C OMMUNITY / deaths
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
A L L E N
Herbert Ellis Allen PhD, of Bala Cynwyd, June
29, 2021. Husband of Ronnie Allen (nee Ma-
gil). Father of Francine (James Church) and
Julie, brother of Sandra. Step father of
Wendy Miller (Hal) and Teri Galter. Grand-
father of Paula and Jennifer Miller. Prede-
ceased by parents, Florence and Jacob and
also by first wife Deena (nee Wilner). He re-
ceived both his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from
the University of Michigan. Was Professor
emeritus of Civil & Environmental Engineer-
ing at University of Delaware. Previously was
Director of Drexel University’s Environmental
Studies Institute. Published over 150 papers
and was editor of 6 books concerned with the
chemistry and contamination of natural wa-
ters and soil. Mentored 16 doctoral students
and 47 Master’s students. Served as a con-
sultant to many industries, to U.S. and for-
eign governments and to the World Health
Organization. He was a Fellow of the Americ-
an Chemical Society. He enjoyed travel and
visited 112 countries for both business and
pleasure. Travel photography was a passion
and he edited and cataloged over 120,000
photos from his travels. In retirement he re-
sumed stamp collecting and had an extens-
ive collection of German stamps. Contribu-
tions may be made to the American Cancer
Society. JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com A Community
Remembers Monthly archives of
Jewish Exponent Death Notices
are available online.

www.JewishExponent.com C H ES T E R
AUERBACH Marlene Sylvia Auerbach, 84, of Brigantine
formerly of Cherry Hill passed away on Wed-
nesday June 23, 2021. Marlene was born in
Philadelphia to the late Solomon and Netta
(Rubin) Myers. She was a graduate of Dob-
bins Career and Technical High School in
Philadelphia. Marlene was formerly em-
ployed as a secretary at Lockheed Martin
Corporation in Moorestown. After her retire-
ment she moved to Brigantine 20 years ago.

She is survived by her children Alison Ray
(Paul), Mitchell Auerbach (Cindy) and Bruce
Auerbach (Tracy). Marlene is also survived
by her grandchildren, Jason, Jordan, Lind-
say and Zachary and her beloved dogs Brad-
ley Cooper and Sugar. In addition to her par-
ents, she is predeceased by her brother Her-
bert Myers. To share your fondest memory of
Marlene please visit www.keatesplum.com
The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers
donations be made to JDRF.org (Juvenile
Diabetes), givenow.lls.org (Leukemia Lymph-
oma Society) or the humanesocietyac.org.

(Humane Society of Atlantic County)
KEATES-PLUM FUNERAL HOME
www.keatesplum.com TO PLACE A MEMORIAL AD
CALL 215.832.0749
www.jewishexponent.com C H A V E N S O N
After a valiant 15-month battle with ALS,
Gary Allen Chavenson is at peace. His jour-
ney through this life ended on June 17, 2021.

Gary is preceded in death by his mother,
Elsie, and father, Abraham Chavenson. He is
survived by his wife, Delma Chavenson; his
two brothers, Myles and wife Mary and Mark
and wife Fran; his children, Kimberly and
husband Keith Myers, Heather and husband
John Mimm, Justina and husband Anthony
Hevener, Denise and husband Brad Adcock,
and Joel Morales; eight grandchildren,
Baylor, Kennedy, Cheyann, Blake, James,
Jonathan, Jessica, and Connor; and two
great-grandchildren, Caden and Carter. Gary
grew up in Philadelphia with his mother, fath-
er, and two brothers in a traditional family.

He celebrated his bar mitzvah at 13 steeped
in the Jewish faith and tradition. They made
many trips to the family beach house in At-
lantic City. Gary had an appetite for reading
and learning. After graduating in the first
class from George Washington High School,
Gary attended Saint Joseph’s University and
received a Bachelor’s of Science in 1974.

Gary then left the east coast and ventured
South to San Antonio where he continued his
education and earned many more degrees
and certifications. He obtained an Associate
of Applied Science in Computer Program-
ming from San Antonio College in 1977, a
Master’s of Computer and Information Sci-
ences from Trinity University in 1983, be-
came a Certified Public Accountant in 1989,
earned a second Master’s from St. Mary’s
University in Business Administration in
1992, and completed his designations as a
Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered
Life Underwriter from the American College
in 1997 and 1998 respectively. In San Anto-
nio, he began working with USAA and there
he found his life’s work. At USAA, Gary flour-
ished and found a second family. Gary
worked tirelessly to uphold the USAA Mis-
sion and contribute to the many projects and
strategies he supported over his 41-year ca-
reer. During his tenure at USAA, he became a
revered colleague to many, a mentor to all
and an inspiration for anyone who had the
pleasure to work with him. For many years,
he even volunteered as the Chairperson of
‘Christmas Cheer’, which was USAA’s annual
project to bring Christmas parties and gifts to
the elderly and underprivileged children. Gary
and Delma created a life together that was
filled with activities, adventures, achieve-
ments… and PURPLE. To Gary, there was
only one color on the spectrum and that was
PURPLE. Purple is appropriate to signify a
life well lived; it is the color of royalty, nobil-
ity, strength, and determination. During that
well-lived life together, Delma and Gary were
the first to visit loved ones in the hospital,
help anyone who needed a hand, and spend
hours volunteering and travel the country
through Europe and to Singapore. In short, a
Jewish, East Coast boy etched out a noble life
for himself in San Antonio steeped in Family,
Service and Love. If one chooses, donations
in Gary’s memory may be made to the ALS
Association Texas Chapter by mail at 4939
De Zavala, Ste. 105, San Antonio, TX 78249
or online at https://www.alstexas.org/donate/
www.JewishExponent.com 22
JULY 8, 2021
DEATH NOTICES
JEWISH EXPONENT
Rea Chester (nee Distenfeld), June 28, 2021
of Elkins Park, PA; Beloved wife of the late
Dr. Abraham Chester; Loving mother of Mar-
lene G. (Dr. Arnold) Smolen and Sharon
(Dan) Cameron; cherished grandmother of
Eric (Amy Posner) Goldberg, Rachel (Math-
ew) Sandler, Alex (Dr. Katie) Cameron and
Jessica Cameron (Evan Dyer); adored great-
grandmother of Caleb, Elliot, Nathan, Noah
and Arlo. Rea was predeceased by her loving
parents, Frank & Louise Distenfeld and her
brother, Irving Distenfeld and sister, Shirley
Huberman. Rea was a warm and loving per-
son who enjoyed being with her family. After
Rea’s children were grown, she worked
alongside and helped manage her husband’s
dental practice. Contributions in Rea’s
memory may be made to a charity of the
donor’s choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com E R L I C H
Shoshana Rose Erlich (nee Kaufman), age
90, died on June 26, 2021. Wife of the late
Jacob Erlich; mother of Eli (Maxine) Erlich
and Harvey (Nicole) Erlich; grandmother of 6
grandchildren and great-grandmother of 12
great-grandchildren. She was a 50 year
member of the Association of Holocaust Sur-
vivors and president of its Ladies Auxiliary
for many years. She was a long-time mem-
ber of the Congregations of Shaare Shamay-
im. Contributions in her memory may be
made to a charity of the donor's choice.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
DEATH NOTICES
P A R NE S S
Marvin B. “Buzz” Parness on June 28, 2021.

Dear companion to Sheila Dressner. Father of
Lisa (Ouri) Horesh and Todd (Susan) Par-
ness. Brother of Barbara Parness. Grandfath-
er of Dr. Remy (Dr. Andrea) Horesh, Dr. Elan
Horesh, Elijah Horesh, Evan Parness, Jason
Parness and Noah Parness. Great grandfath-
er of Daniel. Contributions in his memory
may be made to Temple Menorah Keneseth
Chai, 4301 Tyson Ave, Philadelphia, PA
19135 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
S A C K
Renee Sack (nee Fleisher) on June 30, 2021.

Beloved wife of the late Burton; Loving moth-
er of Eric Sack (Sandra Steiker) and Paul
Sack; Devoted grandmother of Alicia (Sam),
Rachel, Sam, and Ivana; Devoted great-
grandmother of Cooper. Contributions in her
memory may be made to Hadassah, 1518
Walnut St., Ste 402, Phila., PA 19102,
www.hadassah.org GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
MEMORIALS F R A N K
Arnold L. Frank, on June 27, 2021. Dear
brother of Hyman Frank and the late Ethel
Leah Herman and Byron Frank. Also survived
by loving nieces and nephews. He was a vet-
eran of the US Army. Contributions in his
memory may be made to Michael J. Fox
Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD
21741, www.michaeljfox.org/donate
GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEAL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
K A NT O R
Roslyn Kantor (nee Snyder), June 27, 2021,
of Phila.; beloved wife of Avrum; loving
mother of Ron Kantor (Barri Orlow) and Re-
bekah Grieves; devoted sister of William
Snyder (Shelley); cherished grandmother of
Sydney. Contributions in Roslyn's memory
may be made to Ryerss Farm for Aged
Equines, Pottstown, PA (ryerssfarm.org), the
National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org), or
to a charity of the donor's choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com K O FS K Y
Michael Kofsky, of Elkins Park and Margate,
devoted and loving husband of Carol, passed
away peacefully June 25, 2021. He is sur-
vived by his wife, Carol Kofsky, daughters
Valerie (Roy) Felgoise and Amy (Christian)
Durbin. May his memory be a blessing. Con-
tributions in Michael's memory may be made
to Alzheimer's Disease Research or The
American Cancer Society.

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
L A Z A R
Audrey Lazar (nee Levy). July 1, 2021 of
Warwick, Pa. Devoted wife of the late Shel-
don. Loving mother of Wendy (Robert) Gart-
side and Michael (Margo) Lazar. Proud Mom-
Mom of Shaina, Sari, Brooke and Marly. Ser-
vices and interment were private. Contribu-
tions in her memory may be made to the Pul-
monary Fibrosis Foundation.

JOSEPH LEVINE and SONS
www.levinefuneral.com G O R D O N
On March 23, 2021, the world lost an angel.

Erica Jill Gordon, daughter, sister, niece,
friend, and cat mom, passed away at the
Cleveland Clinic in Westin, Florida, with her
devoted family by her side. She was 36. Erica
was tiny in stature, but not in strength. She
was a fighter. Erica battled Crohn’s disease --
and other illnesses stemming from her dia-
gnosis, such as colitis, psoriasis, arthritis,
and gastroparesis -- since the age of 9 --
when it was finally diagnosed. She was vocal
about her diagnoses, labeling herself as a
Crohn’s “fighter” and “warrior.” Hospital vis-
its and surgeries, unfortunately, became the
norm for her, and she spent much of the time
at home struggling -- yet, this wasn’t the face
she portrayed to the world. Fun-loving and
silly, she was never one to complain. She re-
mained hopeful even in dark times. She was
truly a girly girl, who loved fashion, beauty,
and boys. She loved to sing and dance and
post silly videos on her social media. She
was fun-loving, outgoing, friendly, and easy
to get to know. Family was everything to
Erica. She considered her mother to be her
very best friend. She was fiercely protective
of her family, including her older brother. She
had many close friends, both in Florida and in
Pennsylvania, whom she’d see often. Erica
would do anything for those she cared about
and was a loving mom to her cat, Haze. Born
in Philadelphia, Erica was raised in the Phil-
adelphia suburbs of Richboro and Hunting-
don Valley, before moving to Pompano
Beach, Florida, near her parents. She is a
2003 graduate of Council Rock North High
School. Erica is lovingly remembered by her
beloved mother, Arlene Walters; her much-
missed father, the late Robert Gordon; and
her devoted stepfather, Ken “Pops” Walters.

Erica is also survived by her older brother,
Jared Gordon; sister-in-law, Erica Brooke
Gordon; and aunt and uncle, Lori and Gary
“Doc” Cooperstein. She is the niece of the
late Gary Segal.

JEWISHEXPONENT.COM



O pinion
Rosenbaum Continued from Page 14
in hotels along Collins Avenue,
recapturing the easy camara-
derie of their younger days at
Toots Shor’s saloon near the
Theater District in Manhattan.

The cavalcade of stars did
not stop there. Muhammad Ali
sparred at Angelo Dundee’s 5th
Street Gym and did speed work
on the quicksand of the beach
— in heavy sweat clothes. He
was trying to reclaim the heavy-
weight championship forfeited
when he conscientiously objected
to fighting the Vietcong.

Meyer Lansky, the notorious
Jewish gangster, who two years
later would be fictionalized in
“The Godfather Part II,” had in
1972 just been extradited from
Israel back to Miami Beach to
stand trial for tax fraud. He
would spend his days at Wolfie’s
Restaurant on 21st Street
surrounded by an aging crew of
Jewish wise guys still smarting
over Fidel Castro’s takeover of
their Havana casinos in 1959.

All of them appear in “How
Sweet It Is!” (yes, Gleason’s
signature signoff), reimagined,
of course — along with one
more special guest. The Yiddish
novelist Isaac Bashevis Singer,
not long thereafter a recipient of
the Nobel Prize for Literature,
was spending the winters in
Surfside. While there he unspar-
ingly fictionalized the Jews of
Poland before the Holocaust,
and those who survived and
lived in New York thereafter,
capturing their comical lives of
heartbreak, betrayal and loss.

Ensconced just over the
Miami Beach city line, situated
right in between two Jewish
enclaves populated with those
who had fled or escaped one
hardship or another, Singer
made a canny choice for a writer
with a gravitational pull for the
shortcomings and desperate
moral choices of humankind.

One wonders what he might
have written about the Champlain
Towers today, a short distance
from his own apartment.

All the avenues of Surfside
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM were named for American and
British authors. (Just west of the
Champlain are Carlyle, Dickens,
Irving and Emerson avenues.)
Eventually a street would be
named for him. He must have
enjoyed the irony that some of the
hotels of Surfside once restricted
Jews. One shamelessly boasted
“Always a view, never a Jew.”
Singer strolled the sunbaked
landscape in a white suit and
impish teardrop fedora. Always
taking notes, he fiercely studied
and measured the patterns of
these transplanted Jews: melting
snowbirds and Holocaust survi-
vors looking to the sun to cure
memories of more ashen, cloudier
days; widows and divorcees
looking for a male ticket back
to the Northeast or out of loneli-
ness; young families tired of the
transit strikes and crime waves of
New York; Hasidim who dressed
in the sweltering Sunshine State
as if still in Lublin; and vaude-
villians wearing makeup suitable
to the burlesque surroundings of
Miami Beach.

All of them immortalized in
Kodak color, or in the pages of
“My Love Affair with Miami
Beach,” a book of photos by
Richard Nagler, for which Singer
wrote the introduction in 1990.

Imagine them as Singer once
did: plotting affairs, swatting
tennis balls, staring at stock
tickers, clacking mah jongg tiles,
gliding discs along shuffleboard
courts and gesturing wildly
about socialism.

“For me, a vacation in Miami
Beach was a chance to be among
my own people,” Singer wrote.

He found them sitting on the
Broadway medians and inside
the cafeterias on the Upper West
Side, too, of course. But the
Jews from Miami Beach were
somehow of a different species
— and not only because they
were more prone to skin cancer.

It was a Shangri-La of Jewish
misadventure, a shtetl still
trembling but without Cossacks,
the Chosen People out of choices,
the detour of a once wandering
tribe — finally at rest in and
around sleepy Surfside.

And now it is home to
new waves of Jews, reflecting
the area’s diversity: retirees, of
course, but also younger and
wealthier Jewish families, many
drawn to a booming Chabad;
a large cohort of Hispanic Jews
with feet in North and Latin
America; a smattering of Israelis;
and more Sephardic Jews than
the national average.

The residents of the
Champlain Towers were asleep
until a nightmare roused them.

Will any survive to tell this tragic
tale? In time, this beachside plot
will become another reminder
of senseless Jewish death in
America — acts of hate, or
negligence or of God: the
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
in Manhattan and the massacre
at Marjory Stoneman Douglas
High School in Parkland,
Florida; the Leo Frank lynching,
The Temple bombing in Atlanta,
the Crown Heights riots; and
the antisemitic shootings at
the Jewish Community Center
of Los Angeles and Jewish
Federation of Seattle, and then
at the Tree of Life Synagogue
in Pittsburgh and Chabad
synagogue in Poway, California.

At times like these, disasters,
whether unnatural or manmade,
leave the same feelings of loss.

Miami Beach has served
as a refuge for some, and as
a playground for others. An
infinite coastline of condos
always seemed to be rising from
the sand. Today, unimaginably,
we know that one can come
crashing down. l
Thane Rosenbaum is a novelist, the
author of “The Golems of Gotham,”
“Second Hand Smoke,” “How
Sweet It Is!” and “Elijah Vislble,”
among other works of fiction and
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JEWISH EXPONENT
JULY 8, 2021
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