Obits

An Innovative Educator

Barbara Goldsmith Levin, acclaimed Jewish educator, passed away in Jerusalem on Feb. 27, 2022. She was 82.

Born in Detroit, she attended Adat Shalom Synagogue, co-founded by her late parents Max and Alice Goldsmith, where she became the first bat mitzvah in Michigan history.

Mrs. Levin graduated from the joint program at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. After working as an educator in California and New York, she moved to Israel in 1969, residing in Jerusalem.

With other immigrants from the United States, she helped establish a new educational option for families seeking a school that would offer both secular studies and enriched traditional Jewish learning. By appealing to all students regardless of religious observance, it was a path-breaking pluralistic approach.

From 30 students housed in a dilapidated shack in 1976, the program blossomed into an entire educational movement, known as TALI. It now boasts over 1,000 school programs throughout Israel, encompassing some 130,000 students. The flagship institution in Jerusalem, offering preschool through eighth grades, is the Sam and Jean Frankel School, named after the legendary Detroit-area philanthropists.

Architect of the innovative religious and Jewish thought curriculum, Mrs. Levin served as principal for nearly 30 years. She was an indefatigable multi-tasker, teaching Talmud and establishing a community-wide musical theater program. She also created a family education program to involve parents and students in learning about their Jewish heritage together.

After retiring, she remained fully engaged: as a consultant and fund-

raiser for TALI, and as the leader of the children’s congregation and designer of adult education programs at her synagogue, Ramot Zion, in her French Hill neighborhood. Among her significant innovations as an educator was her outreach to families from economically deprived backgrounds. She also mainstreamed the teaching of autistic students before that approach had gained any traction within Israel. Her efforts allowed innumerable students facing signifBarbara Levin icant barriers to advance into higher education and responsible jobs. Her accomplishments earned her numerous accolades. The Municipality of Jerusalem honored her as a Yakirat Yerushalayim, a designation as an “eminent” resident of the city for her educational efforts at promoting “tolerance and communal harmony.” As an immigrant who made “historic advancements” in education, she was feted at a ceremony at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as a “Bonei Zion.” She also received the prestigious Education Prize from Israel’s Ministry of Education. Mrs. Levin is survived by her children, Rachel Meged and Doron Levin; and her grandchildren, Tara Meged, Yulie Meged, Ari Levin and Daniel Levin. She was the devoted daughter of the late Max and Alice Goldsmith; the adoring sister of the late Merwin Goldsmith (Barbara Parry Goldsmith), Jonathan (Luba) Goldsmith, Steven Goldsmith, Mark (Judy) Goldsmith; and doting aunt to numerous nephews and nieces. Those wishing to honor Barbara Levin’s memory may do so with a contribution to the American Israel Education Fund, c/o Stanley Franke, 2301 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 900, Troy Michigan 48084.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

FAYCLARE BLAU, 78, of Bloomfield Hills, died on March 1, 2022. She was born in Helena, Arkansas, before moving to Detroit. She graduated from Mumford High School before starting her life-long career as a dental assistant.

Although she enjoyed working with people in the dental chair, nothing provided her more joy than Sunday night dinners in her kitchen surrounded by her family. She often also could be found knitting for her grandchildren, singing in Temple Beth El’s choir or raising funds and cancer awareness through her work with QueenFor-A-Day, among other charities.

She will be remembered for her sweet smile, warm and welcoming nature, selflessness and passion for helping others.

Mrs. Blau is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Robert Blau. She was the sister of Donald Sand and the late Jay Sand. She was the mother of Randy (Michelle) and the late David (Risa). She is also survived by grandchildren, Jackson, Sydney, Grant and Gabrielle; nieces, Michelle and Laura; as well as countless friends. She was the devoted daughter of the late Dr. Harry Sand and Mildred Sand.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org; or Make-AWish Foundation, Team Alex, 7600 Grand River Road Suite 175, Brighton, MI 48114, teamalexrides.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

WILLIAM COHEN, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, died on Feb. 23, 2022, in Novi of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was introduced to Ricki, the love of his life, at the University of Michigan by her brother, Clifford, when Bill and Ricki were both 18 years old. They skipped their college graduation to get married on May 24, 1964, in New York City.

Bill was an accomplished bankruptcy and reorganization attorney in Detroit for more than 40 years. After obtaining undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan, he began his career in 1967 at the law firm Hertzberg, Jacob, & Weingarten, before merging that firm’s bankruptcy and insolvency practice

with the national law firm Pepper Hamilton (now Troutman Pepper) in 1989.

He served as counsel for both debtors and creditors’ committees in landmark Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings throughout the United States and argued cases in courts across the country, including the United States Supreme Court. Bill served on Pepper Hamilton’s Executive Committee and the American College of Bankruptcy’s Board of Directors. He also testified before congressional committees as their expert on bankruptcy law.

Among many other passions, Bill was affectionately known for his love of all animals, especially birds, and his affinity for coney dogs (heavy chili) and chili cheese fries. Known as “Papa Bill” to his adoring grandchildren, he was always thrilled to make a donut run, build a bird feeder, go fishing down on the dock or just sit and talk, provided he didn’t close his eyes for a “two-minute snooze.”

His four grandchildren cite his patience, willingness to listen and genuine interest in them as inimitable influences in their lives, careers and passions.

Bill Cohen was devoted to service, his community and helping others. He served as presidents of Michigan State Temple Youth (MSTY), Temple Israel Brotherhood and, most recently, his beloved JARC, among many other leadership roles.

Mr. Cohen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ricki;

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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his two sons, Adam (Lauren) and Joshua (Sandy); his four grandchildren, Aaron, Alana, Lily and Bradley; his sister, Nancy (Jerry) Klein; his brother-in-law, Clifford (Rhonda) Herbstman; many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family across the country and the world. He is sorely missed.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, Abraham and Barbara.

The funeral was held at Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield. Rabbi Michael Moskowitz officiated. Contributions may be made to JARC, 6735 Telegraph, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jarc.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SHIRLEY

DUBERSTEIN, 97, of Redford, died March 2, 2022. She is survived by her daughter and son-inlaw, Arlene and Roger Smith; son, Stewart Duberstein; grandchildren, Julie Smith, Jared (Rachel) Smith and Joshua Smith; great-grandchildren, Emelia Smith and Eli Smith; many loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Duberstein was the beloved wife of the late Max Duberstein; the sister of the late Neil Kleiman and the late Larry Kleiman.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SAMUEL

HABERMAN, 77, of Birmingham, died Feb. 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Toba Lee Haberman; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Joanne Haberman; grandchildren, Ella Haberman and Suri Haberman; many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Haberman was the cherished father of the late Jeremy Haberman; the loving brother of the late Sandra Haberman Golden and the late Paula Haberman Rotman; the devoted son of the late Pearl and the late David Haberman.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Humane Society of Michigan, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, michiganhumane.org; or National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, nkfm.org/get-involved/ giving. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

CHARLOTTE UTCHENIK

JONAP, 93, of Livonia, passed away Feb. 19, 2022.

She was the beloved wife of Jay; cherished mother of Marsha (Leonard) Baron and Jerome (Theresa) Jonap; proud grandmother of Samantha (Brandon) Baron, Stephanie (Michael) Neville and Nancy (Chad) Trusler; great-grandmother of

Winston and Arlo Neville, and Max Trusler.

She will be missed.

LAWRENCE KAY,

71, of Bloomfield Hills, died March 3, 2022. He is survived by his sister, Kathy Kay; nephews and nieces, Matthew Kay, Alix and Steve Craig, Jolie and Ricky Hartman, and Alana Seifman.

Mr. Kay was the devoted son of the late Sherman and the late Claire Kay; the loving brother of the late Douglas Kay and the late Ronna Harwood-Kay.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to JVS Human Services, the Kay Family Fund, 29699 Southfield Road, Southfield, MI 48076, jvshumanservices.org.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

KENNETH ANDREW

LESSER, 37, of Farmington Hills, died March 1, 2022.

He is survived by his parents, Christine Lesser, and Lanny and Debby Lesser; sisters and brothers, Renee and Mike Stein, Matthew Frank and Sara Rich, and Lauren and Jared Gell; nieces and nephews, Alexis and Luke Stein, and Teddy and Frankie Gell; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to SAG-AFTRA Foundation, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023, sagaftra.foundation; MusiCares, 3030 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, grammy.com/musicares/donations;’ or Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety, 3141 Interlaken St., West Bloomfield, MI 48323, akfsa.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

HAROLD

LIPSITZ, 85, of West Bloomfield, died March 1, 2022. He was the dedicated board president of the Hebrew Benevolent Society.

Mr. Lipsitz is survived by his wife, Joyce Lipsitz; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Lipsitz and Melody McBride of Morristown, N.J.; daughter, Adina Lynn Lipsitz of West Bloomfield; brother, Ralph Lipsitz of Florida; sister-inlaw, Natalie Epstein of West Bloomfield; grandson, Evan Noah Lipsitz.

He was the dear brother-inlaw of the late Merel Epstein.

Contributions may be made to Hebrew Benevolent Society, 26640 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, MI 48237; Pulmonary Fiobrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

STEVEN J.

NOSANCHUK, 55, of Farmington Hills, died March 1, 2022. He is survived by his son, Jacob Nosanchuk; mother, Laurie Nosanchuk; brothers and sisters-inlaw, Bruce and Rebecca Nosanchuk, Rabbi Rob Nosanchuk and Joanie Berger; many loving nieces, nephews,

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For the peace you need . . . for the respect of the life you treasured.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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other family members and friends.

Mr. Nosanchuk was the loving son of the late Michael Nosanchuk.

Contributions may be made to the Michael Nosanchuk Educational Fund at Temple Shir Shalom or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SHELDON

ONICKEL, 93, passed away suddenly on Feb. 26, 2022. His work life began at his parent’s poultry stall, followed by three years in the Army Air Corps, where he rose through the ranks, finishing as a sergeant.

Upon his return to the U.S., Sheldon spent two years working at DG (Dizzy Gillespie) Records where Dizzy bestowed on him the nickname “Flicker” (as in chicken flicker). For the next 35 years, he worked in the radiological supply business, finishing as sales manager. Universally liked, an avid bowler, golfer and Tigers fan, Sheldon left smiles on all who met him.

His loving family included the late Fern Onickel, to whom he was married for 51 years; children, Harry (Kelly) Onickel, Alan Onickel, Irene (Jim) Petts, and Roslyn Onickel; grandchildren, Kein Onickel and Shelly Flores, Sierra Onickel, and Henry Petts.

He was the loving brother of the late Irving (the late Ann “Honey”) Onickel; dear brother-in-law of Miriam Stillwell, Harriet (Marvin) Atlas and the late Rita (the late Dan) Marquis.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, kidney.org/donation; F.O.R.C.E., 16057 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., PMP #373, Tampa, FL 33647, facingourrisk.org; Temple Emanu-El, 14450 W. 10 Mile, Oak Park, MI 48237, emanuel-mich.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

PAUL ERNEST

PHILLIPS, 77, of Belleville, died Feb. 28, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jade Hadassah Choe; brother, David Phillips; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mr. Phillips was the brotherin-law of the late Gail Phillips.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Hadassah Hebrew Medical School, to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces or to Jewish Hospice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

c. 1947 c. 1971

DONALD J. ROSS,

90, of Bradenton, Fla., and Southfield, died Feb. 28, 2022. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jonathan and Sharon Ross, Jordan Ross and Andrew Ross; grandchildren, Christopher Ross, Stephanie and Nick Baker, Lavender and Nechoma Moss, and Marshall Ross; brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Doris Ross; sister-inlaw, Nina Eisenberg; companion, Sybil Glazer.

Mr. Ross was the beloved husband of the late Marcia Ross; the dear brother-in-law of the late Harriet and the late Marvin Weingarden, and the late David Eisenberg.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

LINDA LEE

WEINGARDEN

ROTH, 80, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 26, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ellis Roth; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Valerie Roth, Michael Roth and Georgia Chatzimouratidou, and Jonathon and Kelly Roth; grandchildren, Jonathon Roth II, Erin Roth, Taylor Roth, Zachary Roth, Eli Roth, Aiden Roth, Maerida Roth, and Brittney and Paul Roman.

Mrs. Roth was the loving sister of the late Leslie Weingarden.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 W. 44th St., Suite 609, New York, NY 10036. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

Ken Duberstein, Frst Jewish White House Chief of Staff, Dies at 77

JACOB KORNBLUH JEWISH FORWARD

Ken Duberstein, believed to be the first of several Jewish Americans to serve as the White House chief of staff, died March 2, 2022, at the age of 77.

Duberstein, a Brooklyn native, served former President Ronald Regan in the last year of his second term. He previously worked as an assistant to the president for legislative affairs and interned for the late Sen. Jacob Javits, a Republican from New York.

According to Axios, Duberstein was beloved by the national media for leaking valuable information from inside the White House during the Reagan administration.

James Baker, who was Reagan’s first White House chief of staff, marveled that Duberstein “just doesn’t have enemies.” Duberstein told the New York Times that as a Brooklynite he “always enjoyed working with people.”

As chief of staff, Duberstein developed a close relationship with Colin Powell, then Reagan’s national security adviser, who called him “Duberdog.” Duberstein once

boasted to Powell that the pair “ran the U.S. government for two years,” according to veteran journalist Bob Woodward. “A Black who was raised on the streets of the South Bronx and a Brooklyn Jew were in these positions for the most conservative Republican president of the 20th century.” Powell’s early life was steeped in Ken Duberstein Jewish culture and Yiddish, and it stayed with him until his death last October. Joshua Bolten was the second Jewish chief of staff, working under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago and currently U.S. Ambassador to Japan, became the first Jewish Democrat to serve as chief of staff to President Barack Obama. He was followed by Jack Lew. President Joe Biden’s current chief of staff, Ron Klain, is also Jewish. “Politics today could use some more Ken Dubersteins,” wrote Tevi Troy, former White House Jewish Liaison under Bush and author of Fight House, a book about rivalries at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Jewish Ukrainian Footballer Killed in Kyiv Bombing

JOSH KAPLAN JEWISH CHRONICLE

AJewish Ukrainian footballer has been killed during the Russian assault of Kyiv.

Dmitry Martynenko, a 25-year-old professional footballer, was killed alongside his mother when Russian forces bombed their home in the suburbs of Kyiv.

His father and sister are believed to have survived the explosion and are currently recovering in a nearby hospital.

Martynenko was killed on the same day as another Ukrainian footballer, Vitalii Sapylo of Karpaty Lviv.

In a statement responding to the deaths of the two players, the International Federation of Professional Footballers said: “Our thoughts are with the families, friends and teammates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, football’s first reported losses in this war. May they both rest in peace.”

Dmitry Martynenko