Brandeis Magazine

Marilyn Bentov ’52, of Newton, Massachusetts, on Dec. 10. After graduating with Brandeis’ pioneering class, she studied philosophy at Harvard, where she earned a doctorate in education, and attended Hebrew College, where she earned a master’s in Jewish studies. Survived by a daughter.

Janice Goldberger Gammon ’52, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Sept. 7. She had an early career as a social worker before marrying an artist, discovering her own artistic talents, opening a studio and becoming an award-winning potter. Survived by a niece and nephew.

Leah Mainzer ’52, P’78, P’80, G’07, G’11, Brandeis National Committee, of New York City, on Nov. 9. She truly loved her alma mater and was so proud to see her children, grandchildren and other family members graduate from Brandeis. Survived by her children, including Stephen ’78 and Jo Mainzer Ben-Atar ’80; her grandchildren, including Assaf Ben-Atar ’07 and Heddy Ben-Atar Stern ’11; and seven great-grandchildren.

Stewart U. Wolpert ’52, GSAS MS’57, of Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 2. The son of immigrants from Belarus and Lithuania, Stewart taught high school chemistry; worked in the shoe business; served as an education counselor; and, in later years, was the innkeeper at Wolpert’s Mountain Inn, in Vermont, a period he called the highlight of his life. Survived by three children and three grandchildren.

Adele Segal Levenson ’53, P’79, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, on Dec. 13. A member of the second graduating class, she worked at Bank of America and was very active in Randolph’s Temple Beth Am, holding several positions there. Survived by four children, including Beth ’79.

Barbara (Dephoure) Shapiro ’53, P’80, Brandeis National Committee, of South Portland, Maine, on Oct. 1. An active member of Congregation Etz Chaim in Biddeford, she enjoyed playing tennis and was a proficient bridge player. Survived by two children, including Elaine ’80, and two grandchildren.

Jerry Douglas ’54, of Los Angeles, on Nov. 9. He starred as family patriarch John Abbott on the long-running CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless” for more than 30 years and also appeared in a number of films, including Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” Survived by wife Kym, three children and two grandchildren.

Joseph L. Cohen ’55, of Beverly, Massachusetts, on Jan. 1. An oncologist for 48 years, Joseph also helped build programs benefiting those facing HIV/AIDS, homelessness, tuberculosis, incarceration and psychiatric diagnoses; enjoyed travel, cooking, music and keeping fit; and cherished his wife of 63 years, Frieda. Survived by his wife, four sons, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lionel M. Lober ’55, of Los Angeles, on Nov. 13, 2019. A film and television screenwriter and producer whose career took him to Paris, London and New York City, he held leadership positions at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Prodigal Productions, Warner Brothers and United Artists. Survived by two daughters.

Eugene Pugatch ’55, of Montclair, New Jersey, on Jan. 5. A neurologist whose work in endothelial research was instrumental in the development of breakthrough treatments for cardiovascular disease, he enjoyed the Metropolitan Opera, traveling and the Boston Red Sox. Survived by a child.

Joan Colter Wolfson ’55, P’80, Brandeis National Committee, of Pittsburgh, on Dec. 20. After raising kids of her own, Joan went back to school, then worked for many years at Craig House, a school serving children with special needs. Survived by four children, including Alison ’80.

Muriel Ettenberg Levy ’56, Brandeis National Committee, of Orange City, Florida, on Oct. 18. She worked as an administrative assistant at a school for troubled youth; in retirement, her passion for the arts shone through when she began writing and directing theatrical productions at a local library. Survived by husband Arnold, three sons, two grandchildren and seven stepgrandchildren.

Ralph B. Lilly ’57, of College Station, Texas, on Oct. 10. Following medical school and a residency at the Barrow Neurological Institute, he went into private practice until a serious injury set him on a new path, treating acutely injured patients. Survived by wife Joyce and two children.

Peter H. Thormann ’59, P’91, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Aug. 16, 2021. A retired economist and U.S. Foreign Service officer, he helped develop the Program for the Advancement of Commercial Technology in India; was acting USAID mission director to Sri Lanka, Somalia and India; and held other assignments in more than 25 countries. Survived by wife Mary and three children, including Monique ’91.