OBITUARIES Sandrea Bernstein 63, Acworth
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Sandrea (Sandy) Bernstein, 63, of Acworth, formerly of Smyrna, May 20, 2021. Sandy was laid to rest at Crest Lawn Memorial Park, just up the hill from her parents Bill and Joyce Bernstein, in a service officiated by her cousin, Rabbi Lydia Medwin of The Temple. Sandy grew up in The Temple in Atlanta and loved her Judaism. Sandy was a fighter until finally losing her 12-year battle with cancer three weeks after her 63rd birthday. It has been said that some people are good most of the time, but Sandy was good all the time. Sandy is survived by her brother Chuck (Marsha) Bernstein of Acworth, nephews Larry (Kristin) Bernstein of Grayslake, IL and Andy Bernstein of Norfolk, Va., as well as three great nephews and one great niece. She loved her family, staying in contact with as many cousins, aunts and uncles as she could. She was an accomplished artist with major subjects being Judaica and cats. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, or The Temple in Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Riette Hirsch Boxer 84, of Alpharetta
Riette Hirsch Boxer, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away June 11, 2021. Riette was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Savannah. She was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority at the University of Georgia and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Riette taught elementary school in Savannah and Statesboro for three decades before retiring to Sun City in Okatie, S.C. She cared deeply for others during her life and lived life to its fullest. She was and will continue to be loved and adored by those who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Dr. Robert Boxer; daughter, son-inlaw and cherished grandson Deborah, David and Joshua Lutchen of Johns Creek; and son and daughter-in-law Mark and Betsy Boxer of Pinetown, N.C. Graveside services were held June 9 at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, or to the educational charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Steven Werner Haas 76, Atlanta
Steven Werner Haas, 76, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, succumbed to his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease surrounded by his loved ones in Atlanta, who will honor his legacy by continuing to live their lives with integrity, determination and humor. Steve was born in the Washington Heights section of New York City, N.Y., Feb. 23, 1945, to German Jewish refugee immigrants Frieda Stahl Haas Weinberg and Sidney Haas. As a child, he spent his summers by the ocean in Bradley Beach, N.J., developing a love for the beach. After passing a specialized admissions test and attending Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to graduate with an electrical engineering degree from City University of New York, making a close group of lifelong friends that shared not only an interest in engineering but also many fun times and escapades. He later obtained his master’s in engineering at Columbia University. He continued his education at Columbia, completing a doctorate studies without the dissertation and later his MBA from Rutgers University. Professionally, he joined Bell Laboratories in New Jersey upon graduation and remained with the company transitioning to AT&T’s business division until 1998. He was known there as an impeccably dressed, caring manager and skillful negotiator. He then joined NECA (later named Solix) helping the startup thrive by guiding the organization and clients through utility program details. Upon graduation from college, he married his college sweetheart, Renee, and had three children Sidney, Cheryl and Melissa. While they raised their family primarily in New Jersey, they had a brief stay in Denver, Colo., where he developed a love for the mountains, the Denver Broncos and exploring new places. Upon retirement, Steve and Renee 56 | JUNE 15, 2021ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
took many fabulous trips around the world. Steve held himself to high standards and excelled at all he took on professionally, but also running long distances, maintaining a meticulous lawn, building elaborate model train setups, taking phenomenal photographs, or even finding the most delicious baked goods. Known for his quick wit and incredible energy, he will be missed by many. But having lost his own father at the age of 9, his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Congregation Ohr HaTorah, or Emory Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Ron Lazarus 76, Atlanta
Ron Lazarus died June 5, 2021, in Atlanta. In Ron’s own words: “Lasting for a lifetime. Our journey continues in business and devoted lasting friendships forever. Building a successful business, Affairs to Remember Caterers, these 43 years has brought us the joys of so many wonderful friends and employees along with bringing joy to clients on their special life moments. Seeing the growth of a young business into a respected entity in the Atlanta hospitality market, managed by wonderfully committed and creative individuals, is a joyful and satisfying tribute to so many. I leave this earth a grateful man. I have experienced great love in my life. My spouse of 22 years, John Wise, has always been by my side in sickness and in health. We have shared so very much in our time together – true love. My dear friend Scott Ardolino by my side in our life’s journey – true friendship and love. Friendships and love for decades. Special friends have made life a beautiful experience of living.” Ron was predeceased by parents Jack Lazarus and Yetta Shapiro Lazarus. He is survived by a sister Barbara Emmer of Gainesville, Fla.; his spouse John Lawrence Wise; and his best friend and business partner, Scott Ardolino. No service is scheduled. A private “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a later date. Charitable contributions may be made to PAWS Atlanta animal shelter. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Mark Bruce Kelmachter 72, Decatur
Mark Bruce Kelmachter died May 31, 2021. He was born March 11, 1949, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jean Muraskin Kelmachter and Meyer Kelmachter. Mark had just finished writing a book about his family. He graduated in philosophy from the University of Buffalo and came to Emory University to study philosophy as a graduate student. Mark enjoyed discussions with his groups of friends while at Emory; in Little Five Points; at Elizabeth Andrews High School, where he taught English; at the Church of Religious Science; and online. Mark loved every book written by each of his favorite authors, from Colin Wilson’s “The Outsider” to Philip Roth’s “Our Gang.” Mark loved to tell clever jokes. He also had a knack for finding the best tasting food in any city. Sadly, Mark leaves behind his wife Jan; his daughter Mica; his mother Jean, his sisters Leslie and Shari (Kevin); his brother-in-law Jay (Debbie); his sister-in-law Lauren (Cindy); nieces and nephews; and beloved dog. Graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Peter Berg were held June 4. Donations, if you like, to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999
