OBITUARIES SIMCHAS

ton for over 10 years, previously living in the many nooks and crannies of Rhode Island. He was a skilled attorney for years, proudly serving his clients prior to retiring in 2013. Jake was a self-proclaimed comedian, a savior of Herman the squirrel, as well as a frequent flier of Rhode Island’s best breakfast spots.

He was the father of Eric Portnoy, of Boston, Massachusetts, and Robert Portnoy, of Colorado.

He was the brother of Eveline (Portnoy) Rothman, of Manhattan, New York, and uncle of Rebecca Rothman. Jake was a cherished friend to so many incredible people; he was always so grateful and fortunate for those individuals with whom he shared his life. He was a fan of comedy and had a Rolodex of jokes that were classified as too funny to print for this story of his life.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Bernice Salzberg, 93

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bernice F. Salzberg, of North Smithfield, passed away Feb. 2, 2023. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Hassan and Ida Hassan and sister of the late Eleanor Torun, Louise Condon, of Needham, Massachusetts, and Robert Hassan, of North Smithfield. Her husband, Richard Salzberg, predeceased her in 1993.

Bernice’s career in real estate in northern Rhode Island spanned over 50 years. She was past president of both the local Woonsocket chapter and State Board of Realtors. She was the founder and owner of her own real estate brokerage firm, which is still today family operated. Bernice was very active in many community affairs in northern Rhode Island.

She is survived by her three children, Sylvia Spitalnick, of Rye, New York, Bernerd Salzberg and spouse, Margy, of Solana Beach, California, and Marilyn Bennett and spouse, Doug, of North Smithfield; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Marcia Zisman, 91 NEWPORT, R.I. – Marcia V. (Cohen) Zisman of Newport, formerly of Barrington, passed away Feb. 6, 2023, at Village House in Newport. She was the lwife of the late Bernard Zisman. They were married for 52 fun-filled years.

Born in Everett, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice (Weiss) Cohen. She grew up in Taunton, graduating with the high school class of 1949. Marcia studied fashion design at the Rhode Island School of Design prior to marriage and then joined Bern in Texas and Salzburg where he was stationed during the Korean War.

Marcia was a very talented artist who brought inspiration to all around her. Cooking was a favorite pastime and all holidays and celebrations took place in Marcia’s home with as many friends and family as possible. She was instrumental in forming a gourmet club with her friends, making amazing dinner experiences. She was a member of Temple Habonim’ s Sisterhood for many years and worked diligently and lovingly on their Butterfingers cookbook.

Marcia and Bernie owned BZ Engineering Corporation in Lincoln. Marcia and close friend, Rhoda Gran, owned The Jewelry Loft in Warren, where they sold beautiful jewelry and Marcia’s decorative painted items. In later years, Marcia started teaching decorative painting in her very warm and inviting 1886 home, which was the perfect setting for artists.

Survivors include: two children, David Zisman and his wife, Maria, of Reno, Nevada and Stacey Carter and her husband, Scott, of Middletown; three granddaughters, Aliya (Carter) Eichacker newly married to Nathan of Coventry, Connecticut; Ava Zisman of Zephyrhills, Florida, and Sofia Zisman of Reno; brother Lewis Cohen and his wife, Ella (Shenkyn), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and very special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Temple Habonim, Marjorie Blowers Temple Beautification Fund, 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington, RI 02806 or Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 1184 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Mazal Tov

MARY AND JACK SUCHODOLSKI would like to announce the engagement of their son James Suchodolski to Angelina Hodgkins. James Suchodolski is a middle school music teacher in Providence. Angelina Hodgkins is a physician assistant who graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The couple plans to wed in May 2023.

We Are Read

Larry Katz, Elihay Skital and Leah Garber hold Jewish Rhode Island at the recent annual conference of shlichim and their supervisors organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel in association with the Jewish Community Centers Association. Katz is the director of Jewish Life and Learning for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Skital is the Rhode Island community Israeli shlichah (emissary) and Garber is the Vice President of Israel Engagement at the JCCA.