only 20%. But anyone who knew him understood—the other 80% was made up of pure love. Love he gave, and love he received, from everyone whose life he touched.

Sy’s passion for helping others never wavered, and his life’s work was a true reflection of that enduring commitment. A pioneer in the field of opioid addiction treatment, Sy spent over 40 years at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York running the methadone clinic, where he changed countless lives. Long before addiction was understood as a disease, Sy was already advocating for those struggling, leading with compassion and science. He held a master’s degree in psychology from NYU and brought both intellect and heart to his mission. Until his final day, he served as the president of Stop Stigma Now, a nonprofit committed to ending the shame surrounding addiction. He also proudly led NDRI, continuing to drive change and hope in the recovery community.

Sy’s journey was as colorful and rich as the life he built. Before dedicating himself to psychology, he served our country during the Korean War, spent time working on a kibbutz in Israel with the early Chalutzim, taught gym and served as a dean in the New York City school system, and even owned a coffee shop in the West Village. As a young man in the 1940s, he played shortstop and second base for the New York Yankees farm team, chasing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player.

It was while working as a dean that he met Hilda, an art teacher. Together, they built a life grounded in love, shared values, and the spirit of Tikun Olam—the commitment to healing and improving the world. Their home was always full of warmth, laughter, and fresh flowers—Sy’s passion for gardening never waned. Whether in a house or a small apartment, he continued to plant and nurture beauty wherever he went, just as he did with people.

Sy was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Irving and Diane Demsky, and their memory, like his, continues to be a blessing.

Sy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and love. He taught us all what it means to give—to family, to community, and to the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stop Stigma Now, an organization that carries forward Sy’s life mission.

The world is better because you were in it, Sy. We will miss you deeply.

The world will miss you Sy.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to  https://www.stopstigmanow.org/donate/#donate_id

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at  10:30 am at  Adath Jeshurun  Cemetery, 350 Grove Street West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will be on Tuesday from the interment to 4 PM and then resume from 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Wednesday 2 PM to 5 PM and then resume 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Paula C. Bartlett, of Boston, MA, formerly of Beverly, entered into rest on Sunday, March 30^th.

Born in Salem, MA she was the daughter of the late Dr. Wilbur Stone & late Frances Stone.

Although Paula was a career attorney, those who knew her would argue that she should have been a global food-blogger as she frequented the many delicious restaurants around Boston and beyond…where you would also find her watching her treasured Boston sports teams, the Celtics or Red Sox.

Paula adored her family and friends, and of course, her dogs who gave her so much joy and comfort. 

Paula is survived by her one and only favorite sister, Martha “Mucky” Stone of Long Beach, CA, as well as her beloved daughters Amy Lovseth of Hong Kong; and Sarah A. Bartlett of NYC and her husband Rohit Thapliyal and their son, Rohan.

 If you would like to donate in the memory of Paula Bartlett please do so at the ASPCA: https://secure.aspca.org

A link to view the service recording can be found here.

Judith Ann Levy, 89, passed away on April 6, 2025 at Trustbridge Care Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Judith—known to most as Judy—was born on August 5, 1935 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Judy is survived by her husband, Allyn Levy; her four children, Robin Wolpow (spouse Marc Wolpow), Scott Slater (spouse Kay Slater), Lauren Slater, and Tracy Slater (spouse Toru Hoshino); her eight grandchildren, Nina Rosborough, Julie Wolpow, Thomas Wolpow, Clara Alexander, Lucas Alexander, Ben Slater, Hanna Slater, and Elli Hoshino; her two great grandchildren, Hugh and Isobel Rosborough, as well as her sister Ellen Fisher.

As a young adult, Judy was impacted by the plight of European Jewry during World War II. Her concern led her to dedicate the next fifty years of her life to supporting the Jewish community worldwide. She served as Birthright Israel Chairman of Palm Beach County and Florida from 2013–2022, and Emeritus member from 2022 to the present. She was past president, campaign chairman, and major gifts chairman of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach, past board member of the Joint Distribution Committee, and past United Jewish Appeal National Women’s President and Campaign Chair.

In 2012, Judy was awarded the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 2012 Kipnis Wilson/Friedland Award (Lion of Judah honor) for her outstanding leadership and dedication. She was a passionate and intrepid traveler, leading missions to Israel, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, and the Former Soviet Union.

She attended Pine Manor College and Tufts University.

A funeral service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Wednesday, April 16, at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow.  Donations in Judy’s memory can be made to the Birthright Israel Foundation.

Robert M. Sawyer of Tisbury, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025 at his home on Martha’s Vineyard. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen “Sam” Sawyer, and his five children, Robert Sawyer (Marla Kushner), James Sawyer (Athena Sawyer), Kimberly Lindsey (Eric Lindsey), David Sawyer (Elizabeth Entenman), and Michael Sawyer (Talita Ferreira). He was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Robert was born in 1937 to David and Thelma Sawyer in Brookline, MA, where he was raised with his siblings Jerry Sawyer, Sandra Kurson, and the late Kenneth Sawyer. After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he relocated to Chicago to pursue new business ventures.

Robert was a respected real estate expert, practitioner, educator, and author. He ran Sawyer Realty Group, a real estate company, in Chicago in the 1970s and 80s and developed numerous condominium conversion projects — some of the first of their kind in the city. One development led to a landmark court case, Sawyer v. Jarvis, which was taken all the way to the Supreme Court of Illinois and judged in his favor — a case that has been referenced ever since in real estate education.

One of Robert’s more unique real estate developments was the structure that supports one of Boston’s most notable icons — the famous CITGO sign in Kenmore Square. For decades, he served as the owner and steward of the structure of the sign, overseeing its upkeep and ensuring that it continued to remain standing. For Boston residents, the CITGO sign is more than just an advertisement; it’s an iconic part of the city skyline, familiar to residents and Red Sox fans around the globe.

After relocating to Martha’s Vineyard in the 1980s, Robert bought The New England Spice Company, a wholesaler and distributor of herbs and spices based out of Dorchester, combining his business and finance skills with his love of spicy food. He also created Dukes Academy, which offered real estate education, and authored the 2008 book Massachusetts Real Estate: Principles, Practices, and Law.

In addition to real estate, Robert was an entrepreneur involved in many business ventures over the years. One of his last projects was creating The Barn Bowl & Bistro, a nationally-recognized restaurant and bowling alley on Martha’s Vineyard.

Robert’s greatest fulfillment came from spending time with his family and helping others. He served as a county commissioner of The County of Dukes County, MA, consulted pro bono to help people achieve the dream of home ownership, and advocated for numerous affordable housing developments on Martha’s Vineyard. 

Graveside service will be held 9:45 am, Sunday April 6, 2025 at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Please assemble at the rear of the administration building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation: CCHC Foundation, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis Port, MA, 02601.

Sidney Joseph Friedman, April 3, 2025. Sidney was born into the loving family of Eleanor and William Friedman, sister Miriam Schwab, and brother William Friedman, Jr. He attended Greenwood Grade school, and Roosevelt Junior and Senior High School. In high school he enjoyed basketball and creating the Senior Frolics. He attended Princeton where he majored in English and graduated summa cum laude in both English and the humanities. Sidney did graduate work at the University of Iowa in the department of speech and dramatic art. He completed a MA degree in directing and PH D in dramatic theory. In his second year he married his childhood neighbor, Margo. Their daughter Lisa was born, and the family moved to Saint Louis where Sidney became a Professor at Washington University. There he collaborated with Princeton classmate, Richard Palmer, in creating a new performing arts program. In St. Louis, his son Mark was born.

Seeing the opportunity to work in a pre-professional program, he moved to Boston in 1981, taking a position in the School of Theatre at Boston University where he first taught acting and directing. He then collaborated in the creation of a new program called Theatre Arts for students whose interests were in theatre but spanned beyond that. He also completed over 100 plays directed, some invited to be remounted at the Kennedy Center. Occasionally, to keep himself honest, he acted under other directors. Retiring in 2018, he wrote a one man show about encountering his family’s Holocaust survivors.

Sidney is survived by his wife Margo, daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Philip Miller, grandchildren Isaiah, Leah, and Lila Miller. Son, Mark and daughter in law Alex Friedman and grandchildren Jacob and Theo Friedman, sister-in-law Johnnie Friedman. Brother and sister-in-law Richard and Linda Friedman and the late Brian Friedman. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is remembered by a relative as “possessing wisdom that comes from an authentic life well-lived. He had quiet strength and a stoic demeanor.” He was loving, brilliant, patient, witty, inclusive, creative, strong, motivated and compassionate. He was revered by family, students, colleagues and friends alike. A true renaissance man.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Monday, April 7, 2025 at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 148 Brook St., Wellesley, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber (c/o Dr. Ann LaCasce), The Sidney Friedman Prize – Boston University School of Theatre or Temple Beth Elohim.

Evelyn “Evi” Shumsky 89, of Cambridge, MA, passed peacefully on April 3, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Mattapan, MA on April 11, 1935, Evi is survived by her loving husband Jack, sons David and wife Emily, Robert and partner Nora Madjar, grandchildren Benjamin, Elliot, Autumn, and Lyra. Evi was the daughter of the late Boris and Beatrice Shambad, and sister to the late Laurene Levy and sister-in-law to the late Harold Levy.

“Giving To Others” was Evi’s motto. She always deflected compliments and strove to help others. She had many gifts, including organizational skills learned from her mother and artistic talents from her father. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Tufts University, and a Masters in Art Education from Syracuse University. Her first career was as a gifted art teacher and Director of Art Education in the Binghamton, NY school system. Later she retrained to have a second career in electronic, optical and architectural drafting. Of these many endeavors one stands out above the others, raising a family. From the time her children were infants until she became a grandmother, she nurtured children and emphasized honesty, integrity, responsibility, generosity, kindness, and creativity, all with humor and compassion. She also applied this approach to dealing with Jack – not an easy task. In her Belmont neighborhood, she established block parties and community yard sales that continue to this day.

A graveside service will be held at the Mohliver Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA on Monday, April 7 at noon.

Gifts in her memory may be made to the following or a charity of your choice.

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts,
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-massachusetts

WGBH
https://donate.wgbh.org/wgbh/donate

Guntram Bernhard Mueller  1941-2025

Guntram was born in Germany in 1941 during an air raid. The experience living in war-torn Germany led him to dedicate the rest of his life to working for peace and nuclear non-proliferation. Even with this traumatic beginning, he lived his life with a sense of joy and laughter.

He loved his students at both Boston State College and UMass Lowell, where he started Math Challenge.

He was surrounded by the love of his wife Edith (Aronowitz) Mueller, his daughter Ariadne and her late wife, Tina (z”l), his 5 grandchildren Adele, Vito, Michele, Francesco, and Lucca Maiorano, and his extended family and close friends.

Funeral service Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11 am in the Chapel at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton, MA.  Interment following service.

Shiva observance at the home of Ariadne Mueller on Saturday from 6-8 pm and Sunday from 1-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oxfam.

To view the livestream click here.

Shirley T. Wise, 92 yrs, of Newton, passed on March 25, 2025, joining her beloved husband David M. Wise. She is the daughter of the late Lillian (Golden) Applebaum and sister of the late Barbara Malfy. She was also the beloved mother of Betsy (Steve Cohen) and Howard (Janice) and the late Peter (Terry Wilson). Shirley was also the grandmother of Scott Barczewski (Nicole), Dana Barczewski (JD), David, Luke and Samuel Wise, Nicole Johnston and Max Wise (Marissa). She is survived by 8 great grandchildren.

Shirley was born in Dorchester but would say her life began when she met “my David”, the love of her life. Her happiest days were when she moved into the attic of the Wise house with her new husband. There were many Wises and one bathroom, yet she boasted that there were never fights. That was the way she and her husband conducted themselves, always. Her children swear their parents never fought in front of them.

Shirley and David raised three children in Framingham and the Waban section of Newton MA. They reveled in their children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives. They bought a beautiful home in Falmouth MA and had many happy long weekends with their family and Cape friends. She was a “super mom” volunteering at Hadassah, in Children’s Hospital and, for the Children’s Hospital League.

When tragedy struck and David died young in 1988, and her son Peter passed in 1999, Shirley faced challenges but always carried herself with grace. She would pull herself together, snap her fingers and announce “Showtime!” Eventually she moved to Florida, where she lived in Boca Raton. She improved her golf game and would always “putt for dough.” Some of her favorite memories included teaching her grandson Scott to golf, the Passover potato eating challenge and bargains.

Shirley might have been 5 feet tall but she carried herself with twice the stature, like someone that “owned the place.”  She loved travel and saw much of the world in her later years. She loved old movies and was an avid follower of the news. She sought out intelligent conversation and would often engage strangers in conversation. Above all she was ferociously proud of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids that could do no wrong.

Her funeral was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Sharon Memorial Park. The service was livestreamed. The link to view the funeral can be found at www.brezniakfd.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org , or the charity of your choice.

Edward B. Weiner, aged 92, of Tewksbury, MA passed away peacefully March 30, 2025 at Care Dimensions Hospice after a brief illness.  Beloved husband of Sally for nearly 49 years.  Beloved father to Paul Jay (Kelly) Weiner of Lowell, MA and Lee Hope (Scott) McIver of Kingston, MA and Step-father of Deborah Ciano of Tewksbury, MA and Patrick Thompson, of Clinton, MA. Loving grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of two.  He was a son, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

He had a long career at Polaroid Corporation and retired in 1995.  He had a love of traveling inspired by his service in the Navy.  He traveled to many different places around the world, sometimes revisiting locations multiple times.  He took all his children and grandchildren to Disney world and his last big trips were to China with Sally and to Spain with his friend, Bob.

Edward was pre-deceased by all his siblings whom he missed greatly.  He was also recently pre-deceased by his life-long friend, Lester Levenbaum.  He is survived by his life-friends Bob Waldorf and Bob Daniels.

He loved a good joke and on any given day he would send a joke, by email, text, or post on social media.  He never forgot a joke and even once won a competition on a cruise ship for the best comedian. Right up until the end he was still cracking jokes.

Edward enjoyed a good steak without anything on it, because why ruin it with a topping? He also enjoyed Chinese food especially at the Golden Gate in Chinatown.  Every week for years he would travel to the Chelsea to have pizza and beer with his brother-in-law John and late sister-in-law Lesley.

We wish to acknowledge the wonderful care provided by all the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, surgeons, and social workers at Winchester Hospital, during his last month in patient as well as the care provided by Care Dimensions, albeit a brief overnight stay.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 3^rd, at Temple Israel Cemetery, 492 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880 at 11 a.m. Friends and family are welcome. Please join us immediately following the service to enjoy some Chinese food to celebrate Edward’s long life.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Daniel P. Kunitz passed away surrounded by family on March 31, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Joan Kunitz (née Molner) for 63 years. Devoted father of Robin (Eitan) Cohen, Laurel (Marvin) Simkovich, and David (JoAnn) Kunitz. Dear grandfather of Amir Cohen, Naomi Cohen BenGigi, Yair Cohen, Aaron Simkovich, Shoshana Simkovich, Elisha Simkovich, Yaakov Simkovich, and Suzy Roche. He leaves 14 wonderful great grandchildren. Loving brother of the late Michael Kunitz. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, dearest friends, and former students. Dan was an acclaimed and passionate public school teacher for over 50 years. Funeral to take place on Wednesday April 2, 2025 at 11:30 am at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA, followed by burial in Shara Tfilo Cemetery, 776 Baker St. West Roxbury, MA. Shiva will commence at the Kunitz residence Wednesday afternoon April 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Newton Food Pantry, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459.

Victor Stanley Ostrower died on March 30, 2025 in Brookline, MA. Victor was the beloved husband of Valerie Ostrower, son of Joseph and Ann Ostrower, brother of Gary Ostrower, father of Matthew, Daniel, Samuel, and Jessica Ostrower, and grandfather of Cory, Adina, Joshua, Duncan, Gabriel, Simon, Alex, Solomon, and Frances. Victor died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a brave and dignified fight with pancreatic cancer.

Victor devoted his life to the care and healing of others, through a long career in gastroenterology and hepatology. He was especially known for his kindness, personal touch, and attentiveness to the non-medical aspects of care. When he occasionally took his children to visit his places of work, they were regaled by nurses, doctors, and staff about how wonderful, kind, and loving he was to patients and colleagues alike. Victor gave special attention to those patients nearing the end of their lives and prided himself on helping them and their families find agency, peace, and dignity in their final moments. In the end, he modeled his teachings.

Victor was a devoted husband. He never hesitated to tell anyone who would listen that he was punching way above his weight and fully appreciated his luck. He doted on Valerie at every turn.

He reveled in beauty, both natural wonders and the arts. He was a photographer, an avid participant in the classical music scene, an awful cello player, and an avid museum goer. He was famous for getting verklempt when he described any of these. He shared this love with his family through many vacations to the national parks and great cities, creating cherished memories–and interminable slideshows–that his family recounts passionately and will pass enthusiastically from generation to generation.

Whether you were a family member, a lifelong friend, or someone he just met at the supermarket or coffee shop, you knew Victor as an easy conversationalist, a vivid storyteller, and a spreader of good cheer. His broad smile, easy manner, and natural gregariousness were signs of his implicit trust in others and boundless ability to find joy in any moment.

His warmth and selflessness will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Street, Lexington, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Victor’s honor to the American Cancer Society or ACLU.

To view livestream of funeral service click here

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Eve Goldberg, 46. She was the beloved wife of Brian Lynch and the devoted mother to Eleanor, Madeline and Miriam.

Eve is survived by her parents, Sarah and David Goldberg, her sister Jessica Goldberg, her brother and sister-in-law William and Alison Goldberg, and her nieces Lila and Ava Goldberg, Maeve Pospischil and nephew Eamon Pospischil. Also, survived by her mother-in-law and father-in-law Rosemary and Joseph Lynch and brother-in-law David Pospischil and sister-in-law Jo-Anne Lynch.

Eve was a graduate of George Washington University and the Harvard University School of Education and worked as the Director of Research at the Center for Collaborative Education.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11am at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA. Burial will follow at Beth El Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Eve’s memory to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the Boston Education Fund.

Richard William Barrett, age 56, of Concord, MA died Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 1 PM at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland.

Shiva at the residence of beloved wife, Nancy and cherished children, William and Natalie will be Wednesday March 26, immediately following service until 8 pm; Thursday and Friday from 3-8PM.

To view livestream of service click here

Suzanne “Sippy” Olarsch

1961 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Suzanne “Sippy” Olarsch on March 18, 2025, at the age of 63 in Herzliya, Israel, surrounded by her loving sons and brothers.

Sippy was born in Boston, MA to Jules and Sara “Sukky” Seletz. She grew up in Newton, MA and spent much of her time with her immediate and extended family, often at her Nana Ethel and Papa Jack’s home which was always filled with many other family members she loved to be around. From Shabbat dinners to family vacations, she loved the laughs shared and memories made, with her brothers, Carl, Jay, and Andrew.

Following a middle school winter break volunteering at a local hospital, Sippy was inspired to pursue her education in Physical Therapy. After graduating from Newton South High School with honors in 1978 where she made many lifelong friends, she attended Ithaca College, completing her undergraduate degree in 1982. She then worked as a Physical Therapist in the Boston area fulfilling her childhood passion. Sippy further continued her studies at Boston University, receiving her Master of Science in Applied Anatomy and Physiology/Exercise Physiology.

In 1987, Sippy married Marc Olarsch and they had their first son, Matthew, one year later in Lynn, MA. After moving to Tulsa, OK in 1989, they had their second son, Max, in 1992. Sippy and Marc then moved with their family to Gainesville, FL where they lived for many happy years. There she developed lasting friendships and many memories.

In 2004, following a divorce, Sippy moved with Matthew and Max back to the Boston area to be closer to her mother Sukky and family while she completed her Doctorate in Geriatric Rehabilitation Science at Boston University.

After receiving this advanced degree, Sippy continued her career as an Executive Director in the Home Health industry, working tirelessly to ensure her clients would have the best quality of life within the comfort of their home. She eventually managed care services across the eastern half of the United States.

Following her love for the sea, Sippy made a move to Gloucester, MA in 2020 where she settled into marina life. Embracing the coastal culture, she established close and enduring friendships, and loved sharing her life there with her family and friends.

In July 2024, her love for family inspired her to make “Aliyah” and move to Israel to be close to her recently born grandchildren.

Above all, she greatly loved her family and made sure to instill this in her sons, Matthew and Max. Sippy loved to travel, ski, play tennis, spend time at the beach, and cook or eat with friends and family. Her smile and laughter brightened every room she walked into. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her compassion, determination, intelligence, and vivacious spirit.

Sippy is survived by her beloved mother Sukky Seletz, her sons Matthew and Max Olarsch, her grandsons Boaz and Ido Olarsch, and her brothers Carl, Jay, and Andrew Seletz.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 10:00 AM at Temple Reyim in Newton, MA, followed by a graveside ceremony at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Sippy’s mother, Sukky Seletz, in Chestnut Hill:

• Thursday, March 27th from 1:30 PM – 5 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM
• Friday, March 28th from 1 PM – 4 PM
• Sunday, March 30th from 11 AM – 2 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM

The home is located on a private lane where public parking is not allowed, please park on the surrounding streets.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of North Central Florida, where Sippy adopted her beloved dog, Jack.