OBITUARIES HARRIET BRESENOFF RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA—Harriet R. Bresenoff, born on September 2, 1931, passed away October 25, 2021 surrounded by her loving children. Sensing her deep loss, she left this earthly realm a mere 16 weeks after her beloved Morty. Harriet and Mort had 69 years of delight together. Harriet was born and spent her younger years in the hills of Scranton, Pa., the daughter of Frank Isaac and Rose Jacobs, a hard working family. During Harriet’s teenage years the family moved to the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City where her parents opened The Rose dress shop. Harriet loved fabric and fashion and received an associate degree in retail marketing. As a young teen she was called upon to do the buying in the garment district for The Rose shop upon her father’s untimely heart attack. Under her mother’s tutelage, Harriet learned how to sew, and learned the cut, color, and quality of fashion. She showed by example throughout her life how to always look immaculate, stylish, and coiffed. Most vividly and impactful to her children was how to set a beautiful holiday table and the importance of Yiddishkeit in the home. Harriet met her bashert, Mort, while he was in a CCNY college study group with her brother-in-law, Jerome R. Jacobs, of blessed memory. Harriet’s sister, Marilyn, of blessed memory, made an expedient introduction and a marriage quickly ensued. During the Korean War, when Mort was stationed as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy serving on a destroyer based out of Norfolk, Virginia, the young newlyweds made a huge decision to move away from the family in NYC to begin their own family in Norfolk. They spent 42 years there before retiring to Florida and then to Raleigh, N.C. to be close to their children and grandchildren. Harriet and Mort had a rich social circle, and were inaugural members of a local investment club and the Amity social club. Harriet was involved either as member or leader in all the various Jewish organizations, including life member of Hadassah, ORT, Temple Israel Sisterhood, Jewish Federation, and Bonds for Israel. Harriet even stepped up to be the “House Mother” of her daughter Lisa’s Jewish teen sorority.
Harriet was a devoted daughter to her mother, Rose Jacobs, of blessed memory, who lived in Norfolk, and whom her grandchildren remember being part of weekday lunches, every family gathering and holidays. Harriet’s grandchildren remember her for her love of speaking Yiddish and teaching them the “less Kosher” Yiddish words, showing them how to be mensches. Her love of family and her Jewish faith and how that faith looks, smells, and feels is Harriet’s most memorable legacy. Harriet is survived by her children, Lisa (Steven) Feierstein and Marc Bresenoff; grandchildren Alison Bresenoff (Carla), Aaron (Sarah) Feierstein and Joshua (Mollie) Feierstein; and great grandsons Ethan and Theodore who all strive to follow in the Jewish heritage that was so close to their Bubbe’s heart.
CHARLES STUART HEYMAN NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS—It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Charlie Heyman, on Friday, October 22, 2021 in Needham, Massachusetts. Charlie was the loving husband of Renee Heyman (of blessed memory). Charlie is survived by his daughter Joanne Heyman (Joe Green), son Richard Heyman (Anne), and daughter Beverlie Marks (Morris), and his cherished grandchildren Scott and Julia Heyman, Andrew, Ilana and Alex Marks, Sydney and Morgan Greene, and Rashid Perkins. Charlie served as president of Temple Emanuel from 2007 through 2009. He remained an active board member until he moved back to his home state of Massachusetts. A graveside service was held at Plainville Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts. We ask that you join us in offering comfort to the Heyman family at this difficult time: May God comfort and embrace you alongside all those who grieve. MORTON J “KAPPY” KAPLAN VIRGINIA BEACH—Morton J. “Kappy” Kaplan, 91, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. A native of New York, he was the son of Harry Kaplan and Mary Levine Kaplan.
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Kappy was a paratrooper with of the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles in the U.S. Army. He was transferred to Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 1950 where he supervised troop movement to Korea during the Korean War. Shortly after leaving his discharge from the Army, Kappy went to work for the Hecht Company, and it was there he was trained to a carpet buyer. Eventually he was offered a job as a buyer in Norfolk, Virginia which is was what brought him to the area over 60 years ago. In the early 1960s Kappy opened Thalia Carpet and Drapery Shop directly across the street from Willis Wayside. Kappy ended his career in carpet just weeks before his passing as the flooring department manager for the last 16 years at the very same Willis [Wayside] Furniture. He loved his job, but even more he loved the people he worked with. In addition to his parents, Kappy was predeceased by his brother and sisterin-law, Richard and Norma Harrison, and by his grandson William Boswell III; Kappy is survived by two daughters Marcy Smith (Ron) and Paula Rodgers (Chuck); two sons Micah Kaplan and Ryan Asher Kaplan; stepson Brock Davenport (Dawn.); nephew Robert Harrison; niece Nancy Harrison; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. A funeral service was conducted at Altmeyer Funeral Home, followed by a burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery officiated by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg of Ohef Sholom Temple. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.
STEVEN SHAWN LAZERNICK CHESAPEAKE—Steven Shawn Lazernick passed away October 18, 2021, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Steve was born March 25, 1956, to Albert and Thelma Fay Goldman Lazernick, the third of six children. Steve was a graduate of Granby High School and attended Tidewater Community College. He retired from the Ford Motor Company and was also a licensed painting contractor, leaving his mark in numerous homes throughout Hampton Roads. Steve never knew any strangers, as he would immediately welcome and talk
with anyone within hearing distance. Steve was predeceased by his father Albert and brothers Eugene and Lee. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 31 years Joanne, daughters Samara (Shane), Jennifer (Kleyton) and Mandy (Philmore), and son Joshua, and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Thelma Fay, sister Marlie (Dave) and brothers Brad (Judy) and Ernie (Joe). Steve also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. A graveside service was conducted at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to Beth Sholom Village, where Steve raved about the care he received.
PHILLIP ALLAN UNGAR BRIDGEWATER, VIRGINIA—Phillip Allan Ungar, 82, of Bridgewater, Virginia passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021 at his home. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 15, 1939, a son of the late Max and Martha (Cooper) Ungar. Phill was a gentle soul who loved life, his family, and his friends. His greatest gift was teaching and telling stories. His passion was for making pottery. Phill also loved teaching and guiding young people into the field of food service. In Phill’s words he wrote, “He loves the air, the sun, the moon, smiles, laughter, and rain on his face, flowers and their fragrance, the earth, all of mankind, the universal energy, his children, family, and most of all—Pam.” He was united in marriage to his best friend, Pamela Lynn (Klein) Ungar for 49 years of love. Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Eric Andrew Ungar of San Francisco, Calif. and Bryan David Ungar, of Harrisonburg; his sister, Barbara Ungar Krampf, his sister-in-law, Jackye Abbott, and many wonderful loving nieces and nephews and cousins and life-long friends. A time to celebrate the life of Phillip Ungar will be held at a later announced date at his home in Bridgewater and another celebration in Virginia Beach. Please remember Phill when you take a walk outside, hear laughter, and hold a piece of his pottery. Donations to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, Pleasant
