Archive: February, 2015

of Washington, DC, on February 13, 2015. Cherished husband of Bobbie Jo Brown. Beloved father of Craig Sutton and Shelley Graham. Devoted grandfather of Abby Graham and Will Sutton. Dear brother of Richard (Marge) Brown. Dearest uncle of Jennifer L. Brown and husband Robert L. Hendrickson of Niantic, CT, Tracy and Paul Phillips of Ledyard, CT, and David Brown and wife Amanda Russell-Brown of Norton, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 12 Noon at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 43 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bates College, Samuel Brown ’30 and Jennie Brown Memorial Scholarship at 2 Andrews Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240, the Global Change organization of your choice, or the Kidney Transplant Dialysis Association (KTDA).

Robert “Bob” Starr-Of Sharon, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, on February 10, 2015. Devoted father of Rabbi Barry Starr and former father-in law of Rebecca “Becky” Starr. Dear grandfather of Elianna Starr of San Francisco, CA and Uri Starr of Columbus, Ohio. Uncle to Fred (Harriet) Merkowitz of Natick. Great Uncle to Sheryl (Mitchell) Katzman of Westwood and Richard (Andrea) Merkowitz of Swampscott. Private Services at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon on Monday, February 16, 2015. Following the interment, shiva on Monday from 2:30-7p.m. and Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. will be at Orchard Cove in Canton on Del Pond Drive. On Wednesday and Thursday, shiva will be at 2 Oak Ridge Drive Unit 3 in Maynard, Mass. Shiva will continue in Cleveland on Saturday night from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday morning from 10 a.m.-noon at 2450 Derbyshire Rd. #219 Cleveland Ohio 44106. Remembrances may be made to Hebrew Senior Life Hospice Care, 80 Newbridge Way, Dedham, MA 02026.

Lucille (Katz) Kay-of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Newton, MA, on February 9, 2015. Beloved wife of Millard Kay. Dear daughter of the late Nathan and Ida (Silver) Katz. Devoted mother of Ronna Niederman and her husband Dr. Michael Niederman, Terry Bargar and her husband Dr. Richard Bargar, and Jonathan Kay and his wife Linda Sloane Kay. Loving grandmother of Alex Niederman and his wife Sarah, Eric Niederman, Emily and Jillian Bargar, and Joshua and Rachel Kay. Cherished great grandmother of Leah Niederman. Dear sister of the late Gerald Katz. Services at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Memorial observance will be at her residence in Newton, Saturday evening 7-9pm and Sunday 2-5pm.In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to The Clergy Discretionary Fund,Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave.,Boston,MA 02215.

Robert Richard Kessler, age 80, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Newton, MA, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2015. He was born in Brookline, and attended Lawrence Academy and Harvard (class of 1956), where, as a southpaw, he pitched a no-hitter. He received his MBA from Columbia University. Devoted husband of  Bette Ann (Slotnick) for 55 years. Beloved father of Gary Kessler and his wife Erika, Andrew Kessler and his wife Betsy and Susan Sankel and her husband Howard. Bob was adored by his grandchildren, Emma and Caleb Kessler, Emily and Jackson Kessler, and Ben Sankel. Loving brother of Gloria LaPerle and the late June Marks. He was a devoted uncle. Memorial observance will be at the home of Andrew and Betsy Kessler on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 4-8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. www.dana-farber.org/gift.A memorial service is being planned in the spring at Temple Beth Elohim.

Revekka Lipmanov-of Brighton, MA, on February 7, 2015.

Gail (Rodman) Bornstein- of Natick, on February 7, 2015. Beloved wife of Barry. Devoted mother of Jamie Messinger and her husband Richard, Brooke Siegal and her husband Jeffrey. Cherished grandmother of Charlie and Jake Messinger, and Drew and Brett Siegal. Dear sister of Barbara Dutra. Services at Temple Israel, 145 Hartford St., Natick, on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 12:00 noon. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, memorial observance will be at the home of Jamie and Richard Messinger, 30 Windsor Ave.,Natick  until 9:00 pm, and Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9 pm.In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.

Beatrice Solomon-on February 7, 2015. Services pending.

Claire Fram-on February 7, 2015.

a resident of Newton Lower Falls for 46 years, born May 25, 1926, died on February 6, 2015 at the age of 88. Son of the late Max and Bessie (Waters) Newmark. Beloved husband of Edith (nee Napovitch) Newmark and devoted father of Michael Barry Newmark. Dear brother of Cynthia Prelack and also survived  by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graduate of Dorchester High School and Northeastern University where he earned his B.S. degree. Employed by the Comm. of MA as a materials tester for 35 years. Services at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton, on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name can be made to Amego, Inc., 33 Perry Avenue, Attleboro, MA 02703.

of Fayston, VT, died peacefully Feb. 7, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Boston, MA, the son of Dr. Henry Arthur Kontoff and Ruth (Lappin) Kontoff.

He graduated from Newton High School in 1947 and attended Tufts University where he graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1951.

In 1956 he married Gertrude Friedman and with her had his children Matthew, Daniel and Sara.  They were married until 1971.

He was a frequent visitor and skier in Vermont, and after a successful career in home development and real estate, he moved there in 1973. He built the home he lived in for the past 40+ years, along with the tennis court on which he and Jennifer Howard had many happy games.  They met in 1975 and the two have been inseparable ever since.  As well as being an avid tennis player, he was a hiker, and loved bridge. He had achieved the status of Life Master in bridge. He enjoyed playing locally and in tournaments around the world.

He was very involved in his community, including many stints as director, producer, board member, fundraiser and on-stage talent for The Valley Players Theater. He and Jennifer revived and re-started this community theater group.  He worked with the theater department at Harwood Union coaching student actors and helping with production, staging, and directing.

For many years he was the regular chef for the Mad River Valley Senior Citizens twice weekly luncheons. At charity fundraisers he often donated a catered meal served by liveried wait staff. Said staff generally included Jennifer and some friends.

Mitchell was also one of the founding directors of Mad River Valley Television, the Valley’s public access channel. He served as treasurer for the station for many years.

He volunteered in the Boy Scouts, helping local troops rebuild a camp and headquarters in Duxbury and was one of the founding members of the Mad River Valley Cricket Club, a charitable organization that raised funds for local causes. In 1993 he was recognized by The Valley Reporter as the newspaper’s first “Volunteer of the Month” for his ongoing contributions to The Mad River Valley.

He loved music and being a member of the Mad River Chorale, and he loved listening to live performances by Michael McCloud in Key West, where he and Jennifer spent their winters starting in 1997.

Mitchell was passionate about traveling and he and Jennifer visited every continent, some multiple times.  In 1989 they spent 6 months traveling around the world, visiting friends and joined by other friends at several locales along the way.

After he retired from his first career, he studied culinary arts at Cordon Bleu.  He was a consummate host who delighted in feeding family and friends at the home he shared with Jennifer on a hill in Fayston.  He wrote a cooking column for The Valley Reporter under the pen name of Aida Lott.  Nothing made him happier than hearing a compliment on his cooking.

He is survived by Jennifer Howard, his son Matthew, daughter-in-law Jane, grandchildren Alex and Michelle; his son Daniel and his daughter Sara Allexander, his sister Rachel Ann Ezrin, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents.

There will be a service at the Beth Jacob Synagogue at 10 Harrison Avenue, Montpelier VT 05602 at 1:00pm on Friday, February 13 with a graveside service and burial immediately following.

Friends are welcome to join the family afterwards for remembering and celebrating at their home at 1065 Center Fayston Road from 4-8pm on Friday.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, February 14 from 2-4pm and will sit shiva that evening from 7-9pm as well as Sunday, February 15 from 2-5pm with a service at the house at 3pm.

The family will also sit shiva in Acton, MA on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18 from 6-9pm at 217 School Street, Unit A, and in Waban, MA on Tuesday, February 17 from 2-5pm at 134 Anawan Road Waban, MA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Mad River Valley Interfaith Council (PO Box 342 Waitsfield VT 05673, ((madrivervalleyfoodshelf.wordpress.com/ ), the Mad River Valley Community Fund (P.O. Box 353, Waitsfield VT 05673,( mrvcommunityfund.org) or or the Green Mountain Swing Scholarship Fund (Fred Abraham, 1396 Gregg Hill Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677)

Milton Kassner-Of Boynton Beach, FL, & Hingham, on February 5, 2015. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Winn) Kassner. Devoted father of Jerold (Linda) Kassner, Susan (Kenneth) Litvin, and Nancy (Craig) Wolpert. Dear grandfather of Erika (Joshua) Bloom, Jeffrey Litvin, Jonathan (Heidi) Kassner, Daniel Kassner, Sam Wolpert, and Hannah Wolpert. Great-grandfather of Talia Kassner and Ari Kassner. Loving brother of the late Allen Kassner. Services in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 43 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 10 am. Following interment memorial observance will be at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon until 2 pm. Memorial observance will continue Sunday evening 7-9 pm and Monday 1-4 & 7-9 pm at the home of Jerold & Linda Kassner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mended Little Hearts of Boston, 65 Codding Rd., Norton, MA 02766.

Carlin-Gerald S., died suddenly in Palm Desert, California. A former resident of Boston, he has been a resident of California for the last 25 years. He is the son of the late Pearl and Herbert J. Carlin. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia Weissman of Boca Raton, FL and nephew Ken Weissman, and nieces Laura Davis and Michelle Titlebaum. Also survived by 9 great nephews and great nieces. He was the best friend and companion of Nancy Goulston for 40 years. Graveside services at the Crawford St. Memorial Park, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 11:00 am.  Remembrances may be made to Hadassah or the charity of your choice.

Lillian (Feinzig) Bloom-of Newton and Delray Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2015 at Rogerson House, Jamaica Plain.  She enjoyed many happy years with her beloved late husband Henry Bloom. She was the daughter of the late Fannie and Harry Feinzig. She was a devoted mother to Marcy Davidson and her husband Marvin, and Carrie Salsberg and her husband Robert and the late Saul Charles Chessler Bloom. She was a loving grandmother to Daniel and Michael Davidson, and Alex and Adam Salsberg. Dear sister of David Feinzig, and the late Sydel Rothman, Murray and Ralph Feinzig. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.  Services at The Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Rd., Newton Centre, on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Following interment at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, West Roxbury, memorial observance will be at the home of Marcy and Marvin Davidson until 5:00pm & 7-9pm, and will continue Friday 1-4pm and Saturday 7-9:30pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances  may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St.,Suite 200, Wellesley,MA 02481,  www.curealz.org.

Frederick L. Randall – DMD, of Chestnut Hill and Mashpee, formerly of Waban, passed away on February 3, 2015,  after a 7-year fight against kidney cancer.  He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 22, 1939. He was the beloved husband of Harriet Fink Randall, the devoted father of Jacquie Sherman and her husband Michael and Douglas Randall and his wife Michelle. Adored Papa of Gabrielle and Nathan Sherman and Ella and Max Randall.  Loving brother- in- law of Rita and Stanley Waldstein and Lois and Lee Miller .  Survived by loving nieces Marcy Kiely, Wendy Sims, and Bobby Waldstein.  He was the son of the late  Max and Nettie Randall and grew up attending Boston Schools, graduated from Boston College  (1960), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (1964),  Boston University Graduate School of Dentistry and served a rotating Internship at Philadelphia General Hospital.  He is a past president of the Tufts Dental Alumni Association and the Boston  Chapter of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity.  He was a member of the Northeastern Orthodontic Association, a 50-year member of the American Dental Society and participated in several local and national dental and orthodontic organizations.  He enjoyed being with friends and family, taking courses, playing golf, tennis, bridge, traveling and attending his grandson Nathan’s sports games.  He is a past member of Congregation Mishkan Tefilia of Chestnut Hill.  He practiced orthodontics in Brockton and Newton. Services at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 10:00 am.Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, family and friends are invited to return to Temple Beth Shalom until 3:00 pm. Memorial observance will continue at the South Community Room, Chestnut Hill Towers on Friday from 2:30-4:47 pm, Shabbat. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, PO Box 4668, New York, NY 10163.

Erika Rothman- Services  in Pittsburgh, PA.

93, of Dedham, formerly of Sharon, died at her residence on Monday, February 2, 2015, surrounded by her devoted family.

She was predeceased in 2013 by her beloved husband of 70 years, Harold S. Levitan, and leaves her four  children, who were the joy of her life: Susan Taylor and husband Edgar of Chamberlain, ME, David of Cambridge, MA, Mark and wife Gina Zizza of Carlisle, MA, Robert and wife Shari of Sharon, MA, and her grandsons Jack Taylor of Ann Arbor, MI and Adam Taylor and wife Stephanie Milberry and their children Emerson, Peach, and Oscar of Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by her sisters Edith (Kaufman) Mitchell of Westborough, MA, Sylvia (Kaufman) Brown of Bethesda, MD and brothers Daniel Kaufman of Dedham, MA and Norman Kaufman of Sharon, MA. She was predeceased by her siblings Sol Kaufman and Dorothy (Kaufman) Luchner.

Addie was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and confidante. She was a “second mom,” to many of her children’s friends, as well as to numerous nieces and nephews. She was especially close with Bruce and Lorraine Luchner and their children Douglas, Jillian and Sarah.

Addie and Harold started their journey in marriage in 1942 when World War II was in full swing. An Army wife, Addie traveled to many cities where Harold was training and made fast friends wherever she went – a consistent motif throughout her life. She developed many touchstone friendships over the years, in Randolph in the 50’s, Sharon in the 60’s, at campgrounds in Maine and throughout the country in the 70’s and 80’s, right through to her most recent residence at Traditions in Dedham in the 2010’s.

In 1968 Addie found a new calling, first as a nurse’s aide, and then as a classroom aide in the Sharon elementary schools. She loved the children, and they loved her. She could be firm in setting behavioral boundaries, and at the same time she glowed with love and compassion. A bit child-like herself, she could readily empathize with children’s struggles. Until her retirement in 1991, many, many children found in Addie a caring presence in their lives.

Addie’s dessert baking skill is legendary. She always had a ready supply of her staple creations in the freezer and could singlehandedly supply desserts for the biggest parties. Her annual Chanukah gatherings were epic must-attend events, featuring the world’s best latkes.

Addie’s innate intelligence, perceptiveness and practical knowledge belied the fact that her formal education ended at Cambridge High & Latin School. She had an infectious laugh and a touch of mischief in her that endeared her to all who knew her, and to know her was to love her. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA, on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 11:00 am, with interment at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva observance will take place at Temple Sinai immediately following the service until 3 pm. Shiva observance will continue at the home of Bob and Shari Levitan in Sharon, Thursday  7-9 pm and Friday 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006 or to The Sharon Education Foundation, for the Benefit of the Lee Flaxer Award, PO Box 470, Sharon, MA 02067.

of Needham, on February 2, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Bernard M. Francer. Devoted mother of Gary Francer and his wife Amy of Hopedale, Elise Marcus of Needham, and Ellen Mendes and her husband John of Burlington. Dear grandmother of Jacob, Rachel, Jeff, Adam, and Michael. Loving twin sister of Edythe Rosenfield and her husband Walter, and the late Maurice, Irving, and William Fisher. Services at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., (Rt. 16), Newton on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 11:00 am. Following interment at the Roxbury Mutual Society Cemetery in Woburn, memorial observance will be held at the home of Ellen and John Mendes from 2-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of MA, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

Thelma (Sissenwine) Isenberg-of Hollywood, FL, formerly of West Newton and  Attleboro, MA, on February 1, 2015. Born Sept. 16, 1917. Beloved wife of the late Abraham C. Isenberg, to whom she was married for 70 years. Dear daughter of the late Ida (Kessler) Sissenwine and Herman Sissenwine. Devoted mother of Gerald I. Isenberg and his wife Caroline of Santa Barbara, CA, Lee I. Saltz and her husband George of Ridgefield, CT, and Edward D. Isenberg and his wife Helen of Alberquerque, NM. Also survived by 7 grandchildren. Thelma grew up in Dorchester and No. Attleboro. She was a longtime volunteer at Beth Israel Hospital, and enjoyed playing bridge. She was a fine calligrapher and owner of The Elegant Hand store. She never got tired of listening to others, and was never judgmental. The family was very lucky to have Norma Simpson as caregiver to both Thelma and Abraham. Norma is a valued part of our extended family. Private burial was held at Sharon Memorial Park. A memorial service will take place in the spring. Remembrances may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014,
Hagerstown, MD 21741-5041.

S. George Bromberg- of Lexington, passed away on January 31, 2015. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Carol, his loving sons, David, and Larry and his wife Renee, and his cherished grandchildren, who uplifted his spirits throughout his lengthy illness. Born in Malden, he pursued a career in law and public service. In the early nineteen-seventies he was a strong anti-smoking advocate, declaring no smoking in his law offices and his State House hearings, where he served as Chairman of the State Ballot Commission for ten years. An early proponent of gun laws, he drew up the corporation for “People versus Handguns” which initiated a referendum in Massachusetts seeking a total ban on handguns. Energetic and determined in his professional life, he applied the same energy and determination in his retirement years which served him well as he battled his many illnesses. Interment and memorial observance will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to MGH Cancer Center, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.

Shifman, Joel H.– of Bellingham, MA, formerly of Stoughton, suddenly on January 31, 2015.  For 45 beautiful and loving years Joel was the beloved husband of Sue (Berenson) Shifman. Incredible father of Elisha Stone and her husband John of Sutton and Michael Shifman and his wife Anuke  of Bellingham. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Austin, Taylor, Evan, Logan and Blake. He was the son of the late Lena and Lawrence Shifman and brother of Norman and Sandy Shifman and Edward and Sandy Shifman. Loving brother-in-law of the late Narla McGill. He will forever be remembered in our hearts and memories as the man who would give you “the shirt off his back”. He was the superman of fathers who could do anything in our eyes. Services  at The Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 2:00 pm.    Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 300  5^th Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA  02451.

Shirley Stone-Services pending.

Lee M. Gardner-of Newton,  age 41, passed away at Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center on Friday, January 30, 2015, after a courageous battle with heart disease. Devoted father of Fallon Dana Gardner. Beloved son of Jay Gardner and the late Ardelle (Levine) Gardner. Dear brother of  Scott Gardner. Survived by his former wife Pamela Boilen Gardner. Devoted grandson of  Paula Levine and the late P. Raymond Levine and the late Arnold and Ann-Gordon Gardner. Also survived by loving aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. Services at The Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Rd., Newton Centre (on the campus of Hebrew College and Andover-Newton Theological School), on Tuesday, February 3, 2015  at  12:00 noon. Following interment at Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph, memorial observance will be held at his residence until 6:00 pm and Wednesday 2-7 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.

To  view the service on Tuesday,  Please go to        Ustream.tv/andovernewton

The service will appear at 11:55  from Wilson Chapel

PRANSKY, Irving- formerly of Stoughton and Brookline, on January 29, 2015. Beloved husband of the late Pauline (Berger). Devoted father of Alan Pransky (Deborah) and Deborah Levine (Mark). Dear grandfather of Joshua and Ethan Pransky, Eric and Scott Levine, and great-grandfather of Micah Pransky. Loving brother of the late Joseph, Julius, Sarah, Bess, Ada and Gertrude. Services at Ahavath Torah Congregation, 1179 Central St., Stoughton, on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 9:30 am. Following interment at Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph, memorial observance at the home of Deborah and Mark Levine on Sunday until 6:00 pm and Monday 4-8 pm. Memorial observance will also be at the home of Alan and Deborah Pransky on Monday, and will continue there on Tuesday and Wednesday. Remembrances may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445 or Friends of the I.D.F., 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018.

of Needham, formerly of NYC and Atlanta, GA, on January 29, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Morton Bard. Devoted mother of Erica Bard Riley and Pamela Bard Richlin and her husband Dean. Cherished grandmother of Caleb Bard Riley, Jonathan Bard Riley, Eli Bard Richlin and his wife Sabrina Blum, Sara Bard Richlin, and Johanna Bard Richlin and her husband Gabriel Paquette. Dear great-grandmother of Dalia Grace Richlin and Calla Juliet Richlin. Loving sister of Sondra Frank and her husband Arnold. Sister-in-law of Leonard Bard and his wife Elaine, Ruth Bard Petkofsky and her late husband Lester, and Sharon Bard Rulf and her late husband Benjamin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Services at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, (validated parking in the parking garage on Nessel Way), on Sunday, February 1, 2015, at 1:45 pm. Memorial observance will be held at the temple immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 Fifth Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or to a charity of choice.

Melvin Bravman of Waterstone at Wellesley Independent Living, formerly of Great Neck, NY died surrounded by his loving family,on January 28, 2015. Mel grew up in Dorchester, MA and graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Tufts University in the Naval V-12 program in 1946 and served proudly as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the love of his life, Estelle (Dubrow) Bravman. Devoted father of Laurel Bravman Kaplan and her husband Robert, and Richard Bravman and his wife Debra. Mel was a devoted and attentive grandfather to his grandchildren: Julie Kaplan, Lindsey Kaplan, Nikki Kaplan, Jason Bravman, Rachel Bravman Blumenthal and her husband Neil, and his great-grandson Griffin Blumenthal. He shared a special bond with each of them. Dear brother of Sylvia Abrams, and Sumner Bravman and his wife Judy. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Mel was president of Dubrow and Bravman, manufacturer of children’s wear. He was an avid tennis player, enjoying both the camaraderie and the game. He was a man of the highest integrity, judgment, and a virtuous role model for his family. He was immensely proud of his family and fiercely loyal to them. Services at Sharon Memorial Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Following interment memorial observance will be at the home of Laurel and Robert Kaplan until 6:00 pm, and Monday 6-9 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies, 126 High St., Boston, MA,02110.

Bilsky, Lois R. (Dunn), of Framingham, on January 26, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Morton E. Bilsky. Devoted mother of Edward Bilsky and his wife Susan. Dear grandmother of Michela Peruzzi. Services in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA, on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 12 Noon. Following services,  memorial observance will be at the home of Edward and Susan Bilsky, Friday only through 7:30 pm. Remembrances in her memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central St., Framingham, MA 01701.

By Bryan MarquardGlobe Staff  January 26, 2015

In the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., stands a 3-foot-tall bronze bust of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. that is surely the most viewed creation of John Wilson, an artist who grew up in Roxbury and painted, sculpted, and made prints out of his home studio in Brookline for decades.  Like much of his most important work, the bust brings viewers to the intersection of art and politics, of pure creativity and the desire to examine social injustice. Mr. Wilson, who was 92 when he died Thursday evening in his Brookline home, pursued that path since he was a boy on Roxbury’s streets, learning to sketch and honing a burgeoning talent that eventually would place his paintings and sculptures in the Museum of Fine Arts and far beyond. A 3-foot-tall bronze bust of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., now in Washington, D.C., is surely the most viewed creation of John Wilson.

Mr. Wilson’s own journey to prominence was fueled in part by his reaction to art he saw as a teenager during visits to the MFA.”None of these people looked like me and just by omission the implication was that black people were not capable of being beautiful and true and precious,” he told the Globe in 1995 when “Dialogue: John Wilson/Joseph Norman,” opened at the MFA and his own sculptures and sketches shared museum space with the work that drew his criticism years before.

Of that show, Globe art critic Christine Temin wrote that Mr. Wilson “emerges as a powerful artist, too little known for someone who has produced stellar work for half a century.”Writing about “Eternal Presence,” a career survey of Mr. Wilson’s work that opened in 2012 in Danforth Art, Globe art critic Sebastian Smee called him “one of Boston’s most esteemed and accomplished artists” and wrote that from Mr. Wilson’s early sketches to his more recent large-scale charcoal drawings, “the impulse has remained the same: It is an impulse toward clarity, toward truth.”I think he will gain in importance as time goes on,” said Katherine French, director emerita of Danforth Art, where several of Mr. Wilson’s works remain on display through May 17.”He will be recognized as a major artist of the 20th century. I really have no doubt about that,” added French, who has finished curating “John Wilson: Boston’s Native Son,” a show that opens in the St. Botolph Club Feb. 18.

The second of five siblings, Mr. Wilson was born in 1922 in Roxbury, where his parents settled after emigrating from British Guiana and found little work once the Great Depression hit. Mr. Wilson always was aware of racial inequities. His father regularly read African-American newspapers such as The Amsterdam News, which seemed to have images of lynchings in “practically every other issue,” Mr. Wilson said in a 2012 interview with French, who wrote an essay about the artist that Danforth Art will soon publish.

Drawn to art classes at Roxbury Memorial High School, Mr. Wilson was art editor of the school newspaper and took classes at the Boys Club from teachers who were students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. They showed his work to faculty at the Museum school, which awarded a full scholarship to Mr. Wilson. There, he counted among his teachers Karl Zerbe, a Boston Expressionist born in Germany. Years later, critics would see early evidence of Mr. Wilson’s talent in “Boy with Bow Tie,” drawn in his mid-teens. In 1945, Mr. Wilson graduated from the Museum school with highest honors, and one of his works was included in “The Negro Artist Comes of Age,” an Albany Institute of History and Art exhibition. He taught at Boris Mirski modern art school in Boston and graduated in 1947 with a bachelor’s degree in education from Tufts University. Among his key works during those years was a print depicting Bigger Thomas, the protagonist of Richard Wright’s 1940 novel “Native Son.” Mr. Wilson also developed an admiration for Mexican muralists, particularly Jose Clemente Orozco.

Awarded a traveling fellowship from the MFA, Mr. Wilson moved to Paris and studied with the modern artist Fernand Leger. After returning home, Mr. Wilson visited the Lower East Side in New York City, where he met Julie Kowitch, a teacher who had graduated from Brooklyn College. They married in 1950 and went to Mexico on a John Hay Whitney Fellowship. As an interracial couple, they traveled by necessity in separate cars while passing through the segregated South.

Though Orozco died a few months before he arrived in Mexico, Mr. Wilson was drawn to mural making — art that could be viewed by those who, like him, had grown up in the streets with neither the money for museums nor social access to private collections. A lasting work from this period was “The Trial,” a lithograph depicting three judges, their faces hidden behind white theatrical masks, looming vulture-like over a young black boy who stands awaiting judgment.

Back in the United States, Mr. Wilson produced lithographs for unions in Chicago and taught in New York City before returning to Massachusetts in 1964 to teach at Boston University. Over the years, his work was included in exhibits at museums and galleries including the Museum of Fine Arts and Martha Richardson Fine Art on Newbury Street. Mr. Wilson also worked to create the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury.

“Essentially, he felt that his main objective as an artist was to deliver a message to people about black dignity, about racial justice, about poor people trying to get a better deal in life,” his wife said. But also, sketching constantly on index cards and any available scrap of paper, Mr.    Wilson composed portraits of family members, friends, and life unfolding around him. During one car trip to New York City with his daughter and infant grandson, “he did a series of sketches of him over the backseat of the car,” said his daughter Erica of Brookline. “I have them framed in my hallway.”

A service will be announced for Mr. Wilson, who in addition to his wife and daughter leaves a son, Roy, of Watertown; two brothers, Frederick and James, both of Los Angeles; and four grandchildren. Another daughter, Rebecca Wilson-Sealy, died last year.

A perfectionist in everything he did, Mr. Wilson “was incredibly physical when he worked,” his son recalled. “He moved with tremendous energy. Each stroke seemed decisive.”

In 1986, Mr. Wilson wrapped the King sculpture in blankets and an old sleeping bag, tucked it into the back of his Mazda, and headed to the Capitol Rotunda. Before that trip, he had not stepped inside the Capitol building.“Somehow it seemed like the epitome of the seat of power, and it alienated me,” he told the Globe in 1986. “I never felt part of it. But when I delivered the sculpture, that changed. I felt, ‘A piece of me is in that building.’ ”

of Wellesley, on January 20, 2015. Beloved husband of Dr. Terri Halperin. Dear son of Susan B. and Robert M. Davidson. Devoted father of Kate, Liv and Graham. Dear brother of Hillary Davidson and her husband Jordan Goldstein. Devoted son-in-law of Gunilla and Sheldon Halperin. Services at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:00 am. Interment at Beit Olam East Cemetery, Wayland. Memorial observance will be announced at  the service. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to The Dr. Michael J. Davidson Family Fund, c/o RTN Federal Credit Union, 600 Main St., Waltham MA, 02452 or stop by an RTN branch to make your contribution.

Solon, Suzanne (Wenk) Of Newton (formerly of Oceanside, NY, Brooklyn, NY and Boston, MA) at age 93. Wife of the late Arnold Solon, mother of the late Lee Solon Callaghan, and mother-in-law of the late Robert Callaghan. She leaves her brother Jay, her daughter Carol, her son Joel and daughter-in-law Ana Zarina, her nieces Sarah and Emily, her granddaughters Julie Beth and Elana, her grandsons Daniel, Julian, and Maximiliano, her grandson-in-law Ryan, her grand-nephew Conor, her 10 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Jessica, Kathryn, Joseph, Aidhan, Mason, Abigail, Margaret, Rebekah, and Brooklyn, and her lifetime friend, Helen Segall. Remembrances in Suzanne’s memory may be made to Senior Citizen Fund of Newton  (www.newtonma.gov/gov/seniors/faq.asp), Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, National Wildlife Federation, or a charity of your choice.

Charlotte  Kaswell  Margolis-of Chestnut Hill, on January 23, 2015. Beloved  wife of the late Harry Margolis and Harold Kaswell. Devoted  mother of Martin Margolis and his wife Bonnie, Geri Brown, and Stanley Margolis. Dear grandmother of  Lisa Brzakala and her husband Tom, Adam Margolis and his wife Natalia, Matthew and Justin Margolis, and Andrew Brown and his wife Ashley. Also survived by 7 great grandchildren. Dear sister of Irene Hill and the late Herbert and Irving Cohen. Services in The Beth El Chapel, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, Thursday, January 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at The Kopaigorod Cemetery. A memorial service will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215, attn: Mackenzie Clark – www.bostonchildrens.org/giving

Melvin J. Gordon, who helped turn the enduring popularity of the humble Tootsie Roll into a candy empire, has died. He was 95.

The longtime Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. chairman and CEO died Tuesday in Boston after a brief illness, said Brooke Vane, a spokeswoman for the company’s public relations firm. Gordon ran the Chicago-based confectioner for 53 years, overseeing the manufacture of 64 million Tootsie Rolls a day and other sweets including Junior Mints, Charleston Chews and Tootsie Pops.

The penny candy patriarch worked a full schedule until last month, the company said. He was the oldest CEO of a company trading on a major U.S. stock exchange, according to S&P Capital IQ.

Gordon celebrated the Tootsie Roll’s 100th anniversary in 1996 by touring the Chicago factory with an Associated Press reporter. He scooped up one of the warm, gooey candies from the assembly line and tasted it, saying: “There’s nothing like a hot Tootsie Roll.”

He boasted that Tootsie Rolls were almost indestructible.

“Nothing can happen to a Tootsie Roll. We have some that were made in 1938 that we still eat,” Gordon told the AP in 1996. “If you can’t bite it when it’s that old, you certainly can lick it.”

Tootsie Rolls were invented in 1896 by New York City candy maker Leo Hirshfield, who named it for his 5-year-old daughter, Clara, his little Tootsie.

Tootsie Pops, which are lollipops with Tootsie Roll centers, have been around for more than 80 years. A 1970 TV commercial posed the question: “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” The company says on its website that it’s received 20,000 letters from children claiming to have solved the mystery, and the gimmick has migrated to social media, where a bespectacled character named Mr. Owl tweets the question.

Tootsie Roll has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1922. Gordon, a Boston native, married into the business in 1950 when he wed Ellen Rubin, whose father, William Rubin, was president of Sweets Co. Of America. Gordon changed the company’s name to Tootsie Roll in 1966.

Gordon’s wife of 65 years, Ellen Gordon, has been named chairman and CEO by its board, the company said Wednesday. She had been serving as company president and chief operating officer.

“Melvin’s life represented the very highest values in business, wisdom, generosity, and integrity. Tootsie Roll has seen great growth and success during his time as Chairman,” Ellen Gordon said in a statement.

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Irwin Lewis Glazier passed away at age 73 in San Antonio, Texas, on January 20, 2015 after a long and heroic battle with cancer.  Irwin, son of the late Mary and Charles Glazier, was born in Boston, MA and lived in Newton for 60 years, spending many summers as a child and an adult in Hull, MA. Irwin spent almost 40 years practicing law after graduating from Marietta College in Ohio and receiving a doctor of jurisprudence from Boston University.   In his spare time, Irwin enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, beading, antiquing and making stained glass.   He was a true renaissance man. After recently relocating to San Antonio, TX, Irwin began taking Spanish lessons and volunteering and could be found rooting for his grandsons on the soccer pitch or the hometown Spurs. Irwin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Renee Brezniak Glazier, of San Antonio, TX, formerly of Newton, MA.  Irwin is survived by his children Robyn Glazier and Charlie Hecht of Needham, MA, Jocelyn Glazier and Steve Goldberg of Durham, NC, Elizabeth Glazier and Michael Piesman of San Antonio, TX, Jonathan and Alysha Glazier of Westford, MA, and his sister, Cecile Mendelsohn of Newton, MA.  Irwin will be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren: Sam, Jason, Ben, Tyler, Hannah, Weston and Matthew. Services on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2:30 pm at Temple Emanuel, 365 Ward Street, Newton Centre, MA.  Burial will be at Staro Konstantinov Cemetery, Baker Street, West Roxbury.  Immediately following the burial the family will sit Shiva at Temple Emanuel until 7:00 pm. Memorial week will continue in Needham, MA at the home of Robyn Glazier and Charlie Hecht on Fri. 1-4 pm, Sat. 6:30-9:00 pm, Sun. 1-3 & 7-9 pm, Monday through Wednesday 7-9 pm. as well as in San Antonio, TX at Elm Creek on Tuesday and Wednesday 1/27 & 1/28.  Donations in Irwin’s honor may be made to Temple Emanuel, 365 Ward St.,Newton Centre, MA 02459, Congregation  Agudas  Achim,16559 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248 or a charity of your choice.

Goldstein-Caryl (Seskin), of Canton, formerly of Waltham, on January 18, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Carl B. Goldstein. Devoted mother of Stanley Goldstein (Janice), Marjorie Fradin (Gary) and Dan Goldstein (Debbie). Dear grandmother of Aaron Goldstein (Jessica), Louis Goldstein, Joshua Goldstein, Benjamin Fradin, Isaac Fradin and Elysa Goldstein. Dear friend of Nicole Gedeon. Loving sister of the late Joel Seskin. Services at Temple Beth Israel, 25 Harvard Street, Waltham, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Following the interment at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, memorial observance will be at the home of Stanley and Janice Goldstein, on Tuesday until 9 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 2-5, 7-9 pm, Friday 2-4 pm. Remembrances may be made to the Carl Goldstein Prayer Book Fund, C/O Temple Beth Israel, 25 Harvard St, Waltham, MA  02454, or to Orchard Cove Library Fund, One Del Pond Drive, Canton, MA  02021.

age 69, of Middleboro, formerly of Randolph, on January 17, 2015. Born May 24, 1945 in Boston, the son of the late Morris and Mollie (Wax) Liss and the husband of the late Virginia Rose (Hill) Liss. He was a graduate of Northeastern University where he obtained a Master’s in Business Administration. He was a financial advisor for United Fruit Company, MONY, and later in private practice. Robbie was an avid Boston sports fan, and was a collector of sports cards, stamps and coins, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his two grandchildren, Kaleb and Kaylin.  Mr. Liss is survived by his beloved children, Justin Liss and his significant other  Nicole White of Middleboro, and Janelle Liss of Abington; his sister and brother-in-law, Renee Ann (Liss) and Edward Brown of Newton, his niece, Julie Melissa Brown Gagnon and her husband Chad of Newton; his grand-niece Audrey Gagnon; and many other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Services at Temple Beth David of the South Shore, 1060 Randolph St, Canton, on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 11:00 am. Memorial observance will be at the home of Renee Ann and Edward Brown, Wednesday 6-8:30 pm, Thursday 6-8:30 pm, Friday 1:30-3:30 pm, and Saturday 6-8:30 pm. A minyan service will be held each evening at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the National Autism Association, 1 Park Ave., Suite 1, Portsmouth, R.I. 02871.

born October 6, 1937 to Barney and Lillian Robbin in Washington, DC, died peacefully January 17, 2015 in Jamaica Plain, MA.  Carolyn is survived by her brother, Tony Robbin of New York, NY; her husband of 44 years, John Grace of Belmont, MA; children James Carr of Brookline, MA, Julie Carr of Denver, CO, Anna Grace of Washington, DC, and Claire Grace of Middletown, CT; grandchildren Benjamin, Alice and Lucy Roberts of Denver, CO, and Nina and Jonah Carr of Brookline, MA; her former husband, Steven Carr of Cambridge, MA; and many other relatives and friends.  Carolyn graduated from Kubasaki High School, Okinawa, Japan (1955), Stanford College (1958), and Northeastern Law School (1976).  In the 1960s, Carolyn helped produce science programs at WGBH TV and edited acclaimed ethnographic films by John Marshall.  She also worked against the war in Vietnam and was active in efforts to elect black candidates to public office.  Beginning in 1976, Carolyn practiced law at Foley, Hoag & Eliot, at the US Attorney’s office, and as a founding partner of Shapiro & Grace, (now Shapiro, Haber & Urmy).  In 1992, John and Carolyn founded the Atlantic Blanket Company of Swans Island, ME, creating their award-winning Swans Island Blankets.  Carolyn was buried January 22, 2015 at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Brookline, MA.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  To receive notice of the memorial service or leave condolences, please send email to carolyn.grace.memorial@gmail.com. Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (www.aclum.org) or to the Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org).

Fern E. (Lakin)Williams – Of Medway, on January 15, 2015. Beloved wife of Edmund A. Williams, Jr. Devoted mother of Marissa Mahan (Steven) and Rachel Morgan (David). Adored Mimi to Lily Mahan and Halley Mahan. Loving sister of Jon Lakin. A memorial service will be held at Primavera Restaurant, 20 Pleasant St. Millis, MA, on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, or Stanley R. Tippett Home, 920 South St., Needham, MA 02492.

Lawrence M. Green -age 85, of Newton Centre, on January 16, 2015. Beloved husband of the late Esther (Gorenstein) Green. Devoted Son of the late Bertha (Cohen) and Benjamin F. Green. Loving father of Kenneth B. Green and his wife Chris, and Howard M. Green and his wife Beth. Loving grandfather of Andrea Pogorek and her husband Brian, Erica Newman and her husband Brandon, and Emily and Laura Green. Dear great grandfather of Henry Newman. Services at Sharon Memorial Chapel, 120 Canton St., Sharon, on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 12:00 noon. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, memorial observance will be at his residence until 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances to a charity of your choice.

Frances Levine-of Natick, on January 12, 2015. Beloved wife of Philip Levine. Services were held at The Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Rd.,Newton Centre, on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Interment was at  New Tifereth Israel Cemetery,Everett.

Goldstein-Julia (Solomon), of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Brockton, on January 11, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Israel “Leo” Goldstein. Devoted mother of Leonard Goldstein (Faye), Barbara Prelak (Aaron), Gail Zimmerman (late Carl). Dear grandmother of Paul and Russ Goldstein, Robyn and Lynda Prelak, Rhonda and Brian Zimmerman. Great-grandmother of Nicole, Laura, Matt, Benjamin, Ilyssa and Francesca. Graveside service at Hadrath Israel Cemetery, 740 Broadway (Route 99), Melrose, on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 11:00 am. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Miriam S. Nathanson, 88, of Palm Desert, CA, formerly of Newton and Brookline died on Jan. 2, 2015. Beloved mother of Malerie and her husband, Arthur Brecher, and Rick Nathanson and his wife Sue. Cherished grandmother of Adam Brecher and his wife Trista Etzig, Lauren and David Fishman, and Abby Nathanson. Devoted great grandmother of Molly, Sam and Ethan Fishman and Abbott Brecher. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park on Sunday, Jan.11, 2015 at 1:45 PM. Following service memorial observance will be at the home of Malerie and Arthur until 8 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.

Sandler-Louis B. , of Randolph, on January 8, 2015. Beloved husband of Sandra (Davis) Sandler. Devoted father of Ronald Sandler and David Sandler (Audrey). Dear grandfather of Jonathan and Steven Sandler. Services in the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 43 Dedham Street, Sharon, on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 10:00 am. Memorial observance will be announced at the service. Remembrances may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA  02284.

Muriel Joy Rolan- formerly of  Westport, CT, on January 6, 2015. Services at The Wilson Chapel, 234 Herrick Rd. , Newton Centre, on Friday, January 9, 2014 at 12:00 noon.Burial in Beit Olam East  Cemetery, Wayland.

Margil, Merna (Rosenthal) of Natick. Entered into rest on January 5,  2015. Beloved wife of the late Robert S. Margil, devoted mother of Julie Margil Salkind and her husband Richard Salkind, David Margil and his wife Jodi Freedman, and Mari Margil and her fiance Thomas Linzey. Devoted grandmother of Matthew and Rachel Margil. Beloved sister of Joel B. Rosenthal and his wife Bonnie; beloved sister-in-law of Phyllis Dank and the late Michael Dank.  Services are private.  Memorial observance at the home of Joel B. Rosenthal,  40 Liberty Street, Natick on Wednesday, January 7^th and Thursday January  8^th , from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or a charity of your choice.

of Brookline, formerly of Newton, age 90, on January 4, 2015.   Devoted husband of Naomi (Merker), for 64 years, loving father of Andrew Gordon and his wife Yoshie (Oyagi), Betsy Gordon and her husband Colin Alexander, and William Gordon and his partner Rachelle Abrahami, doting grandfather of Jennifer Gordon Stein and her husband Luke Stein and their daughter Mia, Megumi Gordon and her husband Michael Laverty, Melissa Gordon and Conna Kelleher.  Born and raised in Brookline, served in the US Army during World War II, wounded in Normandy in July 1944, decorated with Purple Heart.  Graduated Harvard College in 1948, worked in the shoe industry and real estate. Service will be held at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston (parking on the Riverway), Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015 at 1 pm.  Burial at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, West Roxbury. Friends and relatives invited to visit at his late residence, Brook House, 99 Pond Avenue, Brookline, Tuesday 3-6 & 7-9 pm, Wednesday 2-5 & 7-9 pm, and Thursday 7-9 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to NARAL Pro-Choice, Massachusetts, 15 Court Sq., Suite 900, Boston, MA 02108 or the Anti-Defamation League, 40 Court St., #12, Boston, MA 02108.

Helen Weisbaum – Of Brockton, formerly of Randolph on Januray 4, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Samuel. Devoted mother of Lawrence Weisbaum of Brockton and the late Philip Weisbaum and Ethel Beberman. Dear grandmother of David and Robin Beberman, Joshua Weisbaum, David Murch and the late Arthur Murch. Great grandmother of Joseph and Sarah Beberman. Loving sister of David Freedman and the late Carl Freedman, Rivka Davidovicz and Sally Rotman. Graveside services at the Pultusker Cemetery, 776 Baker St, West Roxbury on Tuesday Jan. 6th at 11 AM. Memorial observance will be omitted. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice

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of Natick, formerly of Portland, ME, Quincy, Palm Beach, FL, and Boynton Beach, FL, on January 4, 2015. Late founder of Tags Furniture Stores. Adored husband of 65 years to Helen (Bernstein) Cook. Devoted father of Marcia E. Cantor and her husband Barry of Ottawa, Canada, Laurie A. Slosberg of Chestnut Hill, and Susan C. Ross and her husband Jonathan of Natick. Cherished grandfather of Rebecca, Jeremy, David, Alex, Noah, Stefanie, and Benjamin. Loving brother of Molly Cinnamon of Portland, ME and the late George A. Cook, Sylvia Weber, and Melvin Schwartz. Services in the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 43 Dedham St., Sharon, on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 12:00 Noon. Memorial observance will be held in the Nouvelle Club Room, 10 Nouvelle Way, Natick – South Tower, 6^th Floor, on Tuesday from 3-5 & 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., #2, Norwood, MA 02062.

Siegfried  Ansbacher -of Wayland, formerly of Glen Rock, NJ, on January 2, 2015.Beloved husband of the late Betty (Bauman) Ansbacher. Devoted father of Shirl Blank. Cherished grandfather of Jody Blank, Jeremy Blank, and Andrew Blank and his wife Annie. Loving great grandfather of Marissa and Devin. Graveside service at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Rd., Wayland, on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 11:00 am. Following services, memorial observance will be at  his residence until 4:00 pm, and will continue Monday and Tuesday 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Hadassah New England,  200 Reservoir St., Suite 103, Needham, MA 02494.

loving wife of nearly 65 years of the late Benjamin Rudin, passed away peacefully at age 100 on January 2, 2015 in Beverly, MA. Rose is survived by her two sons, Stanley of Osprey, FL and Mark and his wife Anita of Danvers, MA, six grandchildren: Michael (Anne), Richard (Jeanne), Howard (Suzanne), Stacey (Andy Cessarini), Joshua (Gina), and Seth, seven great-grandchildren: Jamie, Sarah, Sam, Rachael, Toni Rose (Cessarini), Max, and Jaden, and her dear friend Lynda McCain. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 12:00 noon in the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel. Burial will be followed by shiva at the Olde Salem Village Condominium Club House, 43 Village Post Rd., Danvers, MA. Shiva will continue at the home of Mark and Anita Rudin Monday through Thursday, 1-4 & 6-9 pm and Friday 1-4 pm. Donations in Rose’s memory may be made to Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960 or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B, Danvers, MA 01923.

of Newton, on December 26, 2014, Poet and Professor. Beloved husband of Anna Baranczak. Devoted father of Michael Baranczak and Anna Janina Baranczak. Dear brother of Malgorzata Musierowicz. Services in the Story Chapel at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:30 am. Donations in his memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.

Polish Poet, Translator Stanislaw Baranczak Dies
WARSAW, Poland — Dec 27, 2014, 10:19 AM ET
By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA Associated Press
Associated Press
Poland’s outstanding poet, translator and dissident and a former Harvard lecturer Stanislaw Baranczak has died at his U.S. home, Poland’s leading daily Gazeta Wyborcza said. He was 68.

Since the 1990s, Baranczak suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which made him quit his Harvard job in 1997 after 16 years there. He died in Newtonville near Boston early Friday, the newspaper said.

Poland’s Culture Minister Malgorzata Omilanowska said that Baranczak’s death is a “great loss to Poland’s culture.”

“He paid a great price for his views, for his unwavering attitude,” Omilanowska said. “He dedicated his whole life to literature, to poetry. His work will always be an important part of Poland’s culture.”

His poems written in Poland in the 1960s and ’70s ridiculed the absurdity of the communist system and its artificial language. He co-founded the Workers’ Defense Committee (KOR) in 1977, following a brutal communist crackdown on protesting workers. For his activity he was fired from his job at the Adam Mickiewicz University in his native Poznan and his writings were barred from print in Poland.

In 1981 he got a three-year contract as lecturer at Harvard but stayed on, as Poland’s communists imposed martial law against the Solidarity freedom movement that year.

He translated many authors from Polish to English and from English to Polish, including works by Shakespeare, John Donne, Emily Dickinson and Bob Dylan. He also translated from Russian and from Lithuanian. He had the rare talent of preserving the spirit and the beauty of the language of the original.

In 1996 Baranczak shared the U.S. PEN Translation Prize with American Clare Cavanagh for putting into English a collection by Poland’s Nobel Prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska.

Baranczak is survived by his wife Anna, a Harvard preceptor in Slavic languages and literatures.

Harold D. Price-of Newton, on December 28, 2014. Beloved husband of Annette (Lichter) Price. Devoted father of Ron Price and the late Sheryl Rothberg. Dear grandfather of Mellissa Price, Jennifer Price, David Rothberg, and Michelle Marom. Great-grandfather of Ella Rothberg, Liat Marom, Aidan Marom and Ethan Marom. Brother of Anita Michaelson. Graveside service at Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11:00 am. Memorial observance will be at the Community Room,  210 Nahanton Street, Newton, Wednesday until 6 pm and Thursday 12-5 pm. Remembrances may be made to Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston, 333 Nahanton St., Newton, MA 02459.