The ZOOM reunion scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2024 has been postponed. Email benbachrach@gmail.com with suggestions when to have the next session.

Classical ’65 Zoom Committee

Ben Bachrach – benbachrach@gmail.com
Mike Backer – salitube@aol.com

from: https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0716490https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0716490

Mark Levine, 76, of Worcester, MA, passed away suddenly on February 5, 2024. He was born on May 27, 1947, in Worcester, MA, and lived there the majority of his life until moving to Cleveland, OH in July 2021.

Mark was a dedicated husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Robin, and his children Joshua, Adam, and Rebekah, along with their respective families.

After graduating from Classical High School, Mark served his country in the US Navy from February 1967 – February 1971. He carried his military association and wore his stripes with staunch, humble pride his entire life.

Following his military service, Mark dedicated himself to a 40-year career as a postal worker. His commitment and diligence were admired by his family and the community at large.

Mark was a deeply spiritual person and was an active member of Yeshiva Achei Tmimim in Worcester for decades, and subsequently at the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in Cleveland where he found spiritual guidance and comfort. His faith was an important aspect of his life.

Memorial services have already been held to honor and remember Mark’s life. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

The three amigos got together on Cape Cod in January

Elaine Rose (Verstein) Bloomfield, in her 76th year, of Framingham MA passed away suddenly Thursday, August 24th. She leaves those who will remember her for her great love and passion for people. She leaves her husband of 55 years, Gerald Bloomfield, her daughters Beth Perry and her husband David of Ashland, Elise Warecki and her husband Mark of Millville, four grandchildren, Garrett Perry, Charlotte Perry, El Warecki, and Gavin Warecki.

Elaine leaves her brother Howard Verstein, his wife Linda and their children and grandchildren. She leaves her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Joyce (Bloomfield) Stankus, her husband Richard and their children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Bella (Sandman) Verstein. She has many cousins she leaves behind as well as special friends she enjoyed having regular lunches with as well.

Elaine was born in Worcester and graduated from Classical High School and Chamberlain Junior College in Boston. She worked for many years at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, New England Rehabilitation Hospital, and National Head Injury Foundation as a medical administrator.

Elaine will be deeply missed and remembered as a caring, loving, kind, patient, compassionate, thoughtful person. Her greatest passion was being at family gatherings which brought her great joy. In her early years she danced with Charlotte Klein Studios with a focus on ballet, which was always greatly recalled in many conversations as another great passion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Framingham Food Pantry, 214 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.

Text taken from: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/framingham-ma/elaine-bloomfield-11422540

Nancy Starr Shulman died after a long illness on January 8, 2023. In her last moments her children, grandchildren, and sister were by her side.

She leaves behind her sons Andrew of Tennessee and Peter (and his wife Amanda) of Uxbridge as well as her three grandchildren Madeleine, Calvin, and Lucas. She also leaves her sister Marjorie and her husband Yusuf of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law Susan Starr of Worcester as well as her nieces and nephews who she thought the world of. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin in 1993 and brother Alan in 2009.

Born in 1947 to Edward and Beulah Starr in Worcester, Nancy lived there most of her life before retiring to Uxbridge to be closer to her family.

She loved crossword puzzles, scratch tickets, and talking to anyone who would listen. She always looked forward to making her “rounds” to get the latest gossip and share her famous baked pastries and matzo ball soup.

Nancy’s family will gather for a private graveside service at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester. Memorial Observance will be at the home of Susan Starr. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made a charity of the donor’s choice.

Www.milesfuneralhome.com

image and text from https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0398944

We will try to set up a session in February 2023. If you have not been getting our emails, you can sign up by emailing benbachrach@gmail.com

If you have any topic suggestions, or would like to be the session moderator, email Ben.

Click here for the article submitted by Jerry Morse

 Andrew “Andy” passed away on July 25, 2022. He died after an over-a-decade-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Worcester, MA to Dorothy (Stein) and Philip Hahn, brother of the late Lewis Hahn and beloved brother to Lisa Hahn Kessler. Andrew met his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Whitman, in 7th grade, who became his loving partner and best friend for the next 60 years.

Andrew received a B.A. from American University in 1969, an Ed. M. from Harvard University in 1971 and his Ph.D. from The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University on January 4, 1978.

Shortly thereafter, his first daughter was born, and his second daughter arrived five years later. For the next 38 years, he and Liz joyfully dedicated themselves to family, friends and work.

Andrew saw the inequities in the world and fought to temper them through a career in academia and social justice. He was a professor, author, and lauded leader in his field. Andrew taught evaluation and research courses at Brandeis University, served as the Associate Dean of the Heller School of Social Policy and Management and created research centers there.

He was a consultant for the Clinton Administration and built countless partnerships with organizations across the globe. He proudly served as a founding board member for local foundations like The Steppingstone Foundation, The Greenlight Fund in Boston, and YouthBuild USA, where he was on the national board.

Andrew was a “connector,” and never ignored a request for help from a student, colleague or stranger. Andrew had friends for life, including classmates, colleagues, and the “Worcester Four Families” who were a part of his life from childhood.

He strongly believed in family traditions and never missed a milestone or gathering. Andrew’s last decade of life was spent in and out of hospitals and yet, he rarely complained. Whenever he was asked if he had any pain, his answer was almost always a confident “No, not at all.”

Andrew displayed incredible respect and kindness to the amazing aides who took care of him and the family for the last two and a half years of his life. Andrew loved coffee and scones. He listened to the music of his hippie generation. He took great pleasure in talking about the weather and parking. He would make quirky jokes that would make him laugh and then, by default, everyone else would follow. He was famous for sitting in a chair in a separate room and spontaneously participating in a conversation when no one thought he was listening.

He loved brooms and was an excellent under-the-kitchen-table sweeper. More than anything, Andrew enriched others’ lives as a dearly beloved father, grandfather, family member, a caring professor, and a loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Whitman Hahn; daughters Jillian Hahn Kohl (Bryan Kohl) and Shira Hahn Rice (Andrew Rice); grandchildren, Ori, Talia, Milo and Etta; sister Lisa Hahn Kessler (Adam Kessler); sister-in-law Marika Hahn and many dear brothers and sisters-in-law; nephews, nieces, cousins and extended friends and family.

His funeral was at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA on Thursday, July 28th, with burial at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland.

Andrew was an active volunteer and believed strongly in supporting nonprofit organizations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: The Heller School of Management at Brandeis University, Care Dimensions Hospice, The Steppingstone Foundation, The Greenlight Fund or any charity of your choice.

(text adapted from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/andrew-hahn-obituary?id=36014035)

Jerry Morse recommended an article he found

Diane Epstein, a genuine supernova, returned to earth on May 19, 2022.

Seventy four years ago, Diane was born to Charlie and Sarah Epstein (both deceased) of Charlie’s Surplus in Worcester, MA.

Diane is predeceased by her brother Robert Epstein (wife Trudy Epstein and nephew Matthew of Worcester). Diane relocated from her hometown of Worcester to Brewster to spend her last years with her daughter Dawn Sternlieb and husband Donald Poole. Diane is also survived by daughter Faith Sternlieb and husband Bryan Baker of Phoenix, AZ, brother Mark Epstein (wife Barbara) of Charleston, NC (nieces Brooke and Karli and families), sister Beth Epstein of Manhattan, NY. Diane is predeceased by her partner of many years, Richard Cappotto of Provincetown, MA.

Diane graduated from Classical High School in Worcester in 1965 and went on to receive an undergraduate degree from Worcester State, a Master of History from Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, PA and a Master of Linguistics from Framingham State University. Diane started her teaching career in elementary school in D.C. and concluded it teaching educators English as a second language internationally. Her travels took her to many countries where she embraced learning about the history, culture, and local food and customs. Diane left a wake of close friends, students, and colleagues she encouraged, supported, and mentored around the world.

Diane could be found taking adventures and exploring new places at every opportunity. She had an appreciation for all of nature’s wonders, from the detail of a blooming flower to the aspen trees in the Rocky Mountains and was never one to miss a rainbow or a sunset. Diane had a seemingly endless knowledge and knack for knowing the highlights of ANY PLACE you might want to visit, from her love of her hometown and state Worcester Massachusetts to the Faroe Islands. When she wasn’t traveling you could find Diane snuggling her grand puppies.

Diane’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Marsha Campbell, Caran Williams , Nadine Rodney-Smith, and Kim Murray for their daily devotion and extraordinary care and to our team (Jane Perkins, Jenna Goode and Cantor Malin) from Broadreach Hospice for their support through her end of life journey. Donations in honor of Diane may be made to the two organizations close to her heart, Jewish Healthcare Center, Heifer International or Operation Smile or to a charity of your choice.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Posted online on May 21, 2022

Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Cape Cod Times, The Cape Codder