A decorated World War II veteran for the Soviet Army, Mikhail Alberstein passed away on Tuesday, July 1. The Reisterstown resident was 100.
“Yesterday we lost my grandfather, Mikhail,” wrote Victoria Smolkin on social media. “He was 100 years old, a war veteran, one of the last of that generation. I feel fortunate to have had a grandfather as long as I did. He lived a big life, and we will miss him deeply.”
Alberstein was only 17 when he volunteered for the Soviet army. He continued to serve in the military for another decade before attending university.
“Mikhail later became the chief mechanic of the Ukrainian Plastic Corporation, where his strength, responsibility, and calm demeanor earned him great respect,” his family posted on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “Known for his sense of duty and unwavering calm, Mikhail carried himself with quiet confidence and was respected by all who knew him. He never let challenges shake him and remained a steady, reliable presence throughout his life.
“He was an extraordinary man whose life set a powerful example for his children and grandchildren. His family will miss him deeply and carry his legacy with pride.”
Alberstein is survived by his children, Oleg (Diana) Smolkin, Yelena Zhukov and Alexander (Rina) Alberstein; his grandchildren, Paul Zhukov, Victoria Smolkin, Vladislav Smolkin, Sarah Alberstein and Benjamin Alberstein; and his great-granddaughter, Sophia Rothrock.
He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Alla Smolkin-Alberstein; his sister, Larissa Giller; and his parents, Sarra and David Alberstein.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 3 at 1 p.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment will be at Arlington Chizuk Amuno Cemetery, 4300 N. Rogers Avenue
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