Brandeis Magazine

Emily Blum ’80, of the Bronx, New York, on July 8. Survived by husband Leon Metzger.

Robert E. Cummings, GSAS PhD’81, of Saco, Maine, on July 2. After teaching at the University of Connecticut and the University of Iowa, he became a professor of social work at the University of New England, and enjoyed hiking and swimming in his spare time. Survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.

David R. Kuppenheimer, Heller MMHS’81, of West Newton, Massachusetts, on May 16. He ran a treatment program for incarcerated sexual offenders in Massachusetts as part of a 20-year career in mental health and human services, and his lifelong commitment to social justice led him to support programs that served victims of poverty and wrongdoing. Survived by a brother.

George J. Banks ’82, of Danvers, Massachusetts, on May 15. A multisport athlete who, after Brandeis, pursued his passion for baseball in the Greater Boston All-Star Collegiate League and Boston Park League, he built a successful business in modular home design and architecture with his brother-in-law, working on a new home for his nephew even during his final days. Survived by two siblings.

Jonathan E. Markson ’82, of Pittsford, New York, on April 25. A doctor specializing in emergency medicine, who had a passion for books, music, and theater, he worked for many years at Syracuse’s St. Joseph’s Hospital and Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, where he enjoyed teaching residents and medical students. Survived by wife Samia and two children.

William F. Abrams ’83, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 7. He was a kind and generous soul who, after he graduated from Brandeis, never stopped studying. Survived by two brothers.

Stephen R. DeNorscia ’87, of Boulder, Colorado, on July 4. Most recently president of the board of directors of Thistle Property Management, he enjoyed a long career in graphic design, event promotion, and nonprofit management, and loved reading and music. Survived by his parents and siblings.

Keith William Goodman ’88, of Berkeley, California, on Jan. 19. Known for his kindness and offbeat sense of humor, he earned a PhD in applied physics at Yale University after graduating summa cum laude from Brandeis. Survived by wife Margaret and two daughters.

James C. Keil, GSAS PhD’88, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on April 2. Remembered for his many passions, including teaching, environmental activism, and the music of Bob Dylan, he joined the faculty of Howard University’s Department of English in 1989, retiring 32 years later. Survived by wife Meg and two children.