C ommunity / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
GROSSBERG KATZ
Van Grossberg, lovingly known as Volfie,
passed away on December 19, 2020, just shy
of his 100th birthday. Beloved husband of the
late Bernice (nee Krel); Loving father of Carl
Grossberg, Edward (Helena) Grossberg and
Francine (David) Orkin; Devoted Zayda of
Shelly (Jordan), Jonah, Samantha Allison,
Alex and Anita. Born in Dubno, Poland he
was the youngest of 7 children. He lost his
parents and three siblings during the Holo-
caust, spent 10 years in forced labor camp
but somehow managed to stay positive, lov-
ing and kind to all the people he met, espe-
cially his grandchildren. He was an active
member in the Association of Jewish Holo-
caust Survivors where he spent time socializ-
ing with his many friends. Services and inter-
ment were private. Contributions in his
memory may be made to US Holocaust Me-
morial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place
SW, Washington DC 20024,
www.donate.ushmm.org or Yad Vashem, PO
Box 3477, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel, web-
master@yadvashem.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Celia Starr Katz, 88. Beloved wife, mother,
grandmother, great grandmother and de-
voted teacher passed away on December 17,
2020 in Indianapolis. Celia was born in
Washington DC on October 7, 1932 to Mi-
chael and Bessie Starr. Celia attended the
University of Maryland. She and her late hus-
band, Richard raised their family in Phil-
adelphia, where Celia worked as a teaching
assistant for elementary and middle school
students. Celia loved children and was pas-
sionate about their learning. Celia was a
member of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in
Philadelphia, and at Indianapolis Hebrew
Congregation. She was a member of Com-
passionate Friends and a volunteer with the
Lawrence School District in Indiana through
her work with OASIS. Celia is survived by her
sons, Mitchell (Karen) and Larry (Coleen)
Katz and her daughter-in-law, Andrea Katz; 8
grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She
was preceded in death by her husband
Richard and son, Bradley. Private graveside
services will be held in Philadelphia. Memori-
al contributions may be made to the Bradley
S Katz fund at Riley Children’s Foundation, 30
S. Meridian St Indianapolis Indiana 46204.

www.RileyKids.Org. JECK
Sheila Ann Jeck (nee Caplan) on December
23, 2020. Beloved wife of Dr. Saul Jeck; Lov-
ing mother of Daniel (Dara) Jeck and the late
Dr. Charles Jeck; Devoted grandmother of
Evan, Nicole (Josiah), Ethan and Dylan. Ser-
vices and interment are Private. Contribu-
tions in her memory may be made to Autism
Speaks–Penn State 5K, http://act.aut-
ismspeaks.org/site/TR/TeamUp/TeamUp?tea m id=113158&pg=team&fr id=5570 or Na-
tional Multiple Sclerosis Society,
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/P AE/Donate
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
KAIMOWITZ Susan R. Kaimowitz (nee: Perstein). Dec. 23,
2020. Wife of the late Stanley E Kaimowitz,
mother of Karen (Chris) Moyer and Michelle
(Jack) Guida. Also survived by 4 grandchil-
dren; Josh and Maddie Moyer, Renee (An-
drea) and Lexi Guida. Susan was an retired
administrative assistant with the B'nai B'rith
Philadelphia regional office. Condolences and
more at BerschlerAndShenberg.com
BERSCHLER and SHENBERG
KAPLAN Mila Kaplan (nee Post) on December 28,
2020. Beloved wife of the late David Kaplan;
Loving mother of Rebecca Kaplan. Also sur-
vived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces
and great nephews. Mrs. Kaplan was a Holo-
caust survivor, the only survivor of her very
large family. She was also a retired, talented
dressmaker. Services and interment were
private. Contributions in her memory may be
made to the Holocaust Museum, 100 Raoul
Wallenberg Pl., SW, Washington DC 20024
or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD
CALL 215.832.0749
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Remembers Monthly archives of
Jewish Exponent Death Notices
are available online.

www.JewishExponent.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
KEVITCH Janice Kevitch, Age 85, passed away at her
home in Plymouth Meeting, PA on December
18, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late
Benjamin Kevitch for almost 68 years. She
will be missed by her children Robert (Carla)
Kevitch, Andrew (Lisa) Kevitch, Michael
(Stacy) Kevitch, Todd (Sandra) Kevitch, and
the late Stephen Kevitch and by her adoring
grandchildren Samantha (Quincy) Moore,
Danielle, Austin, Lindsey, Tristan, Sydney,
Drew, Dylan, Lola, Izzy, and Jeremy Kevitch.

Janice was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised
her family in Elkins Park spending many fun-
loving and happy summers down the shore
in Margate. Janice was the proud matriarch
of the Kevitch family and kept many close
friends for decades. She will be greatly
missed by those whose lives she touched.

Services and interment private. Contribu-
tions in her memory may be made to the
American Cancer Society or to a charity of
the donor's choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com LEVINSON
Gerald Levinson, on Dec. 24, 2020. Husband
of the late Judith (nee) Laub, Father of Kara
(Arthur Aaron) Levinson, Alissa Levinson,
and Debra Baseman. Brother of Lewis (Vicki)
Levinson and the late Edith Furst. Grandfath-
er of Ella, Aaron, and Danyel. Services and in-
terment private. Contributions in his memory
may be made to the National Museum of
American Jewish History nmajh.org.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com Honor the memory
of your loved one...

Call 215.832.0749 to
place your memorial.

DEATH NOTICES
acy of values including family, love, honor,
respect and loyalty. He is survived by his five
children, Jon (Andi), Bob (CJ), Larry
(Wendy), Fred (Diane) and Abbe (Aaron). He
took enormous pride in his 14 grandchildren
and their partners Naomi (Joe), Jacob
(Boom), Toby (Lalo), Hannah (Kyle), Laura
(Toby), Dana (KG), Louis, Zachary (Jaz),
DEATH NOTICES
Kyle, Claire, Nathan, Ellie (Dan), Jeremy
(Helen), and Gabe (Kelly). Great-grandchil-
dren brought it full circle – Jackson, Talya,
Andrew and Isaac. Donations may be direc-
ted to two of his favorite charities, Congrega-
t i o n B ’ n a i J a c o b , 1 0 1 M a n a v o n S t,
Phoenixville, PA 19460 and the Lewis Katz
School of Medicine at Temple University
Medical Alumni Fund online at
giving.temple.edu/maascholarship or by mail
atTemple Health Institutional Advancement,
P.O. Box 827651, Philadelphia, PA, 19182-
7651. LITZ
LISS Gilbert Alvin Liss, M.D. born on October 13,
1929 widower of Hermine and father of five,
died peacefully at home on December 18,
2020. Born in Philadelphia to Louis and Sad-
ie Liss at Albert Einstein Hospital in the Ol-
ney section of Philadelphia, he was given a
silver cup as the "fattest baby". He lived his
early years above the Louis Liss bakery, the
family business on Rockland Street in the Lo-
gan section of Philadelphia. At his parents’
side in the bakery he learned the skills to be-
come a talented cake decorator and baker,
skills that he shared with his children, grand-
children, and community for the rest of his
life. As a young boy and man he spent much
of his summer time on the family farm in
Vineland and in Atlantic City. After graduat-
ing from Olney High, he received a degree in
accounting from Temple University. Re-
cruited to Officer Candidate School, he
entered the United States Navy and served as
Lieutenant on the SS Huse, a destroyer es-
cort, for two years during the Korean War. He
was married in 1953 to the love of his life,
Hermine Betty Eisenberg, a Bronx beauty,
whom he met on a blind date while in the ser-
vice. Following postings at naval bases in Key
West, Florida and Newport, Rhode Island, Gil
and Herm and their first child returned to live
with Lou and Sadie in Philadelphia’s East Oak
Lane neighborhood. They would live with Lou
and Sadie for the next 11 years. With initial
plans to join his father in the bakery, a
change in career path led him back to school
to become a doctor. While he completed his
medical training Gil and Herm added four
more children to the house in E. Oak Lane.

He received his M.D. from Temple University
School of Medicine with honors in 1961, in-
terned at Philadelphia General Hospital and
served a residency in OB/GYN at Temple Uni-
versity Hospital. The whole troop moved to
Phoenixville Pennsylvania in 1965 where he
opened one of the first OB practices in the
community, delivering over 8000 babies dur-
ing his career. Gil loved the practice of medi-
cine and took joy in helping others. He was a
leader in the hospital and at his synagogue,
B’nai Jacob, to which he remained dedicated
until his death. He was full of life and love,
with bear hugs for family and friends and was
able to see the best of and take true pleasure
in the people and world around him. He loved
to hunt and fish and treasured 50 years of
family time at the Lake Winnipesaukee Bear
Island summer cottage. He loved gardening,
always competing with nature to grow the
earliest tomatoes and propagating beautiful
flowers and plants in his greenhouse. Gil died
at 91 years of age after a long struggle with
Parkinson's and a one-week illness with
COVID 19. Gil and Hermine were able to re-
main in their home because of the loving care
and phenomenal devotion of their team of
caregivers from Angel Companions. Words
cannot express the family's gratitude for
these people who loved Gil and Hermine,
truly becoming part of our family. He and
Hermine, who died last year, leave a rich leg-
acy of values including family, love, honor,
respect and loyalty. He is survived by his five
children, Jon (Andi), Bob (CJ), Larry
(Wendy), Fred (Diane) and Abbe (Aaron). He
took enormous pride in his 14 grandchildren
and their partners Naomi (Joe), Jacob
(Boom), Toby (Lalo), Hannah (Kyle), Laura
(Toby), Dana (KG), Louis, Zachary (Jaz),
Kyle, Claire, Nathan, Ellie (Dan), Jeremy
(Helen), and Gabe (Kelly). Great-grandchil-
dren brought it full circle – Jackson, Talya,
Andrew and Isaac. Donations
may be direc-
JEWISH EXPONENT
ted to two of his favorite charities, Congrega-
tion B’nai Jacob, 101 Manavon St,
Phoenixville, PA 19460 and the Lewis Katz
Jack Litz, 92, passed away December 30,
2020 in Wilmington, DE, formerly of Cherry
Hill, NJ and South Philadelphia, PA. A gradu-
ate of Temple University Law School, Jack
was a proud Army Corporal in WWII, served
as Commander of the Jewish War Veterans
from 1987–1988, a proud Philadelphia Mum-
mer and a published poet. Beloved husband
of the late Phyllis Litz (nee Shaw), loving
father of Dr. Ilene Goldman Litz, Michelle
Faber (Fred), the late Stacy Litz, and the late
Carol Kodak; also survived by 1 granddaugh-
ter, Alexis Profera. Private graveside services
were held at Roosevelt Cemetery in Trevose,
PA. Contributions in his memory may be
made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
DEATH NOTICES
POLLAN Elaine Pollan (nee Kramer) age 83, of
Warminster, PA passed away on December
25, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Sol Pollan.

Cherished mother of Merle (Andy)
DeLaFuente and Abby Alexander. Loving
grandmother of Leigh DeLaFuente, Michael
(Samantha) DeLaFuente and Brielle
DeLaFuente, and great grandmother of
Cooper DeLaFuente. She was the daughter of
the late Jean & Cyrus Kramer and sister Of
the late Alan Kramer. Born and raised in
Wynnefield, Elaine was a graduate of Over-
brook High School. She worked for over 30
years as a legal secretary at Duane, Morris &
Heckscher. Contributions in her memory may
be made to The American Cancer Society,
1818 Market St.,Ste 2820, Phila. PA 19103
www.cancer.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
MESSERMAN Hon. Robert H. Messerman, beloved hus-
band, father and grandfather, peacefully
passed away on December 28, 2020 in
Voorhees, NJ. Bob is survived by his wife and
best friend of 58 years Judith Messerman,
his children Linda Messerman, Deborah
(Samuel) First, Michael (Sharon) Messerman,
and his grandchildren Daniel and Eric First,
and Justin, Ethan and Julia Messerman. A
first-generation American, Bob was a mod-
ern day “renaissance man” born on Decem-
ber 1, 1938 in Atlantic City, NJ. With a per-
sonality that would light up any room he
entered, Bob balanced an unmatched work
ethic with a witty comedic-charm. He grew
up in Atlantic City, NJ, working in his father’s
grocery store, which molded him into the
hard-working man he would become. Bob
graduated Atlantic City High School, earned a
BS in Accounting from NYU, a JD from
Temple Law School, and a PhD in Education
from the University of Sarasota. As a work-
ing professional, Bob was an accountant, a
lawyer admitted to practice in NJ, PA and FL,
a licensed real estate broker, landlord-tenant
officer for the City of Philadelphia, small busi-
ness owner and a professor of business law
at Penn, Rutgers Law School and Pierce Ju-
nior College. Bob also worked for Cherry Hill
Township as its Chief Labor Negotiator and
Municipal Court Prosecutor. In addition, Bob
also served many years as a NJ Municipal
Court Judge and was active for decades in
local politics. Bob and Judy spent many win-
ters in Boynton Beach, FL, but Absecon Is-
land always remained close to Bob’s heart.

He and his beloved Judy spent every sum-
mer for over 40 years in Margate, and later
Ventnor. Bob was an extraordinary man
whose kindness, positivity, friendship and
love impacted everyone he ever met. He will
sorely be missed.

PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, Inc.

ROBBINS Saul Robbins, on December 22, 2020. Be-
loved husband of the late Sandra (nee Ver-
bet); Loving father of Fred (Robin) Robbins,
Sherri Robbins-Utain and Dayna Robbins;
Devoted grandfather of Stephen, Matthew,
Gillian (Andrew) and Seth. Services and inter-
ment are Private. Contributions in his
memory may be made to American Heart As-
soc., 1617 JFK Blvd., Ste 700, Phila., PA
19103, www.heart.org.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
ROBINS My mother, Rhonda Robins passed away on
April, 8th 2019 at St. Mary's Medical Center
at the age of 66. My mother was born in Phil-
adelphia on May, 17th 1952. She was sur-
vived by her mother, Bernice Goldstein,
brother, Bruce Mitchell, sons, Travis and
Justin Robins, Granddaughters, Gabriella and
Avery Robins, Grandson, Carson Robins,
Daughter-in-law, Misty Robins, and husband,
Jay Robins. Her Hebrew name was Rivkah.

My mother resided in Newtown, PA. She was
a wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter,
sister, wife, and a great & loyal friend to
those that knew her. She was a beautiful wo-
man inside and out as you can see in the
photo. Unfortunately, she suffered from sig-
nificant health issues from a young age, but
always tried to make the best out of life, and
was incredibly giving. My mother was a
caring woman who would do numerous good
deeds/mitzvahs daily for many people in her
life. She was also a brilliant business person
and extremely intelligent. She played the pi-
ano beautifully and could speak fluent Span-
ish. My mother could put a smile on anyone's
face. It has been over a year since my moth-
er passed away and I still think about her
every day. My family and I are trying our best
to move on with our lives the best way we
can, along with my amazing grandmother.

My mother is resting in peace now and no
longer suffering. This incredibly difficult ex-
perience has provided further clarity to my
life and assisted with enhanced compassion.

A wise woman once told me it's important to
go to bed at night and wake up each morn-
ing telling your spouse and family that you
love them and hug them no matter what.

Hugs are like matzoh ball soup. It's also im-
portant each day to do good deeds for those
in need. Give to the food banks and the boys
and girls clubs and make a difference. A wise
Hasidic man once told me to start my day
with 3 quarters in the left pocket and for each
good deed/mitzvah you do during the day
move to the right pocket. So before you hug
and love your spouse and kids and say good
night you should feel good about these good
deeds too. In my mother's memory, I have
created a butterfly garden in my backyard.

She loved butterflies. I truly believe she will
always watch over us fondly. May she R.I.P.

To my family, and friends try to enjoy each
and every day of your life.

Love, Travis Robins
JANUARY 7, 2021
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