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:
Businessman and Local Stage Actor Stan Weiman Dies at 90
A Baltimore native, Stan Weiman appeared on the stages of Everyman Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Cockpit in Court, Theatre Hopkins and the Gordon Center for Performing Arts.
Herbert S. Garten, Lawyer and Community Leader, Dies at 96
Known as the “Father of Pro Bono in Maryland,” Herbert S. Garten practiced law in the Baltimore area for more than seven decades.
Rabbi Eliyahu Fink, Prominent Orthodox Voice, Dies at 43
A Ner Israel Rabbinical College graduate, Rabbi Eliyahu Fink was known for his compassionate and progressive views.
Pikesville Photographer Norman ‘Fred’ Silber Dies at 75
For more than four decades, Norman “Fred” Silber owned and operated Silber Photography with his wife, Linda.
Herbert J. Belgrad, First Maryland Stadium Authority Head, Dies at 90
A Canton resident, Herb Belgrad was remembered for his commitment to community service and strong work ethic.
Michael Quitt, Co-Founder of Baltimore Folk Music Society, Dies at 75
A well-known local musician, Michael Quitt was also a passionate collector of vintage fountain pens.
Kenny Baum, Fixture in Local Jewish Culinary Scene, Dies at 96
The founder of Pikesville’s Knish Shop, Kenny Baum was known for his commitment to quality, love of community and generosity of spirit.
Morris ‘Chip’ Weinman, Lobbyist and Entertainer, Dies at 78
A Baltimore-based political lobbyist, Chip Weinman achieved his lifelong ambition to become a professional singer after surviving thyroid cancer and overcoming other obstacles.
Bethesda-based Singer-Songwriter Talia Segal Dies at 50
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Talia Segal released five albums of original material and toured around the nation.
Manekin President & CEO Richard M. Alter Dies at 81
A Mount Washington native, Richard Alter was involved in myriad community organizations, such as Beth Tfiloh Congregation and the Elijah Cummings Youth Program.
Larry Katz, Former University of Baltimore Law School Dean, Dies at 85
For decades, Larry Katz served in community leadership roles, including as president of the Baltimore Jewish Council and the Charles Crane Family Foundation.
Philanthropist, Real Estate Developer Malcolm C. Berman Dies at 89
Among the many institutions benefitting from the philanthropy of Malcolm Berman and his wife, Sandra, were LifeBridge Health, Jemicy School and Towson University.
Baltimore Attorney, Philanthropist Howard A. Janet Dies at 70
A Baltimore native, Howard Janet practiced law in the area for more than three decades, advocating for the rights of victims of medical malpractice, sexual abuse and other personal injuries.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer of Orthodox Union Dies of Sudden Heart Attack
Since 2020, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, rabbi emeritus of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Synagogue in Northwest Baltimore, served as executive vice president of the New York-based Orthodox Union.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Baltimore-Born Progressive Activist and Author, Dies at 92
A household name in progressive Jewish circles, Rabbi Arthur Waskow was the author of more than two dozen books, several of which have become Jewish classics.
Beverly Sokal, Founder of Fells Point Corner Theatre, Dies at 99
In 2012, Beverly Sokal was a recipient of the Audrey Herman Award, which honors local theater leaders for their contributions to the local community arts scene.
Rabbi Ezra D. Neuberger of Ner Israel Rabbinical College Dies at 68
Rabbi Ezra Neuberger was a member of the family dynasty that has led the Pikesville-based yeshiva since its inception in 1933.
Capt. Beverly Burns, Groundbreaking Pilot, Dies at 76
A Northwest Baltimore native, Capt. Beverly Burns made history by being the first woman to captain the Boeing 747.
Harry ‘Chick’ Veditz, owner of Chick’s Legendary Records, Dies at 76
A Northwest Baltimore native, Chick Veditz was a passionate promoter of vinyl records and the local live music scene.
Longtime Baltimore Restaurateur Lenny Kaplan Dies at 85
Former co-owner of the Pimlico Hotel and the Polo Grill, Lenny Kaplan was a longtime fixture of Charm City’s restaurant scene.
Rabbi Shlomo Porter, Driving Force of Etz Chaim Center, Dies at 78
For nearly five decades, Rabbi Porter was a seminal and tireless force in local and national Jewish outreach circles.
ASL Interpreter, Entrepreneur Stephen J. Frank Dies at 64
A seasoned American Sign Language interpreter, product developer and “serial inventor,” and founder and owner of the Clear View Innovations company, Stephen Frank passed away Nov. 29.
Marc Wernick, Advocate for LGBTQ Community, Dies at 62
A local advocate for the LGBTQ community and a board leader at Roland Park’s Bolton Street Synagogue, Marc Wernick passed away suddenly on Dec. 5.
Israeli-Americans Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin talked about the pain of losing their 23-year-old son, who was kidnapped and later murdered in the Oct. 7th tragedy.
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.