Brandeis Magazine

Gloria (Hurowitz) Aisenberg ’53, P’84, Brandeis National Committee, of Worcester, Massachusetts, on Feb. 20. A member of Brandeis’ second graduating class, she was founding director of Clark University’s Parents Cooperative Nursery School; director of Temple Emanuel Nursery School; and a teacher at Solomon Schechter Day School, Worcester Community Hebrew High School and Temple Sinai. Survived by three children, including Steven ’84, and four grandchildren.

George J. Barkin ’53, MA’57, of Valley Village, California, on Dec. 17. A writer, editor and computer programmer, he is recalled for his warmth, humor, intelligence and generosity. Survived by wife Elaine, three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Richard M. Hirshberg ’53, of Covington, Louisiana, on Jan. 27. Chief of neurosurgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston from 1964-93, he was devoted to training the next generation of surgeons and to the mission of the Sisters of Charity at the hospital. Survived by wife Jacklyn, a daughter and three grandchildren.

Maureen (Kerrigan) Angelini ’54, of Leominster, Massachusetts, on Jan. 23. A retired science teacher in the Leominster public schools, she was an avid geologist, a world traveler and a dedicated volunteer at Sholan Farms orchard. Survived by four children and seven grandchildren.

Ernest Helmrich ’54, of Aventura, Florida, on Jan. 12. Born in Germany to a family that escaped the Nazis by immigrating to New York, “Fast Ernie” was a Brandeis basketball star, raised millions for diabetes research in Pittsburgh through charity golf tournaments he hosted with wife Sunny and was known for his Pup-a-Go-Go restaurants. Survived by three children and six grandchildren.

Dr. Fred K. Sondheimer ’54, of Berkeley, California, on Nov. 29. A Jewish refugee from Germany in the 1930s, he became a successful radiologist in the Bay Area, and is remembered as a loving family man and generous friend, a baroque-music patron, a world traveler and a political junkie. Survived by wife Linda, three children and two grandchildren.

Ruth (Saltzman) Albert ’55, Brandeis National Committee, of Naples, Florida, on Feb. 16. A reading specialist who taught for more than 30 years in Providence, Rhode Island, and trained reading teachers at Rhode Island College, she ran the library at her assisted-living facility in retirement and was active in Hadassah. Survived by three children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Zita (Orloff) Fine ’55, Brandeis National Committee, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, on Jan. 15. A retired teacher, she was active for many years in the BNC, serving in national leadership roles, and as a vice president for her region and president of New York’s Central Westchester Chapter. Survived by three children and four grandchildren.

Julian Elliott Smith ’55, P’98, of Teaneck, New Jersey, on March 9, 2020. Survived by three children, including Sonya Solomon ’98, wife of Moshie Solomon ’98, and three grandchildren.

Rhoda (Woogmaster) Winer ’55, of Boston, on Dec. 27. An educator, writer and lover of books, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling and the arts. Survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard; two children; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Deborah (Rudnick) Menashi ’56, of Brookline, Massachusetts, on Jan. 18. A retired professor of social work who taught at Boston University, Boston College, Smith College and Southeastern Massachusetts University, she is recalled as an institution in her field, known for her creative teaching and mentoring. Survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Helen Barbara (Feld) Wellinger ’56, of Peabody, Massachusetts, on Dec. 20. A former administrative employee at Brandeis, she enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing bridge and reading. Survived by a brother and a nephew.

Sara (Berenson) Borodkin ’57, Brandeis National Committee, of Akron, Ohio, on Jan. 31. A former associate dean of women at Kent State University, and psychology and English teacher in the Barberton, Ohio, schools, she kept active in retirement as a volunteer, and enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sports matches and dance recitals. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Leonard M. Kagno ’57, of Framingham, Massachusetts, on Dec. 5. A retired salesman and manager in the printing industry, he is recalled for his dry sense of humor and his devotion to family. Survived by wife Marjorie, two children and two grandchildren.

Jay R. Jasper ’59, of New York City, on Dec. 29. A retired advertising executive at Young & Rubicam and Ogilvy & Mather, he was a benefactor of the Dorothy and David Jasper Endowed Scholarship at Brandeis.

Herbert L. Turney ’59, P’91, of Wayland, Massachusetts, on Dec. 15. A labor and employment attorney who strove to build bridges between labor and management, he loved playing the guitar, singing in the Temple Beth Elohim choir and summering on Cape Cod. Survived by wife Deborah; three daughters, including Linda Skolnik ’91; and five grandchildren.