Jmore looks back at some of the notable individuals we lost this past year in the local community. May their memories always be a comfort to their families, friends, and the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem:
Baltimore-raised, Nationally Known Comedian Lonnie Shorr Dies at 86
Lonnie Shorr, who grew up in Baltimore and attended City College, was a familiar face on TV programs and game shows in the late 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.
Community Leader Howard Needle Dies at 88
Howard Jay Needle, a longtime Pikesville community activist, attorney and former member of the House of Delegates, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29.
Local Holocaust Survivor and Educator Herta G. Baitch Dies at 90
Herta Baitch, a local Holocaust survivor, speaker and educator, passed away on Jan. 30. The Pikesville resident and Chizuk Amuno congregant was 90.
Former Local Kosher Caterer Edith Seidel Bluefeld Dies at 102
For four decades, Edith Bluefeld was a fixture in the local kosher catering scene.
Howard County’s Revered Rabbi Martin Siegel Dies at Age 90
An outspoken author, teacher, former U.S. Navy chaplain and rabbi emeritus of Columbia Jewish Center, Rabbi Martin Siegel passed away on Feb. 22 at the age of 90.
Businessman and Philanthropist Glenn L. Weinberg Passes Away at Age 68
Glenn Lee Weinberg, a local businessman and philanthropist, former vice president of The Cordish Companies and a member of Baltimore’s prominent Weinberg family, passed away on March 7, on his 68th birthday.
Maryland-Based Social Media Personality and Influencer Kyle Marisa Roth Passes Away at 36
A Chestertown resident who grew up in Anne Arundel County, Kyle Marisa Roth was a popular producer of celebrity gossip on TikTok and other platforms.
Veteran Journalist, Author Judith Oppenheimer Dies at Age 82
Judith Oppenheimer, an award-winning author, journalist, teacher and great wit, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1 in Northwest Baltimore. She was 82.
Holocaust Survivor Esther Danon Kaidanow Dies at 88
A Lutherville resident, Esther Kaidanow and her family hid in the Alps with partisan fighters for part of World War II.
Rabbi Chaim R. Landau, Ner Tamid’s Rabbi Emeritus, Dies at 71
Rabbi Chaim R. Landau, rabbi emeritus of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, passed away on Aug. 3. He was 71.
Community Leader Benjamin D. Kuntz Dies at 93
A longtime local business executive and community leader, Benjamin D. Kuntz ran his family’s furniture business and was highly committed to The Associated and other Jewish philanthropic causes.
Jewish Community Leader Marlene B. Kuntz Dies at 91
An Associated leader, Marlene B. Kuntz passed away only 15 days after her husband, Benjamin D. Kuntz.
Educator and Baltimore Booster Betsey Rosenfeld Kahn Dies at 98
A lifelong Baltimorean, Betsey Rosenfeld Kahn was a direct descendant of the family that helped found the Baltimore Hebrew and Chizuk Amuno congregations.
Community Leader and Philanthropist Jack H. Pechter Dies at 90
A Holocaust survivor, Jack H. Pechter became a successful real estate developer who was involved with The Associated and other organizations.
Martin Resnick, Founder of Martin’s Caterers, Dies at 93
Martin R. Resnick, the longtime owner and operator of the local Martin’s Caterers empire, passed away on Sept. 11. The Owings Mills resident was 93.
Community Leader Michelle ‘Shelly’ Malis Dies at 65
Local Jewish community leader and philanthropist Michelle “Shelly” Chyatte Malis passed away on Sept. 16. The Lutherville resident was a past president of Chizuk Amuno Congregation and former chair of The Associated’s Women’s Campaign.
Shelley Lev Wiseman Kelly, Owner of Pikesville’s Edmart Deli, Dies at 73
A Baltimore native, Shelley Kelly was known for her friendly manner and love of customers and employees.
Ray Altman, Athletics Hall of Famer, Dies at 83
Michael Olesker pays tribute to Ray Altman, a University of Maryland Hall of Famer and member of the Greater Baltimore chapter of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, who died on Oct. 12th.
Tina S. Kaidanow, Former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Dies at 59
The Baltimore-raised Kaidanow served as a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service for more than three decades.
Former Del. Leon Albin Dies at 98
A Baltimore native and longtime Pikesville resident, Leon Albin was a successful businessman, politician, realtor, community leader and author.
Educator and Businessman Manuel S. ‘Manny’ Fram Dies at 91
A longtime teacher at Sudbrook Junior High School, Manuel S. ‘Manny’ Fram was the founder of Pikesville’s Fram Monument Co.
Local Geriatrics Specialist Janet B. Kurland Dies at 94
Janet B. Kurland died Dec. 6 at the age of 94. A Baltimore native and beloved mentor to many, Kurland worked for more than four decades at Jewish Community Services.
Community Leader, Attorney Fred Wolf III Dies at 78
A longtime member of Baltimore Hebrew, Fred Wolf III served three terms as board chair of the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and on the board of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
A Norfolk native, Frankle worked at Sinai Hospital, Camp Airy and privately for five decades.
Esther Greenberg, Leora Match, Kathlleen St. Villier Hill and Ben Gershowitz will be recognized for the contributions to the community.
For more than five decades, Dr. Rosenstein was known by local families as a trusted and caring physician for their children.
Jewish Community Services' upcoming "Future-Ready Workplace" event will feature a keynote address from workplace expert and bestselling author Liz Fosslien.