Brandeis Magazine

Arlyne Brunswick ’52, Brandeis National Committee, of Canton, Massachusetts, on March 7, 2023. She is remembered as a beloved wife and devoted mother. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Paul E. Levenson ’52, P’78, P’82, H’87, Fellow, Brandeis National Committee, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, on Dec. 18, 2022. An emeritus member of the university’s Board of Trustees and the first Brandeis graduate to go to law school, Paul enjoyed a long, illustrious legal career, including serving as special assistant to the Massachusetts governor and attorney general. Survived by wife Sheryl; three children, including Amy ’78 and Warren ’82; and two grandchildren.

Barry F. Newman ’52, Fellow, of Beverly Hills, California, on May 11, 2023. An accomplished actor who earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Barry starred in the film “Vanishing Point” and the television drama “Petrocelli.” Survived by wife Angela Spilker.

Rhoda Lemelman Factor ’53, P’91, Brandeis National Committee, of Dedham, Massachusetts, on Dec. 1, 2022. Remembered as a loving mother, Rhoda was director of education at Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton. Predeceased by husband Eli Factor ’52, P’91, and survived by two children, including Heidi Anderson ’91, and five grandchildren.

Jean Y. Moy ’53, Brandeis National Committee, of Cupertino, California, on April 21, 2023. A psychiatric social worker who studied with psychologist Abraham Maslow at Brandeis, she loved traveling and was a published author. Survived by two children and three grandchildren.

Harvey Littman ’54, of New York City, on Jan. 30, 2023. A student-athlete who played basketball, soccer, and baseball at Brandeis, he served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander and forged a successful career in New York City’s Garment Center. Survived by wife Evelyn Rosenkrantz ’54, five children, and six grandchildren.

Alan J. Shactman ’54, of Danvers, Massachusetts, on Feb. 4, 2023. A baseball player at Brandeis and a staunch supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, he headed his family’s insurance business, and enjoyed history, traveling, and fishing. Survived by wife Ruth, three children, three stepchildren, several grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Judith Aronson ’55, G’21, Fellow, Brandeis National Committee of Harwich Port, Massachusetts, on Dec. 31, 2022. Judith was education director at Boston and Los Angeles synagogues for more than 60 years, and served on numerous boards, including for the Brandeis Alumni Association. Survived by partner Al Durso; two children; and three grandchildren, including Sam Aronson ’21, Heller MBA’23.

Sumner H. Burstein, GSAS MA’55, of Dedham, Massachusetts, on Dec. 14, 2022. A biochemist whose research was critical to the development of novel nonpsychoactive cannabinoid drugs, he founded JB Therapeutics and was publishing peer-reviewed papers into his late 80s. Survived by wife Dleela, two children, and five grandchildren.

Sue Pollets Nager ’55, P’87, Brandeis National Committee, of New York City, on March 8, 2023. Sue held management positions at the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies and NBC; centered her life around her family; enjoyed traveling with her husband, Jordan, by whom she was predeceased; and established the Sue Pollets Nager ’55 Endowed Scholarship at Brandeis. Survived by four children, including Alison Nager Colitti ’87, and 10 grandchildren.

Elaine Radoff Barkin, GSAS MFA’56, PhD’71, of San Rafael, California, on Feb. 22, 2023. A composer, performer, and longtime editor of the journal Perspectives of New Music, she taught at UCLA, the University of Michigan, Princeton, and other universities. Survived by three sons, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Phyllis W. Goldman ’56, Brandeis National Committee, of White Plains, New York, on March 10, 2023. Known for her sparkling personality, she loved the theater, reading, and the excitement of visiting New York City. Survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Avrom A. Levy ’56, P’90, P’94, of Stamford, Connecticut, on Dec. 10, 2022. Mentored by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, he became a child psychologist; his interests included photography, antique clocks, wine tasting, classical music, and travel. Survived by two children, Stella Cohen ’90 and Elli Levy ’94, and three grandchildren.

Gail Anderson ’57, of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, on Dec. 9, 2022. As an adolescent psychologist, she dedicated her life to helping children; in retirement, she volunteered at the Mashpee Council on Aging and Senior Center, and enjoyed traveling with her husband, Kenneth, before his death. Survived by two sons and three grandchildren.

Frances Lempel ’57, of Eastchester, New York, on May 22, 2023. Born in Windham, Connecticut, she was devoted to her family and adored in turn. Survived by husband Paul, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

James T. Stehlin ’57, of Groveland, Massachusetts, on April 12, 2023. An All-American quarterback at Brandeis and inductee in the Joseph M. Linsey Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame, he was the athletic director at Newburyport High School and coached its football program to three state championships. Survived by wife Beverly, three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Rudy Finderson Jr. ’58, P’90, of Wolcottville, Indiana, on June 3, 2023. He led his high school basketball team to a New Jersey state championship while setting numerous individual records; won the distinguished student-athlete award at Brandeis; and, after retirement from a career in business, coached high school basketball in Indiana. Survived by two children, including Roger ’90, and six grandchildren.

Nathan J. Lubofsky ’58, GSAS MA’65, P’87, of Southborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 27, 2023. Known for his unique sense of humor, he held positions that sought to ensure Brandeis’ fiscal health, including serving as the university’s director of major gifts. Survived by wife Donna; five children, including Lisa Wypyszinski ’87; and nine grandchildren.

Robert Osterberg ’58, of East Orleans, Massachusetts, on March 17, 2023. A guard on a Brandeis basketball squad that went to the NCAA tournament, Robert became an attorney who specialized in music publishing, litigating cases on copyright renewal and termination, and served as an adjunct law professor at various universities. Survived by wife Marion ’60, two children, and six grandchildren.

Linda Pastan, GSAS MA’58, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Jan. 30, 2023. Linda was a poet whose work earned her the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and an appointment as Maryland’s poet laureate. Survived by husband Ira, three children, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Donald Connors, GSAS MA’59, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on Dec. 30, 2022. After attaining advanced degrees at Brandeis and Oregon State University, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, then worked as an oceanographer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport. Survived by wife Joyce, two children, and four grandchildren.

Nancy Fisher Kaufman ’59, of Newport Beach, California, on May 28, 2023. A fiercely intelligent social worker and lawyer, she faced down discrimination; raised two children on her own; and helped, often pro bono, citizens in need of the protection of legal counsel. Survived by two children, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Joyce Weisman Margolis ’59, G’25, of Baltimore, on March 17, 2023. A scientist and artist, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, Frank, G’25, across the United States and around the world. Survived by her husband; three sons; and four grandchildren, including Helen ’25.

Simon A. Sargon ’59, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Dec. 25, 2022. Simon was a renowned composer and teacher of music, and served as composer-in-residence at synagogues across the U.S. Survived by his wife, Bonnie Glasgow; a daughter; and two grandchildren.

Stephen Cohen ’60, of New York City, on Feb. 18, 2023. A medical writer and founder of Stepdesign, a company specializing in medical instructional programs, he later served as managing editor at the Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine. Survived by wife Julia and two sons.

C. Edward Good ’60, of Jackson, New Hampshire, on Jan. 26, 2023. The recipient of a full basketball scholarship at Brandeis, he was a longtime teacher at Lexington (Massachusetts) High School, an avid outdoorsman, and an expert at woodturning. Survived by four children, 10 grandchildren, and two stepsons.

Sandra Traiger ’60, of Lexington, Massachusetts, on Feb. 8, 2023. After her retirement as an employment guidance counselor, she kept busy with Brandeis’ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and formed a special bond with international students attending the Heller School. Survived by husband Harris, three children, and three grandchildren.

George Landow, GSAS MA’62, of Providence, Rhode Island, on May 31, 2023. A scholar in Victorian art and culture, and an early advocate for using the internet in higher education, he taught at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, and Brown University, earning two Senior Fulbright and two Guggenheim awards. Survived by wife Ruth, two children, and two grandchildren.

John Joseph O’Leary ’62, of Hillsborough, North Carolina, on July 14, 2023. After serving in a U.S. Army helicopter detachment in Germany, he enjoyed a career in marketing and advertising; opened his own business; and became a Blandford, Massachusetts, selectman. Survived by his partner, Patricia Weigant.

Amy Miller ’63, of Peterborough, New Hampshire, on April 7, 2023. An intrepid traveler who visited Europe, Russia, and India, among other destinations, she was a skilled visual artist and a fixture in the Monadnock region art scene. Survived by husband John, a daughter, and three grandchildren.

Robert S. Schneider ’63, P’91, G’25, of Great Neck, New York, on Jan. 11, 2023. He inspired his daughter and grandson to follow in his footsteps to Brandeis. Survived by wife Sharyn, P’91, G’25; two children, including Lori Schneider Discolo ’91; and grandson Adam Dickstein ’25.

Judy Abrahams ’64, of Framingham, Massachusetts, on April 10, 2023. A social worker focused on child welfare, she also founded an alternative high school. Survived by husband Stephen Landy, P’92; three children; and a granddaughter.

Peter M. Arum ’64, of Blacklick, Ohio, on March 28, 2023. A history professor who became an education policy adviser, he was a raconteur of the first order, displayed a passion for upholding fairness and equality, and was often seen wearing one of his collection of Hawaiian shirts. Survived by a daughter.

Joan Cornfield ’64, of West Hartford, Connecticut, on Dec. 13, 2022. Raised in Newton, Massachusetts, she was an interior decorator, a restaurateur, and a devoted mother and grandmother. Survived by two children and three grandchildren.

James R. Levinson ’64, of Harrison Township, Ohio, on Jan. 20, 2023. Director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and later an assistant prosecutor for Montgomery County, he was lauded for his eloquence in the courtroom, his mentoring skills, and his moral compass. Survived by wife Meredith, two children, and four grandchildren.

Lester Mindus ’64, of La Palma, California, on May 7, 2023. A native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for his warm nature, he was a psychologist who practiced for more than 50 years. Survived by family and friends.

Stuart A. Paris ’64, P’92, P’97, of Manhasset, New York, on Dec. 13, 2022. His basketball skills made him an early inductee into the Joseph M. Linsey Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame, he enjoyed a career in financial planning and wealth management services, and he was an active member of the interfaith community. Survived by wife Enid Kessler, P’92, P’97, and children Jason Paris ’92 and Gail Paris Schwartz ’97.

Linda Cahill Brunn ’65, of Upper Roxborough, Pennsylvania, on March 25, 2023. A clinical social worker who grew up in Georgia and North Carolina, and was deeply influenced by the civil rights movement of the 1960s, she was an indefatigable advocate for those in need. Survived by husband Dennis ’66, a daughter, and a grandchild.

Andrea Caron Kempf ’65, P’91, of Overland, Kansas, on March 20, 2023. A librarian and avid book reviewer, she earned Library Journal’s Reviewer of the Year honors. Survived by husband Evan Luskin, P’91; two children, including Robin Kempf ’91; and four grandchildren.

Jack Cohen, GSAS MA’66, PhD’67, of Simsbury, Connecticut, on Feb. 5, 2023. A graduate of Boston Latin School, he enjoyed a 30-year career at Eastman Kodak. Survived by a daughter, a granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter.

Peter J.A. Cook, GSAS MA’66, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Feb. 23, 2023. After serving as an Episcopal minister in the U.K. in Liverpool and Belfast, he was for two decades the pastor at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lake Charles. Survived by wife Nancy, four children, and six grandchildren.

Deborah Ecker, GSAS MA’66, Brandeis National Committee, of Concord, Massachusetts, on Feb. 19, 2023. Passionate about democracy and small-town government, she held local and state-level positions in the League of Women Voters, and earned appointments by three Massachusetts governors. Survived by partner Donald Goldstein, three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Terry M. Hurlbert ’66, of Colebrook, New Hampshire, on June 6, 2023. An educator and artistic spirit who played a serious hand of bridge, she helped to restructure Vermont’s special-education programs. Survived by two children and three grandchildren.

Shalom I. Newman, GSAS PhD’66, of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, on Dec. 19, 2022. A Poland-born Holocaust survivor with a deep knowledge of history, literature, and languages, he studied psychology and held a private practice in psychotherapy in the U.S. Survived by partner Marise Gottlieb, a daughter, and a grandson.

Paul B. Wiener ’67, of Westport, Connecticut, on Dec. 4, 2022. He was a nephrologist who practiced for more than 40 years, and served as a faculty member at the Chicago Medical School and other major institutions. Survived by his wife Nancy Sachs.

Robert J. Zimmer ’68, H’21, of Chicago, on May 23, 2023. Robert was a mathematician; the 13th president of the University of Chicago, where he also served as a faculty member for four decades; and an advocate for free speech on college campuses, creating what became known as the “Chicago principles” for free expression. Survived by wife Shadi Bartsch-Zimmer and three sons.

Victor A. Becker, GSAS MFA’71, of Sanbornville, New Hampshire, on Feb. 1, 2023. An award-winning designer of theater scenery and museum exhibitions, he taught scenic design at Holy Cross, the University of Alberta, and Cornell, and lovingly restored his New Hampshire farmhouse over five decades. Survived by his mother and a sister.

Steven Berk ’71, P’07, of Lubbock, Texas, on May 26, 2023. A physician who helped establish a college of medicine at East Tennessee State University, he became dean and executive vice president/provost at Texas Tech University’s School of Medicine. Survived by wife Shirley, P’07; two sons, including Jeremy Berk ’07, IBS MA’08; and two granddaughters.

Robert M. Moroney, Heller PhD’71, of Tempe, Arizona, on Feb. 18, 2023. The son of Irish immigrants, he was a scholar and prolific author in the area of social policy and planning, helped create a doctoral program in social work at Arizona State University, and received two Senior Fulbright awards to teach in Ireland and Lithuania. Survived by wife Peggy, three children, and five grandchildren.

Henry Shrager ’71, P’03, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, on May 17, 2023. Henry was a dedicated attorney working in Greater Philadelphia for more than four decades, with practice areas that included litigation and residential real estate. Survived by wife Judith Raphael Shrager ’72, P’03; three children, including Joshua Shrager ’03; and 11 grandchildren.

William H. Bicksler, GSAS MA’72, PhD’73, of Avon, Indiana, on Jan. 11, 2023. A minister fluent in Mandarin, he taught for many years in seminaries in Taiwan, was a professor at Indiana’s Marion College, and pastored churches in Kentucky and Vermont. Survived by wife Evelyn, three children, four stepchildren, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Ina Rosenthal-Urey, GSAS PhD’72, G’23, Brandeis National Committee, of San Diego, on July 9, 2023. She founded the anthropology department at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, then worked for many years in the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego. Survived by husband John; five children; two stepchildren; and nine grandchildren, including Jordan Alejandro Dinerman ’23.

Richard Scobie, Heller PhD’72, of Waltham, Massachusetts, on Feb. 1, 2023. As executive director of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, he elevated the group’s role in addressing international human rights issues, with a particular focus on child welfare and mass incarceration. Survived by wife Jill, six children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

George M. Epple, GSAS PhD’73, of Bedford, Massachusetts, on Dec. 24, 2022. An anthropologist who loved fishing, music, and model trains, he was chair of the anthropology/geography department at Rhode Island College for more than two decades, earning the school’s O’Regan Award for Distinguished Service in 1999. Survived by wife Carol, a son, and three grandchildren.

David S. Howard, GSAS MFA’73, of Sarasota, Florida, on Jan. 10, 2023. During his six-decade career as an actor, he appeared in the films “Moonstruck,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors,” and “Deconstructing Harry,” and played countless roles onstage. Survived by wife Anne and four children.

John K. Bottonari ’75, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 2023. A jazz aficionado, animal lover, wordsmith, and lifelong Phillies fan, he retired as assistant director of labor relations for Dauphin County in his home state. Survived by his sister and three nephews.

Anne Frankel ’75, of Forest Hills, New York, on May 4, 2023. Remembered as loving and caring, she enjoyed her time at Brandeis, kept in touch with those she met there, and attended alumni events and reunions. Survived by many friends.

Henry Krakauer, GSAS PhD’75, of Williamsburg, Virginia, on Feb. 9, 2023. Born in Germany to Holocaust survivors, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1953, became a theoretical condensed-matter physicist, and taught at the College of William and Mary for 42 years. Survived by wife Sarah Gordon Krakauer ’72, three children, and four grandchildren.

Estelle D. Simsolo ’75, of New York City, on Jan. 11, 2023. She was a beloved wife and a devoted mother. Survived by husband Barry and a son.

Michael N. Chang, GSAS MA’78, PhD’79, G’26, of Gardner, Nevada, on Dec. 28, 2022. An expert in drug development, he founded Optimer Pharmaceuticals with his wife, Tessie Mary Che, GSAS PhD’80, G’26. Survived by his wife, two children, and grandchild Maya Man-ya Wong ’26.

John L. Palmer, GSAS PhD’78, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, on April 20, 2023. He earned 15 patents during his career in the biotech industry; loved woodworking; and was often seen driving his pickup with the wood topper he built, flanked by his dog, Lilo. Survived by wife Madhuri Malkani and three children.

Ronald R. Thomas, GSAS MA’78, PhD’83, of Vashon, Washington, on April 17, 2023. As president of the University of Puget Sound, he was instrumental in securing the school’s fiscal security; he also served on numerous education boards, including the American Council on Education and the Chronicle of Higher Education/New York Times Higher Education Cabinet. Survived by wife Mary.

Janet Dillon, Heller MMHS’79, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, on Jan. 25, 2023. Known for her long devotion to improving the lives of others, she brought an abiding passion for protecting human rights to her work at nonprofits. Survived by a daughter and five grandchildren.

Catherine R. Norcott ’79, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, on May 20, 2023. After attending Brandeis on a basketball scholarship, she became a career financial-services professional who went on to share her expertise with others as a certified financial planner. Survived by a son.

Ann L. Singer ’79, of San Francisco, on Feb. 5, 2023. A sparkling, ebullient personality, she worked with nonprofit organizations, often doing fundraising and event planning on their behalf. Survived by a daughter.

Adam E. Arian ’80, of Midland, Texas, on April 12, 2023. A teacher at the University of New Mexico and at private schools in New Mexico and Texas, he loved hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Survived by his mother, a sister, and two nieces.

Janice M. Duffy ’80, of Boxford, Massachusetts, on Dec. 22, 2022. Remembered by family as a source of love, support, and laughter, she worked as an attorney for several years before becoming assistant general counsel at State Street Bank. Survived by husband Steve and four children.

Nancy Coke Atwood, Heller PhD’83, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 29, 2023. A psychotherapist who worked in hospitals, mental health facilities, and private practice, and served as an adjunct faculty member at Smith College, she sought to help people live more fulfilling lives. Survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Benita Roth ’83, of Binghamton, New York, on May 27, 2023. Benita was an activist; a sociology professor who directed Binghamton University’s women, gender, and sexuality studies program; and the winner of a 2006 Distinguished Book Award from the American Sociological Association. Survived by a sister.

Jeffrey Heller, GSAS MA’84, of Dunlap, Illinois, on June 2, 2023. Known for his intellect, which led him to degrees at three universities, he was an officer at the Internal Revenue Service, a beloved brother to his siblings, and a friend to members of Ignite Church in Peoria. Survived by wife Frances.

David Leslie, Heller MMHS’84, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Feb. 25, 2023. An experienced teacher and school principal, he served as executive director of Lesley University’s Threshold Program, and also as executive director of the Cambridge Civic Association and Food for Free. Survived by wife Clare, two children, and two grandchildren.

Susan R. Rapaport ’86, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, on Jan. 31, 2023. She was a devoted mother, and a loving sister and daughter. Survived by husband Kenneth and two children.

Linda Garufi Clark ’88, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 6, 2023. The daughter of diplomats, she spoke multiple languages by the time she reached high school; entered the U.S. Navy to fulfill her dream of becoming a family physician; and was a beloved teacher of medical students and residents. Survived by her mother and two siblings.

Dawna L. Butler, Heller MMHS’94, of Peabody, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2023. A native of Calgary, Alberta, she worked as a researcher at Brandeis, and later in testing and product development at Converse; was an avid volunteer for the Girl Scouts; and traveled widely. Survived by husband Thomas and three children.

Joshua A. Cohen ’98, of Las Vegas, on April 18, 2023. An independent film and television producer and screenwriter, he worked on more than 35 features and pilots, and, in his spare time, volunteered for the Cocker Spaniel Recovery Foundation. Survived by his mother and father.

Mary Wasserman, GSAS PhD’00, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, on Dec. 31, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill. Survived by a daughter, two stepdaughters, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Douglas B. Sweetser, Rabb MSE’01, of Acton, Massachusetts, on Dec. 10, 2022. A prodigy who was reading Scientific American from front to back by age 8, Douglas became an expert in big-data product management; loved teaching others about physics; and, in partnership with his wife, Darra, wowed others when he did the Lindy Hop. Survived by his wife and daughter.

Kristen E. Pancio, Heller MA’13, of Union Vale, New York, on Jan. 9, 2023. After serving in the Peace Corps in China, she worked at the U.S. Department of Labor, combating human trafficking and international forced-labor practices targeting women and children. Survived by husband James and a daughter.

Maxwell L. Byer ’19, of Jersey City, New Jersey, on May 31, 2023. He enjoyed traveling in Europe; studied for a semester at King’s College London; was a passionate sports fan; and, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, advocated to eliminate the disorder’s stigma. Survived by his parents and three sisters.

No In Memoriam items this issue.