Brandeis Magazine

Joan (Feldman) Saklad ’52, P’78, of Orleans, Massachusetts, on June 14. She was head librarian for the Philadelphia school system and a founding member of Am HaYam Congregation, and she was married for 67 years to Eugene L. Saklad ’52, P’78, yet nothing made her more proud than being a member of Brandeis’ first graduating class. Survived by four children, including Steven ’78; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Felix L. Shapiro ’53, of Sarasota, Florida, on May 27. A psychiatrist who was also a gifted pianist, he was associate director of psychiatry at Northern Westchester Hospital, in Mount Kisco, New York, and held a private practice for 30 years before retiring in 2005. Survived by wife Jane (Quinn), two children and two grandchildren.

Earle W. Kazis ’55, Trustee, Fellow, President’s Councilor, of New York City, on April 8. He endowed a fellowship and a real estate chair at Brandeis International Business School, and is remembered as someone who was larger than life, deeply devoted to Judaism and always eager to help others. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Donald Kline ’55, of Woodstock, New York, on June 29. A captain in the U.S. Air Force who went on to a long career in pediatric medicine, he believed people can become anything they want at any age, which he demonstrated by the hats he wore: artist; photographer; musician; Little League coach; and, later in life, author. Survived by wife Audrey, four children and nine grandchildren.

Marvin H. Sloves ’55, President’s Councilor, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on June 5. An avid supporter of the arts who amassed an extensive collection of boxing art and memorabilia, he co-founded and later became CEO of ad agency Scali, McCabe, Sloves, then, after retiring, lived with husband Thom von Buelow in Tuscany for 17 years. Survived by his husband.

Janet Cohen David ’57, of New York City, on Oct. 16, 2020. A world traveler, professor and psychologist who specialized in helping people with eating disorders, she volunteered in behalf of Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. Survived by life partner Bernard Wides.

Carole Mendelson Felz ’57, of Wayland, Massachusetts, on April 12. A former member of the Alvin Ailey and Consuelo Atlas dance companies, she loved her family and her temple, taught dancing to single mothers, and managed classes at the Joy of Movement Center in Cambridge. Survived by three children, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Arthur Brunwasser ’58, P’88, of San Francisco, on May 30. After attending Brandeis on a football scholarship and earning a law degree at UCLA, he opened a law practice and worked as a social justice advocate, joining the defense of Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers and helping desegregate public schools as a pro bono attorney for the NAACP. Survived by partner Flor Quintero; two children, including Erica Kates ’88; and two grandchildren.

David E. Cohen ’58, of West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 2. He built a private practice in internal medicine, with a specialty in pulmonary disease, and cherished being able to heal his friends and provide for his family, traveling the world, and cultivating friendships that lasted decades. Survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Bernice; four children; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Stuart M. Damon ’58, of Pacific Palisades, California, on June 29. After appearances on Broadway and the London stage, he devoted more than 30 years to playing Dr. Alan Quartermaine on ABC’s “General Hospital” and “Port Charles,” a role that earned him six Daytime Emmy nominations and a 1999 win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Survived by wife Deirdre Ann Ottewill and two children.

Harriet Thurman Morrison ’58, Brandeis National Committee, of West Lafayette, Indiana, on April 16. A devoted member of Temple Israel Sisterhood, she and husband Harry traveled the world, at times residing in Switzerland, Israel, England, Australia, California, North Carolina and Florida. Survived by her husband, three sons and eight grandchildren.

Peter H. Thormann ’59, P’91, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Aug. 16. A retired economist and 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.