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Obituaries
MICHAEL LEON BRODSKY
VIRGINIA BEACH—Michael Leon Brodsky, son of the late Leon and Katherine Brodsky, was born December 19, 1947 in Yedrovo, Russia. When he was eight months old, his family moved to Odessa, Ukraine, where he lived until 1989. He served in the Soviet Army as a meteorologist, stationed in Siberia for most of his service. His life was filled with many challenges, including three bouts of cancer, but he faced them with admirable strength and courage.
Misha, as he was lovingly known by friends and family, married his devoted wife, Inna, on August 1, 1979 and lovingly raised two children with her in Odessa, Ukraine. In 1986, only three weeks after his youngest daughter was born, Misha was sent to Chernobyl, where he bravely assisted in the clean-up efforts of the nuclear disaster.
Misha was a very learned and talented man and was self-taught; a jack-of-all-trades with many passions, some turned into hobbies and some into careers. He worked as an electrician for the police department, and as a photographer in restaurants and on movie sets. His passion for and knowledge of astronomy led him to lead a workshop for children in an observatory in Odessa. He was a gifted artist who created beautiful pieces, mostly oil paintings; he had a beautiful singing voice and took part in many events and ceremonies. He wrote beautiful poetry that brought tears to our eyes. He was a talented carpenter and handyman who turned homes into works of art. He was an avid reader, his homes filled with books, and he loved to share his vast knowledge with others.
Misha immigrated to the United States in 1990 with his wife, children, and mother-in-law and settled in Tidewater. He reunited with his mother and his brother’s family a year later when they also immigrated to the same area. Misha loyally worked at Hodges Ferry Townhomes for 29 years up until his death. Retirement was not an option for him. He was a hardworking and loyal man, and his influence will forever be felt in the lives of all who knew him. He was loved by many because of his witty sense of humor, his generous spirit, and his loyal nature.
Misha was a man of strong faith, and he taught us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. He was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved, even if it meant working seven days a week. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world and he mentioned this to everyone he knew.
Misha passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at his home in Virginia Beach at the age of 74, just shy of his 75th birthday.
Misha’s memory will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Inna; his children Alina Brodsky Vaisman (Daniel) of Rosh HaAyin, Israel and Irina Brodsky Blankenship (Kyle) of Virginia Beach; his loving grandchildren Noya, Miya and Matan; his favorite aunt Ludmilla Romkina of Khahovka, Ukraine and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from around the world, including the U.S., Israel, Australia, Ukraine, and Canada. He will be dearly missed by them all.
A graveside service was held at Hebrew Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
NORMAN GREENBERG
VIRGINIA BEACH—Norman was born July 5, 1930 to Joseph and Bessie Greenberg in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Crane Vocational School.
Norman met the love of his life, Bernice Ullmann, while attending a synagogue dance. They were instantly smitten and married soon after. After they were married, Norman served in the army during the Korean War, working as an electronics specialist in Alaska. After he was discharged, he worked as a computer technician, and the family moved often, living in Illinois, Colorado, Iowa and New Jersey before finally settling down in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In Virginia, Norman worked in retail sales, which included a long stint as a jeweler for DP Paul’s Jewelry, before retiring. He was active in his synagogue and at the JCC, and he particularly enjoyed leading a weekly political discussion group at the JCC.
Bernice passed in 2019, after 66 years of marriage.
Norman is survived by three children, Larry Greenberg, Debbie Shahvar, and Michael Greenberg. In addition to his children, Norman had nine grandchildren: Jacob, Hannah, Sarah, Daniel, and Samuel Greenberg, Jonathan, Benjamin and Jessica Shahvar, and Myka Greenberg. He also leaves four great grandchildren, Lior, Elan, Celeste, and Stella Shahvar. In addition he leaves his daughter-in-laws, Eva Bergman and LaSandra Greenberg, and his son-in-law, David Shahvar, along with his beloved niece and friend Tami Greenberg Van Gorder and nephew David Greenberg and a host of relatives and close friends.
A graveside service will be held Monday, December 5, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Condolences can be left for the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.
MICHAEL A. LIPMAN
PORTSMOUTH—Michael Alan Lipman, a longtime resident of Portsmouth, Virginia, died on November 15, 2022, while living in New York City.
He was born to his late parents, Ansel Lipman and Blanche Dubins Lipman, on July 15, 1953. Michael was a graduate of Churchland High School and a longtime member of Gomley Chesed Synagogue.
He was a huge fan of family and family celebrations, always eager to connect with relatives and friends, and ready to entertain with a story or joke. Michael was generous with his time and often brought food to those in need while working for various food banks. He was the main caretaker for his mother as her health declined with age.
Michael was well known in the community. He would make daily visits
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to local restaurants, often just getting a drink and chatting with residents he knew from his visits. He will be missed by his family, friends, and acquaintances.
Michael is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Elissa Lipman, and his sister Marylyn Lipman, along with his many cousins.
A graveside service was held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery and was officiated by Cantor Elihu Flax.
Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Portsmouth or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to the family online at www. SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
DAVID RICHARD OSER
HENRICO, VA.—David Richard Oser, 71, of Henrico, passed away November 11, 2022.
David was preceded in death by his father, Beryl Julian Oser. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Nachman Oser; his three children, Jeffrey Lee Oser, Courtney Oser McGrade (Patrick), and Jennifer Oser Si!verman (Zalmo); his four amazing grandchildren, Baila Mafka, Dov Yaakov, Chaya Mushka, and Miriam Rose; his mother, Thelma Fine Oser; and his younger brothers, Steven Oser (Roberta), and Kenneth Oser (Barby); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Born May 27, 1951, David grew up in Newport News. He ran cross country in high school and in college at the University of Richmond. After college, he met his bride, who he lovingly called “Nancy Anne” and “Mrs. O,” and they had three children.
He worked for 14 years at Jefferson Clothing, earned a master’s degree in Humanities, and eventually, he and Mrs. O opened their own shoe store, Just For Comfort, which they ran for 20 years. The master’s degree was earned while he had three young children, an incredible achievement that epitomized his lifelong curiosity and love of learning. He loved to teach as well, teaching Sunday school for nearly two decades of seventh graders at Beth Ahabah. Even after he retired, he became a substitute teacher for Henrico County and was a wellness coach at the YMCA.
He loved fitness and nature, especially long brisk walks at Deep Run Park and around the lake at University of Richmond. Most of all, David will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and gentle human who loved and cared for his family and took great pride in all of their personal and professional accomplishments.
Funeral services were held at the Cannon Memorial Chapel at the University of Richmond.
Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Ahabah, the Alzheimer’s Association, or any charity of your choice in his memory.
MIKHAIL SOLOMONIK
VIRGINIA BEACH—Mikhail (Misha) Solomonik, 55, died on November 2, 2022 at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center from complications of stroke.
He was born on October 24, 1967, in Moscow, Soviet Union, the only child of Tamara Solomonik (of blessed memory).
Misha and his mother immigrated to the United States in 1990 and initially resettled in Norfolk. For several decades, Misha worked at Lombart Instrument, and most recently until his death, as a telemetry technician for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Misha was the most dedicated husband and father who would do anything to take care of his family.
Misha is survived by his loving wife Irina and their son Stefan. He is also survived by his devoted Aunt Marina Ponizovskaya, his cousin Yuliya Dobrydneva (Boris), and his nephew Ilya Dobrydnev (Casey).
A memorial service was held at Temple Israel with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating.
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