Memorial Tributes 5780

We honor the memories of these individuals who passed in 5780 and have made a vital contribution to our Jewish communities through their estate plans. Their acts of tzedakah will live on forever. May their memories be forever a blessing.

The following reflections were lovingly submitted by families and friends to honor the memories of their loved ones.

LOUISE AND ALFRED GILBERT

Louise Gilbert was born in Dallas, Texas. When she was in high school, the family moved to Houston where she attended Lamar High School and then matriculated at an all-girls college, Stephens College in Missouri. Louise moved to Ridley Park, PA at the age of 19. She first sold cookbooks door to door, and had a short career in acting for a local theater group, always having the lead parts. She then worked for a real estate firm and moved from secretary to sales, obtaining her broker’s license. It was through her work at this firm that she met Alfred Gilbert and eventually married him.

Having been raised in the South, Louise recognized as a little girl that segregation was especially unfair. She and her sister were taught to respect our differences in life. Her upbringing was clearly felt in her generosity to so many important causes including our Jewish community.

Alfred Gilbert grew up in West Philadelphia where he attended West Philadelphia High School. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. His father, William, bought some modestly priced rental homes and as a teenager, Al collected the rents. This gave him a taste for real estate that led him into the business. He worked for just a few firms and then decided to branch out on his own. He was a true innovator in the business where he developed a new complex one story building housing a supermarket, specialty items, as well as clothing, drugs and hardware. Other major endeavors included the development of the first strip mall in the suburbs. He later went on to develop more of these centers, created a farmers’ market, acquired the Sheraton Hotel and later bought the Ben Franklin Hotel, renovating it into a large apartment building.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Al worked tirelessly for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Israel Bonds. He received many awards for his tireless efforts. He was also a founder of the Yeadon Jewish Community Center.

Beth Reisboard, Daughter

CAROLYN AND EDGAR GOLDENBERG

Our beloved parents, Carolyn and Edgar Goldenberg, first met at a Hillel dance at The Citadel in Charleston, SC and married the day after Ed’s graduation in 1954.  After three years of active duty in the Air Force (plus another 19 in The Reserve with retirement as a Major), Ed brought his sweet, Southern Belle to Philadelphia to settle.  He joined his father and brother in the family business, Goldenberg Candy Company, and worked as its Director of Sales for the next 46 years.  He also started a candy brokerage firm, Chase Goldenberg Associates.  Dad received many accolades and awards for his work in the candy industry, spearheaded candy sales abroad and was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2000.  Peanut Chews defined our family and despite the company being sold in 2003…it still does to this day. 

Their family grew to include four daughters, sons-in-law, eight grandchildren and currently two great-grandchildren.  Fifty-seven wonderful years of marriage sorrowfully ended when mom passed in 2011.  Dad sadly departed us this past May.  They lay in rest together where it all began…in Charleston.

Both of our parents were truly dedicated to Philadelphia’s Jewish community.  Mom, a social worker with a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, worked for Jewish Family Service and HIAS as well as served on various charity boards. Dad was passionate about his fundraising efforts at Federation of Greater Philadelphia where he served as a Vice President and Chairman and was also a trustee and national Vice Chairman at the United Jewish Appeal.  In addition, he sat on the boards of the Golden Slipper Club, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia, Gratz Collage, the Jewish Theological Seminary, his synagogues (Adath Jeshurun and Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel) and more.

Dad was an avid tennis player, cyclist and even got his pilot license in his 70s.  Mom loved her books, long walks, and her beloved Dodgers.  Together they made a powerful bridge duo.  They also loved traveling the world together especially to Israel where dad lead many Federation missions and where a park is named in his honor in Philadelphia’s Project Renewal town of Ramat Hashikmah.  Ed and Carolyn were a formidable, modest, and devoted team.  They showed us how family ties, love and community are deeply bound.  We miss them dearly.

Marcy, Mindy, Diane and Lauren, Daughters

FLORENCE HANKER

We know that the two brothers, Louis and Benjamin Hanker, were on the 1920 census in Philadelphia, residing together, as an egg seller and rug seller, respectively.  We think they disembarked from Odessa in Philadelphia.  Florence’s mother, Lena, made her way from NYC to Philadelphia and she and Louis were married near the end of that 1920 census year. They had 3 children, Florence the oldest. They were members of many synagogues during their lives moving around in the city, but her final place of worship was Mikveh Israel, where she joined after volunteering to work on Rebecca Gratz papers when the synagogue and Jewish museum were housed in same location.  She was a civil servant in Marine Corp supply until her retirement—she argued for promotions and pay usually given to men, and won both in the patriarchal 1950s.  After retirement, she studied accounting at Temple, acquired a real estate license and attended Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.  She was a self-made millionaire through saving and a few shrewd business decisions. She reluctantly gave up her final Philadelphia residence at Rittenhouse Square—which she saved all her adult life to buy, having started out in a house near the zoo—at the age of 92 when we dragged her to Nashville, then Dallas to be with us so we could help her in her later years—though she was vibrant until the end at age 97. Florence LOVED her city Philadelphia. 
Thank you and I miss visiting her in Philadelphia.

Pat Redifer, Niece

MAURICE “MURPH” HERTZFELD

Murph Hertzfeld led an exemplary full life. Born in a Newark, NJ Irish catholic hospital in 1927, where he got his Irish sounding name, Murph. He became a successful real estate pioneer developing in areas no one else wanted to work, substantially changing many communities for the better.  His professional legacy is found by looking at his pioneering development in University City, Franklintown/Art Museum area and Camden, NJ. He served as a mentor to many in the real estate community and was a leader in ethical and honest real estate development.

While his professional legacy is impressive, his most important and long-lasting legacy is found through looking at his charitable endeavors. He was a past president of the Golden Slipper Club, and the western branch of the YMHA.  When his middle son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, he look a leadership role as a founding member of the National Juvenile Diabetes Foundation right when his son was diagnosed and went on to become Vice President for membership of the newly formed organization and became its 3rd Chairman of the Board. He also was the founding chair of the PA Diabetes Task Force that lead to a national model for states to help treat and assist diabetic children.

He was most proud of his four children with his wife of 67 years, Gladys Shapos; his children, Andy, Ilene, Rob and Bruce, who followed his lead in becoming innovative leaders in their professions; and his beloved granddaughter, Sarah, who recently graduated high school and was accepted to one of the finest art colleges in America.

A mentor to many and loved by all, he will be remembered for his passion, kindness and compassion.

Bruce Hertzfeld, Son

JEANNE AND RICHARD KASKEY

Jeanne and Richard (Dick) were married for 47 years. Dick attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and was founder of the Jenard Corporation, a firm that made heat-sealed vinyl products. He operated the successful business until 1994. Jeanne attended Temple University, majoring in Communications, and successfully operated a business with her dear friend and partner, Rhea Foster. Art Tours Associates provided daily bus trips to museum collections.

Together, Jeanne and Dick enjoyed their homes in Wynnewood, Ventnor and Palm Beach. They will be remembered for their generosity to many charitable institutions including: The Abramson Center, The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the National Liberty Museum and the University of Pennsylvania, providing the funding for a major renovation of the University’s BioPond, which was rededicated in 2001 as the James G. Kaskey Memorial Park, in honor of their late son, Jimmy.

Millicent Druker and Georganne Kitei, Friends

L. WILLIAM KAY, II

Bill Kay was a real estate developer and philanthropist, an avid outdoorsman, a championship level golfer, and a lifelong skier. He traveled extensively, playing golf throughout the states, the British Isles, and Europe. For over 60 years, Bill loved skiing in the French Alps and Colorado Rockies. Bill developed single-family houses on the East Coast as he began his real estate career. He went on to build, buy, and manage numerous apartment communities in and around both the New York suburban and Philadelphia, PA markets. For over 60 years, Bill took great pride as owner and operator of Drexelbrook Apartments, a sprawling community in Drexel Hill, PA.

Bill received his Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) in 1951. He provided significant leadership to Cornell as a Presidential Counselor and life member of the University Council. He was a key leader for the Class of 1951, serving as Class President from 2006-2011. Bill served on advisory councils for the University Library, ILR, and Outdoor Education. Bill was a founding member of the Real Estate Advisory Council. Cornell recognized Bill with the Frank H. T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award in 1997, and by ILR with the Jerome Alpern Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000. Bill made significant commitments to the university at critical times. In 2006, his dedication to university housing led to the naming of Kay Hall, honoring four generations of his family at Cornell, including his father, who graduated from Arts & Sciences in 1922. Bill loved to return to the first-year student residence every August to welcome new students and their families during orientation. In 2019, Bill established the L. William Kay II ‘51 Family Scholarship. Bill loved to help. He served on the Cornell University Council and was a founding member of the Cornell University Real Estate Council. Bill was a proud founding member of Watermargin, a co-ed fraternity, which still exists on campus today.

Locally, he was a founding board member of the Brandywine Health Foundation and board member of Delaware County Memorial Hospital. He supported the McNeil Children’s Library housed at the Brandywine Center in Coatesville, PA, the Foundation for Delaware County, and the Chester County Community Foundation. Bill loved his dogs and was a decades-long contributor to the Chester County SPCA. He supported the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Cancer Society, the United Jewish Appeals, the United Way of Southeastern PA, and many other organizations. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Jennifer and is survived by his loving family, including Mrs. Brit L. Kay, his children, Bill, Tom, John, Jim, Rob, Martin, Caroline, and Henrik, their spouses, 25 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The Kay Family

L. WILLIAM KAY, II

Elayne Lemanow enjoyed learning everything she could, and most of all, cared deeply for others. A graduate of Olney High School and Temple University, Elayne was actively involved in her synagogue Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-el. Elayne worked at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Philadelphia, and was actively involved as a volunteer with the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, which honored her as one of two “Volunteers of the Year” in 2012. Elayne also enjoyed public speaking and even won a Toastmasters-sponsored oratorical competition.

Another of Elayne’s favorite pastimes was enjoying the outdoors. Elayne’s experience with a hiking and outdoor club took her to scenic destinations throughout the eastern United States and led her to meet Andy. He became her partner and the love of her life. Elayne’s friends appreciated her sense of humor and love of dancing. A true extrovert, Elayne greatly enjoyed socializing with others. I personally remember and appreciate how Elayne took genuine interest in my college coursework and professional career, as well as how supportive she has always been. I also enjoyed how Elayne was fun to be around and appreciated the stories she would share from her travels and outdoor adventures. Elayne is greatly missed.

Nate Dorfman, Nephew

DOROTHY LITZ

Born in Philadelphia on Dec 19, 1929, Dorothy met Jack singing their hearts out in the choir, they became a duet on 16 Sep 1951. Passionate about her family, encouraging to her friends, she enjoyed many craft activities and always had an orange juice pop at the ready to soothe the soul. Her memory lives in us, as well as her recipes that continue to provide sustenance.

Marc Litz, Son

MARVIN LUNDY ESQ.

Marvin Lundy was the youngest of 8 children, born 26 years after his oldest sister. He grew up in the apartment above the butcher shop his parents owned in a poor Philadelphia neighborhood of mostly eastern European immigrants. 80 plus years later he would die, having lived most of his adult life in an apartment overlooking Rittenhouse Square, as a most elegant man, who often appeared in the society pages. But he never forgot where he came from, and he often publicly referred to his Marshall Street roots and his sisters and brothers who sacrificed to give him the opportunities to achieve his successes.

He was by trade a lawyer who became a champion of the downtrodden, and a voice for those who often were marginalized and cast aside. He stressed to them the importance of family values and education as a means to advance the next generation and often referred to his own humble roots as an example of what could be achieved.

While he never had children of his own, his many nieces, nephews and their children became the children and grandchildren he never had, providing advice, demanding educational excellence and always, impeccable manners. And, of course, he was devoted to his life partner, Curtis Roth, who recently also passed away.

But, above all, he cherished his Jewish roots and that community to which he devoted most of his philanthropy, serving on many boards in leadership positions. He believed it was important to support the institutions that shape our Jewish lives, his synagogue, the Jewish day schools and, of course, the Federation.

Our family continues to honor his legacy by demonstrating his high standards, by treating everyone with respect, and by showing kindness and generosity to those less fortunate in life.

L. Leonard Lundy, Nephew and Business Partner

IRMA AND LOUIS MALISSA

Irma and Louis Malissa were committed to supporting the Jewish Community, especially in Philadelphia. They were passionate about transmitting Jewish values to their children and then to their grandchildren and great grandchildren who continue to live them. It was only natural that they would choose, together, to leave a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. They loved being Philadelphians and were certainly concerned about the well-being of Jews In Philadelphia, in Israel and around the world. Their family is heartened that their love, and devotion will continue in perpetuity.

Phyllis Finkelstein, Daughter

HENRY R. RUDOLPH

Henry was the only child of immigrant Jewish parents Bella Sailor and Samuel Rudolph. He grew up on Mildred Street in the heart of South Philly. An exceptional student at South Philadelphia High School for Boys, he earned a full scholarship to Temple University. After graduating, he was offered a partial scholarship to study law at The University of Pennsylvania but could not afford the remaining tuition, so instead sat for his CPA exams.

Henry was a gentle soul with a big heart who expressed his love of others through philanthropy. He supported charities which combat prejudice, foster mental health, help immigrants and advocate for the underdog. He showed up one day at Federation’s doorstep eager to make a gift and was immediately befriended by Betty Milgrim, who worked in charitable giving; their friendship would continue until his death in 2020.

Henry loved his Phillies and Eagles. He was also an opera aficionado who frequented the New York Met. He delighted in international and domestic travel. He studied history, art and politics and could recall and discuss obscure facts until the last months of his life. Because he was unpretentious and keenly interested in others, he could talk with anyone about anything.

He was a cherished and loyal friend and we will miss him enormously.

Richard & Elizabeth Nassau, Friends

FRANCES HAZEL SCHWARTZ

Frances Hazel Schwartz aka “Gig” was larger than life. Those are the only words that truly come to my mind when I think of her. But as I dig deeper I can find stories, feelings, and other words for her and the life she lead. For all the years she knew me and I knew her, she brought with her light. I remember looking into her eyes and seeing a spark. I didn’t know what it was when I was younger but now I know what it was, it was her spirit, her light and her heart.

People say that she was so caring that it made her a wonderful volunteer, but honestly I think it was her outlook on life. Everyday was a gift to her and every moment among family, friends and loved ones was the best moment of her life.

She was someone who never stayed bored. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Jewish War Veterans, Jewish Federation of Philadelphia and many other organizations that she felt needed. 

She was my role model and the greatest influence in my life. I am forever grateful to have her as my aunt. I know that no one that knew her will ever forget her. 

Her name “Gig” was the name I called her when I started to talk and it stayed forever.

Frank Goldman, Nephew

LEE AND AL TOLL

Lee and Al Toll spent their whole lives in Philadelphia. They were the children of Russian Jewish immigrants and members of families for whom the motto “Family First” reigned supreme. Lee and Al were devoted to their parents, aunts, and uncles, and in turn gave their all to their daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Respect, dignity, a passion for delicious family meals, and unflinching love were at the heart of their souls. A thirst for knowledge imbued them with a rare openness and welcoming spirit to others.

Jewishly, these passwords to happiness were evident in Lee and Al’s elaborate Rosh Hashanah and Seder meals for both of their families; Lee’s advocacy of civil and human rights, and for the State of Israel, through American Jewish Congress channels, personal letters to elected officials, and opinion editorials to Philadelphia newspapers; and Al’s long membership in the early morning minyan at Beth Tefillah of Overbrook Park.

Lee and Al were wonderful role models as partners and parents. Al was a prototype liberated husband and father, washing dishes, pots and the kitchen floor, as well as bathing the kids nightly. He was a great goofball and planned fabulous road trips across the country, helping everyone learn about different cultures and environments. Lee was the consummate gourmet chef, party planner, educator and financial manager. She organized unique interactive parties and designed clever costumes for her daughters. Her creativity, inventiveness and skill with numbers were remarkable.

In their own ways, Lee and Al were lifelong learners. From her scholarship from West Philadelphia High School as the top female student in her class, to the University of Pennsylvania, Lee went on to work in the publishing and public health fields. She became a demon scrabble player, crossword puzzle whiz, and poet, while making sure her daughters learned lessons well, through weekly trips to the library and attentive review of their school projects.

Al read the entire Book of Knowledge encyclopedia in his youth. After college he began his career as a chemist for Dutch Boy Paints. During World War II he worked on developing magnesium for bombs, and served as a naval officer in the South Pacific. Ultimately Al joined his family’s business as a grain and feed broker for producers and distributors from the Midwest to the East Coast. He read 3 newspapers a day, was well known for his extensive map collection, and knew details about many places in the world that most people never heard of.

A love of music, the arts, and travel marked Lee and Al as unusually worldly people for their time. They delighted in visiting art museums, historic sites, national parks, and cultural gems in England, France, Israel, Italy and Spain. The sound of classical music filled their home. They regularly attended Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for over 30 years, and were devotees of theater shows on Broadway as well as downtown Philadelphia. Lee and Al treasured exploring worlds beyond home which enriched their lives, while sustaining a passionate devotion to their family till their final days.

Carol Bress and Terry Toll, Children

IRVING WYMAN

Irving Wyman was a man of intelligence, creativity and faith. As an avid reader, he enjoyed keeping up with current events. Armed with a quick wit, he could hold his own in a spirited debate.

He was also known for his artistic abilities, expressed in the form of modern metal sculptures that he created for family and friends.

As Irv’s earthly life drew to a close, he spoke of his unwavering faith and acknowledged God’s sovereignty in all human affairs. He was honored to bequeath his estate to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. 

Dwayne Logie, Caretaker

MARLENE AND NORMAN ZARWIN

Our parents created a beautiful life together and received numerous accolades over many decades. Both were involved with and held positions of leadership with numerous Jewish and civic charities. They believed in education, dignity for our community’s elderly and helping the citizens of Israel. Their service to Federation, Golden Slipper Club and Charities, Hadassah, Magen David Adom and JNF stand out as examples of their concern for those less fortunate.

After a life of hard work, dedication and care for our Jewish community in Philadelphia and Israel, we know it gave them great pleasure to provide a lasting gift to Federation to help ensure it is there to care for those in need in the future. Stephen, Amy and I are privileged and humbled to be a part of their enduring legacy. L’Dor v’Dor – from generation to generation.

Debbie Zarwin Rose, Daughter

BERTON ZASLOW

Bert was born in Philadelphia in 1930. He grew up in a loving, Jewish, hardworking home with his Russian-born parents and two older sisters. Bert loved to learn and he learned a lot from his father. At the age of twelve, Bert’s dad hired a private tutor to prepare him for his bar mitzvah. When Bert complained to his dad that he was wasting his money, his father said, “Money spent on education is never wasted,” and Bert always remembered that. Bert went on to graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He was in practice as an optometrist for more than forty years. Throughout his life, Bert was active in his synagogue. He was president of Emanuel synagogue for four years. Later, he sang in the men’s choir at Beth Sholom. Bert was charitable. He especially liked to donate to Jewish causes and Israel. Bert had many interests, including watching sports, listening to opera, reading, traveling, and taking courses at Gratz College.

Carole Esterlitz, Wife, and Family