OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES Abraham Besser

95, Atlanta

Abraham (Abe) Besser was born Dec. 26, 1925, in a little town of Krzepice, Poland. A survivor of the Holocaust, he was the youngest of seven children to the parents of Rifka Rotbard Besser and Wolfe Hirsch Besser. His siblings were Hela Lask, Lola Klug, Sophie Scheinfeld and Blanch Snitzer, and two brothers Ario Besser and Myer Besser.

As the youngest of his family (16 years old), his father sent him to provide hard labor with the Nazis in lieu of his sisters being taken by them. Through several years of hard labor, including walking in the snow with no shoes, he rejoiced at looking up to find American planes dropping flyers, announcing that the Americans had landed.

A natural entrepreneur, Abe founded a cab company in Berlin to serve the American soldiers and he was able to immigrant to the United States when he was 24 years old. Upon arrival in New Orleans, he literally kissed the ground in thanks. Abe was sponsored by the Rosenthal Sheet Metal Company. He paid his debt back over three years and went to night school to learn English. Abe began his career by building apartment complexes and shopping centers throughout north Atlanta and developed much of north Fulton. A well-known philanthropist in Atlanta with a deep love and devotion to Israel, he contributed to almost every Jewish organization, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Of his many philanthropic endeavors, he sponsored the Holocaust programming at The Breman Museum and was one of the founders of the Holocaust Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery. This memorial has been listed on the register of historical sites. Abe’s love and devotion to his family is well exhibited by the Besser Holocaust Memorial Garden on the premises of the Marcus Jewish Community Center. He planned and executed the outdoor memorial to the 6 million who perished in the Holocaust. He envisioned this memorial to his family and community as a living tribute for future generations to remember the Holocaust. He is also the benefactor of the Besser Gymnastics Pavilion at the MJCCA, as well as numerous programs at Jewish Family & Career Services.

He is preceded in death by his previous wives Caroline Gurin and Judy Adelman. Abe is survived by his loving and devoted wife Marlene Gelernter Besser; his nieces and nephews Morray and Susan Scheinfeld, Harry Scheinfeld (Janie), Regina Karp (Jerry), Isaac and Peggy Klug, Mark and Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, and Ronnie Scheinfeld; grand nieces and nephews Ryan and Jenna Scheinfeld, Alene Mosher, Nathan and Afton Scheinfeld, Emily Scheinfeld, Sheldon and Robin Karp, Lisa Karp Rose, Adam and Elissa Klug, Michael and Kate Klug, Bradley Klug and fiancée Jenna Sobel, ZoAnna and Marty Bock, Hanna and Keith Orland, Robert Scheinfeld, Kimberly and Isaac Jones, and Joanna and Steven Kelley; and 14 great grand nieces and nephews.

Abe is also survived by his stepchildren Spencer Gelernter, Denise Gelernter, Sidney and Michele Gelernter, and Andy and Margie Gelernter; and his six Gelernter grand-stepchildren Alex, Melanie, Kenzie, Marc, Lindsey and Eli.

Graveside services were held April 29 at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the Jewish organizations in Atlanta that meant so much to Abe. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Beatrice Reisman Blass

102, Atlanta

Beatrice (Bea) Reisman Blass, born May 9, 1918, passed away peacefully in her home April 27, 2021. Bea was affectionately known as “Grandma,” “Mama,” “BB” and “Ms. B.” She was a member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue Sisterhood and Hadassah. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and making doll clothes by hand for her granddaughter’s baby dolls. BB’s favorite activity was playing bridge and baking the best brownies in town. She attended study group at the synagogue when she was able and loved water aerobics at the Piedmont Health Center. She enjoyed eating at The White House Restaurant and she held court at Goldbergs on Sundays for brunch for whoever chose to attend.

She believed in taking vitamin C every day and had the wrinkle-free face to prove it. She was a firm believer in washing your hands, even before COVID. Most of all, BB loved being with her family. She will be missed by them deeply! May she rest in peace.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband Saul Blass, and her parents Annie Bernath and A.G. Reisman. She is survived by her children Dr. Allen (Betty) Blass and Charlotte (Allen) Kaminsky; five grandchildren Terri (Rodney) Cohen, Sharon (Nathan) Popky, Naomi (Karl) Blass, Dr. Mitchell Blass, and Dr. Benjamin (Kathleen) Blass; and 10 great-grandchildren Allison, Erin and Sara Cohen; Sam and Rachel Popky; Brittany and Will Pestcoe; and David, Andrew and Joshua Blass. She is also survived by her sister Rose Reisman Berman and brother Donald Reisman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held April 28 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park with Rabbi Neil Sandler officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Jewish HomeLife, or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Dolla Epstein

86, Alpharetta

Dolla “Dolly” Epstein, 86, of Alpharetta, Ga., passed away April 30, 2021.

Dolly was born Nov. 8, 1934, to the late Samuel and Sophie Brill in Philadelphia, Pa.

Dolly was a graduate of Overbrook High School. Soon after, she met the love of her life Howard Lee Epstein. They have been happily married for 68 years. They were blessed to have and nurture four loving children. She loved her family, creating a home filled with love, support and joy. Dolly was a dedicated wife, caring mother and nurturing grandmother.

Dolly enjoyed watching old movies, reading a good book, gardening, shopping, but most of all, talking to her girls daily. The moments and memories with her will be cherished forever.

Along with her dear parents, Dolly is preceded in death by her sister Leah Grossman.

She is survived by her devoted husband Howard Lee Epstein; daughters Debbie Warshaw (Stuart), Aileen Sitero (Max), Pennie Pentland (Russ), and Sharon Pineda (George); grandchildren Lee (Olga) and Drew Warshaw, Jake and Sam Sitero, Andrew Pentland, Samantha, Sydney, and Madison Pineda; and many grandpuppies and grandkitties.

A celebration of Dolly’s life will be hosted by her daughters May 29 at a private venue.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Dolly’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation.

Page Varner Martin

81, Atlanta

Page Varner Martin, 81, passed away peacefully April 27, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. Page was a proud native Atlantan and the eldest daughter of Dr. John and “Teddy” Varner. She was a true Southern lady with a drawl that would make you think of sweet tea and Southern charm. Forever known as “the most beautiful person” many had ever laid eyes on, Page loved to tell stories of growing up on Peachtree Battle Avenue, spending time at “The Farm” on Davis Drive with all of her Davis family cousins and being a part of the Atlantans that supported the civil rights era.

Page was a graduate of Northside High School and Georgia State University. She had a love and a gift for gardening in which she earned the title of “the Orchid Whisperer” by her many family and friends. Page also was a history buff and ancestry fanatic who loved to trace both her Episcopalian and Jewish family lineage throughout history.

She was as proud to be the debutant granddaughter of Dr. E.C. Davis, who started Crawford Long Hospital, as she was to be the first person in her family to convert to Judaism when she married Sam in 1959.

In 1983 Page moved to Jacksonville, Fla., and spent the next 38 years enjoying the beach, a second marriage, her beloved pups Critter, Lily and Missy, and most of all her Sea Walk neighbors and dear friends in Ponte Vedra Beach.

In December, Page was diagnosed with liver cancer. She moved back to Atlanta to spend time with her family and friends as she bravely fought the disease. Although much too short, her family is so grateful to have had the last few months caring for, laughing with and making new memories with Page.

She is predeceased by her first and second husbands Sam Frankel of Atlanta and Henry Martin of Liverpool, England. She is survived by her children David (Saundie) Frankel, Elaine Diamond, and Evelyn “Bo” (Brian) Lefkoff; grandchildren Sara Diamond, Emily Diamond, Carter Lefkoff and Zoe Frankel; brothers John (Maribet) Varner and Fulton (Serene) Varner; sister Helene Strahan; and beloved sister-in-law Jackie Frankel Kanfer. In addition, Page leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews that she adored.

Graveside services for Page were held May 2 at Arlington Cemetery in Atlanta with Rabbi Ron Segal officiating. Memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy or the Atlanta Humane Society. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com.

Jarrod Sean Mendel

40, Dunwoody

Jarrod Sean Mendel, 40, of Dunwoody, passed away suddenly May 1, 2021. A fifth- generation Atlantan, he was born July 13, 1980, at Northside Hospital. Jarrod graduated from Walton High School in 1998, where he played on the varsity tennis team. He then went on in 2002 to the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi (like his late grandfather, Jerry Mendel) and became a “Double Dawg” after graduating from the UGA School of Law in 2005.

An avid reader and podcast enthusiast, Jarrod was known for his work ethic, humor and commitment to family. He loved attending trivia and burger nights with friends and always made time for those he loved. Jarrod thoroughly enjoyed his career as an attorney, starting as a clerk for a Superior Court judge and continuing in several private practices until finding his niche with McGuireWoods. His dedication to service extended from his work to supporting local and national causes important to his family, including Jewish Family & Career Services and March of Dimes. Jarrod was also a dedicated Georgia Bulldogs fan, something he and his wife of 12 years, Greer, both shared a love for. But above all, he was a wonderful and dedicated father to Jack and Amelie, who each possess the very best pieces of their father.

Jarrod was considered a true mensch and will be remembered for his kindness, easygoing nature, quick wit and his quiet work to ensure those around him felt loved and protected. He continually demonstrated a loyalty to his family and friends that will remain his legacy for years to come. May his memory be for a blessing and may those close to Jarrod continue to honor him in their everyday lives.

Jarrod is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Jerry Mendel and maternal grandparents Bertram and Jennie Blum, all of blessed memory. Jarrod is survived by his devoted wife Greer Pasmanick Mendel; his beloved children Jack (4 1/2 years old) and Amelie (3 years old); his loving parents Richard and Muriel Mendel; brother Matt Mendel (Rebecca), sister Jennifer Sheldon (Tripp) and newborn nephew Wilson, of Chapel Hill, N.C. Also, deeply mourning Jarrod’s passing are his grandmother Joanne Mendel, in-laws Robert and Vicky Pasmanick and family, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Lindsay Press

62, Atlanta

Lindsay Warren Press (aka Preston Lindsay), a popular caricaturist in metro Detroit and Atlanta, Ga., died March 25 at age 62.

Born in Detroit, Mr. Press graduated from Southfield-Lathrup High School in Lathrup Village, Mich., and studied at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where he majored in advertising and graphic design. After leaving CCS, his passion became caricatures, which he created for guests at weddings, corporate events, festivals, cruises and bar and bat mitzvah parties.

He was well known in the Greater Atlanta area, especially in Marietta and Alpharetta, and with his skill in advertising and graphic arts, he designed the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Guide to Jewish Atlanta, as well as menus and logos for Atlanta-area businesses.

In addition to caricatures, Mr. Press was talented in the art of origami.

He loved animals and was known to have many pet cats over the years. His hero was statesman Benjamin Franklin, with whom he shared a birthday.

Mr. Press had many friends in the Atlanta area, where he moved about a dozen years

ago.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, joy for life and incredible talent.

The son of the late Barbara and Sam “Red” Press and predeceased by brother Evan Scott Press, Lindsay Press is survived by three sisters Heidi Press (Randy) Carr of Commerce Township, Mich., Robin Press Wojta of Madison Heights, Mich., and Melissa Press (Tim) Downey of Berkley, Mich.; a brother, Jeremy Press of Troy, Mich.; and three nieces, three nephews, several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Mr. Press will be held at 2 p.m. May 16, 2021, at Boulan Park, Shelter 2 in Troy. Rabbi Brent Gutmann of Temple Kol Ami will lead a brief service. Guests are encouraged to bring caricatures and artwork drawn by Mr. Press for a display. Attendees will have an opportunity to reminisce about Mr. Press. COVID protocols will be observed, and guests should wear masks. Everyone is welcome.

To further honor the memory of Mr. Press, donations may be sent to Michigan Humane (formerly Michigan Humane Society), 30300 Telegraph Road. Suite 220, Bingham Farms, Mich. 48025-4507, 866-MHUMANE, Michiganhumane.org or The Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, Mich 48322, 248-5922687, info@jewishhospice.org.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Gerry Simon Sands

83, Glen Allen, Va.

Gerald Simon Sands passed away April 12, 2021, in Glen Allen, Va., at the age of 83.

On Nov. 24, 1937, in Savannah, Ga., Gerry was born to David Sands and Eva Levine Sands. As a kid, he enjoyed working with his hands, from weaving shrimp nets and painting figurines to constructing buildings and cars with his erector set.

Friendly and outgoing, Gerry graduated from Benedictine Military School and attended Georgia Institute of Technology. He served in the United States Coast Guard for six years. One of his favorite duties was working the ship deck, where he enjoyed listening to the radio broadcasts from far away countries and continents.

He completed his studies at Armstrong College and the University of Georgia, graduating from the latter in 1960 with a degree in mathematics. Having envisioned a future as a teacher, his plans took a turn when a campus advisor encouraged him to interview for a computer systems design position at E. I. DuPont. He landed the job and began a 42- year career across four states, multiple manufacturing plants and countless business trips.

Gerry discovered his perfect match and in 1964 he married Dianne Goldstein of Greensboro, Ga. In between raising a son and a daughter, he spent his time refinishing furniture, building home additions, dabbling in photography (he converted a closet into a dark room) and keeping up with the latest tech.

Upon retirement from DuPont, Gerry enjoyed working for the Social Security Advisory Council, helping retirees navigate and understand the intricacies of the program. He achieved regular status at his neighborhood Starbucks, where the barista would have his drink waiting for him upon arrival. Gerry could be seen zipping around town in his Prius, listening to Apple podcasts. He also took up wood carving and, the self-described animaldisliker, fell in love with a stray tabby and became cat dad to his beloved Rex.

Gerry is survived by his wife Dianne of Glen Allen, Va.; daughter Robyn Sands of New York, N.Y.; son Mark Sands of Richmond, Va.; grandson Eastwood Strilka of New York, N.Y.; sister Brenda Sands Novak of Atlanta; and his cat Rex of Glen Allen, Va.

Louis M. Speert

97, Atlanta

Louis M. Speert, 97, of Atlanta, passed away April 28, 2021.

Lou was born in Baltimore, Md., July 6, 1923, to parents Nathan Speert and Yetta Dubowitz Speert. He married his longtime friend and love Fay Sykes in 1949 and together they had two sons.

He was an Army veteran of War World II, serving in the South Pacific and Japan. During his service, he facilitated the safe return of our troops back to America. Lou was a self-made entrepreneur in the home improvement industry and operated a successful company for 40 years. He was a sports lover and a great man. Lou loved people and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his lovely wife of 72 years Fay Speert; sons Jay Speert (Terry) and Mark Speert (Laura); sister Marion Boyar; and many nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony honoring Lou’s life will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Atlanta Humane Society.

Max Isaac Sweeting

23, Atlanta

Max Isaac Sweeting passed away April 27, 2021, at age 23 in Atlanta, surrounded by his beloved family.

Max attended the Amit Gar’inim School at The Davis Academy from kindergarten through eighth grade. He later graduated from Centennial High School and continued at Riverwood High School through age 22.

Max was not only a student at these schools, but he taught many of his classmates and teachers the true meaning of compassion, how to create genuine friendships with those who have cognitive and physical differences and how to persevere and remain joyful through extreme adversity. In addition, Max could always be counted on to bring a dose of levity to any situation with his amazing sense of humor and quick wit.

Despite the many challenges he faced, Max lived his life to the absolute fullest. He loved to play golf, a passion he acquired from his father, and was a three-time gold medalist in the Georgia Special Olympics Golf Skills Challenge.

He was a huge NASCAR fan and attended numerous races. Through the incredible work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Max was able to meet and spend time with his favorite driver Jeff Gordon, as well as many other drivers that he admired. Max also enjoyed playing softball in the North Metro Miracle League until he “retired” to focus on his true love of golf. And no one was better with directions or the weather than Max. He could remember how to get anywhere, tell you when you’d made a wrong turn and recite the weather forecast any time he was in the car.

Max was an incredible big brother and did everything he could to show his younger sisters Mia and Liza that he loved them. From making sure they were okay when the three of them attended school together, to having them to push him around the house on a toy car, to driving them around the neighborhood in his electric Jeep, Max made sure the three of them had plenty of bonding time.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers Willie Sweeting and Richard Orgel.

Max is survived by his parents Jill and Seth Zimmerman and David and Lisa Sweeting; his sisters Mia and Liza Zimmerman; grandparents Ann Sweeting, Phil and Lenora Portnoy and Terry Orgel; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, whom he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Share and Care Cockayne Syndrome & TTD Network, Weinstein Hospice or Make-A-Wish Foundation. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.