Here’s a look back at some of the lives we lost in the local community this past year.
Henry ‘Zadie’ Benesch Made Every Day Count

Randi Benesch pays tribute to her grandfather-in-law, Henry “Zadie” Benesch, who passed away on Jan. 11 just a few days shy of his 101st birthday, and shares some of the important life lessons she learned from him.

ATM Operator Kenneth Gerstley Killed During Apparent Robbery
Pikesville resident Kenneth Gerstley remembered as a dedicated family man.
Ner Israel Rabbinical College President Rabbi Sheftel Meir Neuberger Dies
The world-renowned yeshiva’s leader was known as a Torah scholar and political influencer.

Community Leader and Philanthropist Calman ‘Buddy’ Zamoiski Jr. Dies at 93
A lifelong Baltimorean, Calman “Buddy” Zamoiski Jr. made major contributions to the city’s philanthropic, medical and cultural endeavors.

Local Holocaust Survivor Bluma Shapiro Dies at 97
A survivor of five Nazi concentration camps, Bluma Shapiro spoke frequently about her experiences during the Holocaust to local audiences.

Former Jmore Pets Columnist Joy Freedman Dies at 52
A longtime local animal rights advocate, Joy Freedman was the owner and operator of 4 Paws Pet Services.

Former State Sen. Barbara A. Hoffman Dies at 81, Recalled as Advocate of Educational Initiatives
The longtime Northwest Baltimore legislator served as chair of the Budget and Taxation Committee from 1995 to 2003.
Remembering the Heart of the Newsroom
Michael Olesker pays tribute to the late Holton F. “Brownie” Brown, The Sun‘s longtime editorial assistant.

Former State Sen. Julian L. Lapides Dies at 89, Remembered as Strong Advocate for Baltimore City
For decades, Julian Lee “Jack” Lapides was known as “the conscience of the Maryland Senate.”

Dr. Sheldon L. Leibowitz Worked as Community Optometrist for Six Decades
A Baltimore native, Dr. Sheldon L. Leibowitz graduated from City College and served in the Korean War. The Pikesville resident was 91.

Jeff Seidel Remembered as Consummate Sports Journalist and Adored Family Man
For four decades, the local freelance writer and Northwest Baltimore native covered the first draft of Baltimore area sports history.
Entrepreneur, World Traveler and Author Julian H. Hyman Dies at 101
The Baltimore native and author advocated a centralized world government after traveling across the globe and succeeding in business.

Holocaust Survivor and Motivational Speaker Edith Mayer Cord Dies at 93
A Vienna native who lived in Columbia for more than 35 years, Cord spoke to countless students and others over the years about her wartime experiences.

Mourning the Loss of a ‘Treasure’
Michael Olesker pays tribute to his longtime friend, former Baltimore County Executive Theodore G. “Ted” Venetoulis, who died Oct. 6 at age 87.

Hopkins Lacrosse Great Jerry Schnydman Dies at 77
A Baltimore native, Jerry Schnydman was a fixture on the JHU Homewood campus for more than four decades.
