Brandeis Magazine

Sholom Alexander Banks ’52, P’79, P’82, President’s Councilor, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, on Sept. 4, 2023. A chemical engineer at Exxon for more than four decades, he volunteered extensively in the Jewish community in New Jersey, and served on the governing board and as president of Temple Beth-El in Cranford. Survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth ’53, P’79, P’82; four children, including Michael ’79 and Jonathan ’82; and five grandchildren.

Jean Maynard Knapp ’52, of Arlington, Vermont, on Sept. 14, 2023. A former employee of The Evening News in Beacon, New York, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Sanford A. Lakoff ’53, Fellow, of San Diego, on Sept. 25, 2023. He was the founding chair of the UC San Diego political science department and the author of many books, including “Equality in Political Philosophy” and “Democracy: History, Theory, Practice.” Survived by wife Deborah.

Rena J. Olshansky ’56, P’79, G’14, Trustee Emerita, Brandeis National Committee, of Beachwood, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 2023. Her local radio show, “Rena on Cleveland,” was broadcast on WDOK from 1972-99; during its long run, Rena’s celebrity interviews included Gloria Steinem, Arthur Ashe, and Jimmy Carter. Survived by three children, including Catharyn Gildesgame ’79, P’14, and seven grandchildren, including Sophie Gildesgame ’14.

Beth W. Colombe ’57, of Philadelphia, on May 1, 2023. An immunologist and longtime member of the American Society for HistoHistocompatibility and Immunogenetics, she directed a lab at the Jefferson Transplant Institute and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Survived by two stepchildren.

David J. Graubard ’57, of San Jose, California, on Aug. 6, 2023. A 1961 graduate of Jefferson Medical College, David was an orthopedic surgeon. Survived by family and friends.

Evelyn Fox Keller ’57, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Sept. 22, 2023. Professor emerita of history and philosophy of science at MIT, Evelyn was known for scholarship that focused on gender bias in the language of science; her high-profile books included “Reflections on Gender and Science.” Survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Patricia Cohen Zimble ’57, of Venice, California, on Sept. 3, 2023. Survived by family and friends.

Fung Y. Yap ’58, of Cupertino, California, on July 20, 2023. After moving from Jamaica to the U.S. to attend Brandeis, he taught computer science and mathematics at Pennsylvania’s Wilson College, then was a scientist and manager at the Computer Sciences Corporation and Lockheed Engineering. Survived by four siblings.

Alvin I. Lipton ’59, of Syracuse, New York, on Sept. 22, 2023. Alvin worked as a sales representative, served as an active member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, and supported the arts in his local community. Survived by Yetta, his wife of 40 years; four children; and six grandchildren.

Marcella Mazzarelli ’59, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Sept. 27, 2023. An anthropology scholar whose research focused on underserved populations and Native communities, she taught archaeology at Williams College and also worked with an international engineering company, traveling to Central America and Africa to defend Indigenous people’s rights. Survived by three siblings, including Angela Mazzarelli ’68.

Joan Weiss ’59, G’22, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on June 2, 2023. She earned a doctorate in endocrinology at the University of Maryland, was president of Ohr Kodesh Congregation, and chaired the Consolidated Religious School Board. Survived by husband Mark; three children; and six grandchildren, including Ruby Bevan ’22.

Barbara Cohen Kirsch ’60, of Encino, California, in January 2023. A psychotherapist, she is remembered by her family as the light of their lives. Survived by husband Michael Kirsch ’59, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Wang Shik Shin ’60, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 12, 2023. A direct descendant of Sung-Gyeom Shin, who helped establish a Korean state in the early 10th century, he came to the U.S. to attend Brandeis, and was a professor in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Technical Careers for more than 30 years. Survived by wife Masako, two children, and five grandchildren.

Nicholas A. Wheeler, GSAS PhD’60, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, on Oct. 10, 2023. A mathematical theoretical physicist, he taught at Reed College; worked in CERN’s theoretical division in Geneva, Switzerland; and played cello with the Portland (Oregon) Opera for 10 years. Survived by wife Oya, two children, two stepchildren, and three grandchildren.

Evelyn Myers Botkin ’61, G’26, Brandeis National Committee, of Dedham, Massachusetts, on Aug. 16, 2023. She attended the Bronx High School of Science, earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Yeshiva University, and practiced clinical and health psychology in Huntington, New York, for years. Survived by four children; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, including Jonah ’26.

Charles Kamen ’61, of New York City, on Aug. 19, 2023. He earned his PhD in sociology from the University of Chicago; taught at the University of Haifa; directed the 2008 Israel Integrated Census of Population and Housing; then retired in NYC, where he provided translation for Machsom Watch, an Israeli watchdog organization. Survived by wife Edna and two children.

Young Ick Lew ’61, of Chuncheon, South Korea, on July 26, 2023. A historian, he was the first director of and an endowed professor in Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies, and the author of a biography of South Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee. Survived by family and friends.

Dayle A. Casey, GSAS MA’62, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Oct. 1, 2023. The first in his family to go to college — attending Texas Christian University on a baseball scholarship — he served as rector of the Chapel of Our Saviour Episcopal parish in Colorado Springs for 23 years, and was highly regarded for his sermons, which were compiled into a book by his parishioners. Survived by wife Judith Ann Rominger and two sons.

Jeannette Luedecke Lauritsen ’62, of Sarasota, Florida, on July 15, 2023. Born in Shanghai after her family escaped Nazi Germany, she earned two master’s degrees, and became an elementary school teacher and principal in Ohio, earning the state’s Teacher of the Year award in 1978. Survived by family and friends.

Norman P. Shapiro ’62, P’89, of Cortlandt Manor, New York. The former chair of the City College of New York’s social and psychological foundations department, he stayed busy in retirement, directing the college’s Center for School Development as well as grant-funded projects. Survived by wife Carol ’62, P’89, and son Jeffrey ’89.

Elaine Reuben ’63, Fellow, of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2024. She was a university professor and feminist whose advocacy work expanded women’s studies programs in colleges across the United States, including at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and The George Washington University. Survived by family and friends.

Gerald S. Shapiro ’63, of North Falmouth, Massachusetts, on July 4, 2023. A sales and marketing manager, he served as board chair at the Better Business Bureau of Boston, a member of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, and a dedicated baseball and soccer coach. Survived by wife Ellen, two children, and four grandchildren.

Stelios Aktipis, GSAS MA’64, PhD’65, of Oak Brook, Illinois, on May 13, 2023. A native of Athens, Greece, he taught biochemistry at Loyola University Chicago and was a real estate entrepreneur. Survived by two children and five grandchildren.

Mark Schlafman ’64, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, on Oct. 22, 2023. A baseball standout at Brandeis, after graduating he became an NBA referee, a sales professional across several fields, and a mentor of young adults in Massachusetts’ North Shore region. Survived by six children and 10 grandchildren.

Ellyn P. Berk ’65, of New York City, on Nov. 15, 2023. A musician, educator, and world traveler, she worked as a strategic-planning consultant for many cultural institutions, and founded and directed the Panasonic Learning Lab. Survived by her husband, Raymond Heslin.

Regina Dederich ’65, of Visalia, California, on July 10, 2023. After earning a master’s in education from Harvard University, she worked as a teacher, and was cherished for her sincerity and compassion. Survived by family and friends.

Donald Florman ’65, of New York City, on July 30, 2023. He was a beloved raconteur, whose stories were treasured by friends and family. Survived by wife Karen, two children, and three grandchildren.

Thomas B. Carr, GSAS MA’66, of Williamsburg, Virginia, on Sept. 4, 2023. An attorney who specialized in white-collar criminal defense, he worked at Kirkland & Ellis and other distinguished law firms in Washington, D.C., and once represented Richard Nixon. Survived by two children and five grandchildren.

Elias Dickerman ’66, P’99, of Vancouver, Washington, on Oct. 2, 2023. Survived by wife Wendy; three children, including Gabrielle ’99; and two grandchildren.

Donald R. Glenn, GSAS MA’66, of Richardson, Texas, on June 8, 2023. He taught at the Dallas Theological Seminary from 1967-2003, did Bible translations, and enjoyed volunteering after retirement. Survived by Kay, his wife of 62 years; three children; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Lois Galgay Reckitt ’66, Brandeis National Committee, of South Portland, Maine, on Oct. 30, 2023. A tireless advocate for women and children, she was a Democratic member of the Maine House of Representatives, a leader in the National Organization for Women, and a co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund. Survived by wife Lyn Kjenstad Carter, two stepdaughters, and five grandchildren.

Daniel B. Estow ’67, GSAS MFA’69, of Westport, Massachusetts, on Sept. 26, 2023. An avid New England Patriots fan, novelist, and cook who could conjure a gourmet meal from meager means, Daniel worked as a language arts specialist, marketing communications manager, and safety consultant. Predeceased by Clara, GSAS MA’74, PhD’75, his wife of more than five decades, and survived by a daughter.

Marcia Raden Wagschal ’67, of Amsterdam, on Oct. 27, 2023. In the Netherlands, her adopted home, Marcia helped others heal through her study of homeopathy, and was devoted to her family and friends. Survived by husband Rob Wagschal ’69, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Lawrence W. Bates ’68, of Windham, Connecticut, on Nov. 11, 2023. A criminal defense attorney for 46 years, he loved playing racquetball, and passionately followed University of Connecticut women’s basketball and the Boston Red Sox. Survived by wife Fran, two daughters, two stepchildren, and two grandchildren.

Steve Coyle ’69, of Vienna, Virginia, on Dec. 18, 2023. During his time in public life, he served under President Jimmy Carter in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, directed the Boston Redevelopment Authority for nearly a decade, expanded affordable housing through the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, and pushed for peace and economic development in Northern Ireland. Survived by wife Maria Lynn Chafee ’70, three children, and five grandchildren.

Robert Falck, GSAS MFA’69, PhD’70, of Toronto, on Dec. 2, 2023. A member of the University of Toronto music faculty, he was interested in many genres — from medieval music to 20th-century compositions — and mentored many graduate students who went on to teaching positions of their own. Survived by three children and four grandchildren.

Claire Golomb, GSAS PhD’69, of Waban, Massachusetts, on July 26, 2023. Claire and her family fled Germany to survive the Holocaust, hiding in the Netherlands until they were liberated in 1945; she grew up to become a UMass Boston psychology professor who studied children’s creativity. Survived by a daughter and five grandchildren.

Suk Won Kim ’70, Trustee, of Seoul, South Korea, on Aug. 26, 2023. He served as chair of the SsangYong Group, which included construction, financial, and automaking businesses. Survived by family and friends.

Herbert Rosenblum, GSAS PhD’70, of Rockville, Maryland, on Sept. 7, 2023. Ordained a rabbi at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1954, he was associate dean and professor of Jewish history at Hebrew College, and served congregations and community organizations in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Survived by two children and five grandchildren.

Harry P. Cain, Heller PhD’71, of Boynton Beach, Florida, on Oct. 9, 2023. An accomplished amateur golfer who shot a 65 on his 79th birthday, he served as director of health planning and resource development at the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, then spent 20 years in the private sector, including in leadership positions at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Survived by wife Maury, three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Lois Sharfman Nyren ’71, Brandeis National Committee, of New York City, on Nov. 24, 2023. She retired as head of NYC’s Ramaz Middle School and director of its science department, and served for decades on the board of Temple Shaaray Tefila, as well as six years as its president. Survived by Neil, her husband of 53 years; a son; and two grandchildren.

Deborah Brasz Fogarty ’72, of Jackson Heights, New York, on Oct. 18, 2023. A labor lawyer for the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union and the U.S. Department of Labor, she later taught social studies at Francis Lewis High School, in Queens. Survived by husband John, two children, and two grandchildren.

Nancy Lynne Shulman ’73, of Portland, Maine, on Nov. 26, 2023. After earning master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Marlboro College, she worked as a realtor in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and advised entrepreneurs at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. Survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Madelyn Tochka Chrone ’74, of Cape Coral, Florida, on Nov. 7, 2023. She worked as a Latin teacher in New Jersey, a public defense attorney in New York City, and a substitute teacher in Florida; after receiving a heart transplant in 2000, she educated young people on the gift of organ and tissue donation. Survived by husband Michael, a son, two stepsons, and a stepdaughter.

Carol Bower Johnson ’74, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Oct. 1, 2023. A psychiatric nurse and public policy advocate — as well as a talented dancer and poet — she served as director of homeless services at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Survived by husband Burt, two sons, and five grandchildren.

Joel Eric Suben, GSAS MFA’74, PhD’80, of Hoboken, New Jersey, on Aug. 15, 2023. A conductor known for his recordings of music by contemporary composers, he also wrote music, earning numerous prizes and commissions, including a grant to record his own orchestral works. Survived by family and friends.

Jay A. Cohen ’76, of Santa Monica, California, on July 6, 2023. An attorney who graduated from Villanova University’s School of Law, he worked in technology and international business, traveled widely, and rooted for the Philadelphia Flyers. Survived by family and friends.

Jeffrey Backer ’78, of Orlando, Florida, on June 15, 2023. An intrepid traveler to places like Morocco and Peru, he was an emergency medicine physician for 40 years, continuing to work even as he battled cancer. Survived by Lindy, his wife of 39 years, and three children.

Lawrence A. Dominey, GSAS MA’79, PhD’83, of Brea, California, on July 6, 2023. A consultant in the area of higher energy/power applications, he helped organizations with project planning and product development. Survived by family and friends.

Alejandro Garcia, Heller PhD’80, of Syracuse, New York, on Nov. 17, 2023. Known for his advocacy in behalf of older citizens, Hispanics, and the poor, he was a professor of social work at Syracuse University for more than 40 years and was named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers. Survived by four brothers, and nieces and nephews.

Robert M. Friedberg ’81, of London, England, on June 17, 2023. A real estate professional, he wrote an award-winning volume of poetry, and was a fan of the Arsenal Football Club and the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. Survived by Donna, his partner of 20 years, and two children.

Ida Cerezo-O’Donnell, Heller MMHS’83, of North Easton, Massachusetts, on June 17, 2023. For many years, she directed the international program at Massasoit Community College, where a new Unity Center is named after her, and was both a mentor to students from abroad and an advocate for food security. Survived by family and friends.

Charles A. Horton, GSAS MFA’87, of Decatur, Georgia, on Aug. 10, 2023. An actor who performed frequently in the Atlanta area, he was also an active member of the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church and an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts. Survived by wife Suzanne and two sons.

Laura S. Altman, Heller PhD’88, G’09, Brandeis National Committee, of Scottsdale, Arizona, on Oct. 17, 2023. Trained in psychology, she was clinical director of the Milford (Massachusetts) Assistance Program, a principal at professionalservices firm Towers Perrin, a founding member of Temple Beth Am, and an accomplished pianist. Survived by three children and four grandchildren, including Yarden Abukasis ’09.

Suzanne Weizenbaum ’88, of Austin, Texas, on Nov. 10, 2023. During her 24 years at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, she served those in need as a protective services specialist and supervisor; she was also an activist for people with disabilities, and worked to advance LGBTQ, women’s, and animal rights. Survived by her mother and brother.

Sari Alison Carp ’92, of Edinburg, Virginia, on Aug. 4, 2023. An enthusiastic supporter of the arts and a lifelong vegetarian, she earned degrees from the London School of Economics and New York University’s Stern School of Business, and founded Sustainability Matters, a conservation nonprofit. Survived by family and friends.

John Paul SanGiovanni, GSAS MA’93, of Rockville, Maryland, on Sept. 25, 2023. An expert in neuroscience and visual psychophysics, he had a 20-year career at the National Institutes of Health, making many contributions to the understanding of ophthalmology and nutrition, including critical work in the field of age-related eye disease. Survived by wife Brigitte and two sons.

Rhonda Donn ’94, of Edgemont, New York, on Nov. 8, 2023. Rhonda was a beloved mother, sister, and friend who spent decades as a chiropractor, and taught anatomy, physiology, and orthopedics at Pacific College of Health and Science. Survived by a son.

Ninette B. Riesman ’94, Brandeis National Committee, of Newton, Massachusetts, on Nov. 2, 2023. A teacher and secretary for many years, she earned a degree in French literature at Brandeis after her children left for college, began to study the cello in her 60s, and hiked the French Alps in her 70s. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Rachael Gordon Smolow ’94, of Port Washington, New York, on Aug. 7, 2023. Survived by husband Michael.

Michelle Katz Berkowitz ’95, of Jericho, New York. Survived by husband Steven.

Jaime Robert Carrillo ’98, of Brookline, Massachusetts, on Oct. 26, 2023. An actor, director, and playwright who performed at SpeakEasy Stage and Shakespeare & Co., he taught at Emerson College, and was also founding director of theater companies in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Survived by wife Amanda and two children.

Nate Harriman, IBS MSF’06, of Scituate, Massachusetts, on Aug. 26, 2023. A senior programmer and analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Nate was known for his kindness, humility, and love of nature, and enjoyed biking and spending time in his garden. Survived by wife Kim and two children.

David P. Wiggins, Rabb MSE’06, of Burlington, Massachusetts, on Nov. 26, 2023. When he was in elementary school, he wrote a computer program with his father that is now in the Library of Congress; during his long career as a software engineer, he also enjoyed playing music and gardening. Survived by wife Ting Ting Yeh and two children.

Kelli-ShuMay S. Williams ’13, of New York City, on Oct. 15, 2023. A Queens native who earned her master’s degree in health management and policy at Georgia State University, she worked as an activities director at Public Health Solutions, an organization that seeks to reduce health inequities. Survived by her mother and brother.

Eli T. Stuart ’26, of Austin, Texas, on Dec. 5, 2023. Eli’s family expresses gratitude to the Brandeis community, in which Eli found dear friends, intellectual engagement, and a sense of belonging. Survived by family and friends.