FOOD 24 | OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Harriet Baron, 98

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Harriet (Smith) Baron passed away Nov. 18, 2021. She was the wife of the late Dr. Philip Baron.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the eldest child of the late Sidney and Helen (Rosenbluth) Smith. She was a devoted sister to her younger siblings, Ruthie, Sammy and Jay. Harriet was a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School, Class of 1941.

She met the love of her life, Philip, when she was 16 years old. They were married for 47 years until his sudden passing in 1991. During that time, in addition to rearing three children, they traveled to North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Harriet was a longtime resident of Providence, arriving with her husband, a 4-year-old son and an infant son in 1952. She soon made friends and established herself in the community. An avid reader, she also enjoyed traveling, cooking, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Trinity Repertory Theater and opera. She was a member of Temple Emanu-El, Hadassah and the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Jeffrey F. Baron and his wife Jaqueline of Providence and Dr. Steven H. Baron and his wife Nelia of Newhall, California; one daughter, Dr. Shari Sokol and her husband, Dr. Michael Sokol of Leawood, Kansas; one sister, Ruth Margolies; one brother, Jay Smith; seven grandchildren, Brian Baron, Justin Baron, Alexander Sokol, Felicia Sokol, Amanda Sokol, Veronica Baron and Gabriela Baron; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Helen, her beloved husband Philip, her brother Samuel Smith and her many friends.

Contributions to honor her memory may be made to Hadassah (hadassah.org) or the American Parkinson Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org).

Philip Borish, 94

CHEVY CHASE, MD. – Philip Borish, of Chevy Chase, died on Dec. 18, 2021. He was the husband of Hope Fain Borish for 67 years. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Michael and Fannye (Miner) Borish. Philip was a WWII and Korean Conflict Navy veteran, serving in the Atlantic theater.

He was a graduate of Yale, Class of ’49 and was active with his class council. Philip earned a master's degree from Harvard Business School and was a member of the Harvard Business School Club of Greater Washington and the Harvard Club of DC. He was a member of Congregation Beth-El of Montgomery County, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, American Jewish Committee, AIPAC, the Holocaust Museum, Financial Executives International (FEI) and Robin Hood Foundation.

Philip was the father of Marilyn Siegel (Ralph) of Skokie, Illinois, Ellen Goldring (late Shmuel) of Nashville, Tennessee, Peter Borish (Julie) of New York, New York, and twins Anne Borish ( Barbara Auerbach) of Evanston, Illinois and Linda Borish of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the brother of the late Muriel Miller and Joyce Jaffe. He was the grandfather of Moshe Siegel (Katie), Micha Siegel (Susie), Noam Siegel (Amy), Ariel Goldring (Lisa), Oren Goldring, Isabel Borish (Zach Grant), Harley Borish, and Eliza Borish. He was the great-grandfather of Annie, Maddie and Jacob Siegel, Sarah and Hannah Siegel, Isla and Henry Siegel, and Mia Goldring.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth-El of Montgomery County, Morning Minyan Fund, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD. 20814, https://www. bethelmc.org/give/

Stanley Charren, 97

DEDHAM, MASS. – Stanley Charren, mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, inventor, and wind energy pioneer, died Dec. 31, 2021, of COVID-19. Stanley was born on June 5, 1924, in Providence to Harry and Gertrude (Katz) Charren.

After high school, Stanley enrolled at Brown University, graduating in 1945 with a degree in mechanical engineering and completing an M.S., in 1946, in mechanical engineering at Harvard University.

In 1958, Stanley co-founded Bytrex Corporation, which merged with Kulite. Kulite-Bytrex became the first company in the world to make a commercially marketed semiconductor strain gauge with an output almost 100 times larger than conventional gauges.

Stanley next co-founded Pandel-Bradford in Lowell to manufacture synthetic leathers and suedes for shoe uppers, including the white Go-Go boot material worn by Goldie Hawn on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” Pandel-Bradford also developed a vinyl-backed carpet tile for commercial offices, selected by architect I.M. Pei for installation in the first office building in the U.S. to use carpet tiles, which Pei designed.

During the 1970s energy crisis, Stanley became interested in wind energy and played a key role in the development of the modern wind power industry. In 1974, Stanley and partner, Russell Wolfe, started U.S. Windpower, which became the first major U.S. wind turbine manufacturer, and the largest wind energy firm in the world. U.S. Windpower’s innovation was to build groups of intermediate sized windmills and link them into a single power plant tied to the grid. U.S. Windpower built the world’s first ‘wind farm,’ a term Stanley coined, in 1978.

Stanley was predeceased by his wife, Peggy, and brother, Burton Charren. He is survived by daughters Deborah Charren (Timothy Diehl) of Northampton and Sandi Moquin (Kyle Moquin) of Feeding Hills; sister-inlaw Barbara Korstvedt of California; grandchildren Hannah (David Pakman) and Zachary Charren-Diehl, Corey (Amanda) and Veronica (Keven Brown) Moquin, Matthew (Amy Quinn) Diehl, and Andrew (Michelle) Diehl; eight great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, four nieces and a nephew.

Stanley Kanter, 77

BARRINGTON, R.I. – Stanley Joel Kanter died on Dec. 29, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 1, 1944, in Providence to Herbert and Mae (Kasdan) Kanter.

He attended Boston University where he graduated cum laude with a degree in business administration in 1965. He received a JD from Cornell University in 1968. It was there that he met the love of his life, Madeline, to whom he was married for 54 years. He worked in real estate law for over 50 years. He received numerous honors, including being named Best Lawyer’s Lawyer of the Year in Real Estate in Providence and was a member of multiple professional organizations.

He was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, a role he cherished more than anything. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, gift for storytelling and crazy socks. He loved to read anything and everything, traveling, and also enjoyed taking glass-blowing classes at RISD. He was actively involved in the Jewish community as well as matters of conservation, serving as director then director emeritus at Grow Smart Rhode Island.

OBITUARIES

He is survived by his wife, Madeline Daub Kanter, his sons and their spouses, David Kanter and Peggy Wu, and Joshua and Sarah Kanter, and two grandchildren Natalie and Gabriel Kanter.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Stephen Kanter and parents Herbert and Mae Kanter.

Donations can be made to the Thoracic Oncology Research Fund at the Lifespan Cancer Institute, 139 Point St., Providence, RI 02903.

Rachel Marchionne, 66

CRANSTON, R.I. – Rachel Marchionne died Dec. 25, 2021, at Kent Hospital. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, a daughter of the late Meyer and Fibi (Sibony) Azran, she had lived in Rhode Island for 31 years, previously living in New Jersey. Rachel was a graduate of the Community College of Rhode Island.

She was the mother of Filippo Marchionne and his wife, Roberta, of Westerly. She was the sister of Jeannette Calat and her husband, George, of Providence, Albert Azran of Jerusalem, Israel, Marc Azran of Haifa, Israel, Jackie Azran of Paris, France, and Yvonne Puustinen of Amsterdam, Netherlands. She was the grandmother of Luigi, Luciana and Valentina.

Contributions in her memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Susannah Mellion, 75

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Susannah Tresette Mellion passed away on Dec. 27, 2021, at her residence, after a long illness. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Yvette (Shaset) Mellion.

A graduate of the Sawyer Business School in Providence, Susannah made use of her business and marketing skills. At Parts Plus Auto, she introduced and implemented one of the first computer systems within the automotive parts industry. For Frank J. Russo, longtime concert promoter, Susannah served as personal assistant. Throughout the 1980s, she booked, produced and provided logistics for many performances enjoyed by people throughout southern New England. Susannah worked behind the scenes with performers ranging from William Earl “Bootsy” Collins to Frank Zappa. Her passion for people and adventure eventually led to market research.

As an independent market research specialist, Susannah was sought after by firms across New England. People still talk about how she convinced the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell to take a survey.

In retirement, Susannah’s favorite pleasures were family and friends. She often spent summers in Teton Valley and frequently journeyed to Reno, Nevada, and Northern California. Susannah’s joy was sharing her life experiences with friends. Her greatest treasure was her grandchildren Esther and Hannah.

Survivors include her son, Robert Mellion, Esq. and his wife Dr. Michelle Mellion of South Easton, Massachusetts; brother, Dr. Morris Mellion and his wife Irene of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; two granddaughters Esther and Hannah Mellion and niece Rosie Mellion, and nephew Frank Mellion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023

Allen Ross, 80

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Allen C. Ross passed away on Dec. 9, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Sandra (Meyer) Ross for 56 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Martin and Sadie (Garber) Ross, he had lived in Smithfield for 22 years, previously living in Pawtucket. He was an independent sales representative for multiple manufacturing companies, retiring over 15 years ago. Allen was a Navy veteran, serving in Cuba. He was a member of Temple Emanu-El and the Smithfield Elks. Allen enjoyed volunteering at the VA and at the airport.

He was the father of Nancy Bloch (Jeremy) of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Martin Ross (Sheri Katz Ross) of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. He was the brother of the late Harie Raisman. He was the grandfather of Samuel, Jameson, Ethan and Jacob. He was the uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was the lifelong friend of Naomi and Bob Halpert and Ann and Phil Brown.

Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or the charity of your choice.

Myrna Ross, 89

WARWICK, R.I. – Myrna P. Ross passed away Dec. 8, 2021, at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Alan and Charlotte (Feinstein) Pekow, she recently moved to Boston, previously living in Warwick, Pawtucket and Providence. She was a graduate of Endicott College and the University of Rhode Island. Myrna was a real estate agent for Statewide Multiple Listings in Warwick for 20 years and was previously an administrative assistant for the American Heart Association in Pawtucket for 10 years.

She was the mother of Philip Ross of Boston, Massachusetts; Evan Ross of Boca Raton, Florida; Laurence Ross of Washington, D.C.; and Elizabeth Ross of Los Angeles, California. She was the grandmother of Spencer, Emma and Lily.

Contributions may be made to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, 1200 Centre St., Boston, MA 02131.

Vitaly Sorkin, 50

LINCOLN, R.I. – Vitaly M. Sorkin died on Nov. 22, 2021, following a debilitating illness. He was born in 1971 in Gomel, Belarus, to a family of an engineer and a teacher. Early in his childhood, Vitaly developed an interest in mathematics and science as well as intellectual games, becoming a nationally ranked player in international draughts by the age of 15.

Vitaly enrolled in the University of Gomel, majoring in physics. However, after moving to the U.S. with his family in 1990 and settling in Rhode Island, Vitaly chose to pursue the occupation of accountant. In 1994, he graduated from Bryant College summa cum laude, then passed the twoday CPA exam, achieving the highest score in the nation among 69,000 peers. Vitaly was awarded the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – the first and only Rhode Islander to achieve this honor since the inception of CPA exam scores in 1923. To commemorate this achievement, the RI Governor proclaimed one of the days in 1995 a Vitaly Sorkin Day in the state.

For almost two decades, Vitaly worked for KPMG Peat Marwick and then Iron Mountain. In 2013, however, he opted to leave the accounting profession and follow his passion for math and teaching. Vitaly opened the Squared School Academy of Mathematics, a very popular and successful school on the East Side of Providence, where, in addition to supervising all the school operations, he developed curriculum and taught gifted K-12 children.

Vitaly will be dearly missed by his parents, Mark and Inna, his brother Gary and daughter Emily as well as his extended family, friends, colleagues and students.

Lawrence Wacks, 72

CRANSTON, R.I. – Lawrence “Larry” D. Wacks passed away Jan. 1 at home. He was the husband of Joyce (Grueneberg) Wacks for 36 years. Born in Bronx, New York, a son of the late Moe and Rosalyn (Kaplan) Wacks, he was a longtime resident of Rhode Island, most recently residing in Cranston.

Larry attended the University of Hartford. He was a salesman for the former CJ Fox in Providence, retiring in 2018. Larry was a member of Temple Emanu-El and enjoyed bowling, volunteering as a basketball coach for various junior high school and high school and leagues. He was also a fan of watching and discussing all things football and basketball.

He was the father of Jill Weintraub (Benjamin) of Brookline, Massachusetts, and Marlene Schlesinger (Joseph) of Needham, Massachusetts. Larry had three grandchildren, Nathan Weintraub and Evan and Sophie Schlesinger, who brought a big smile to his face and brought joy to his life. He was the brother of Helene Rodway. He was the uncle of Michael and Marc Rodway and Daniel Seltzer.

Contributions may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940 or Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Joyce Woll, 75

CRANSTON, R.I. – Joyce A. Woll died Dec. 24, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Harry and Pearl (Silverman) Sandler, she had lived in Cranston for 55 years, previously living in Providence.

She was the mother of Renee Stanley and her husband, Robert, of Cranston. She was the sister of the late Norman Sandler. She was the grandmother of Jacob. Joyce was always happy and smiling and loved by all who knew her.

Contributions may be made to the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.