HERMAN “OBE”, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, died peacefully in his sleep on May 11, 2016 at his home in Arlington, VA. He was 91. He was married for 58 years to the love of his life, Betty Nan L. Obermayer, who passed away in 2013. Mr. Obermayer’s rich life spanned the worlds of journalism, publishing, and politics in both the United States and abroad.
He was owner and publisher of the Long Branch (NJ) Daily Record from 1957 to 1971 and of the Northern Virginia Sun from 1963 to 1989, and he lived in the Washington area since 1971. He counseled newspapers in emerging democracies for the U.S. State Department from 1990 to 2002 in Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Moldova, Slovenia, Macedonia, Russia, Croatia, and Serbia.
He also wrote several significant books: Soldiering for Freedom: A GI’s Account of World War II about his experiences as a U.S. Army soldier in the European Theatre, published in 2005; Rehnquist: A Personal Portrait of the Distinguished Chief Justice of the U.S. about his friendship with the renowned justice, a 2009 work that was translated into Chinese and became a best seller in China; and Jews in the News: British and American Newspaper Articles about Jews 1665 through 1800. Additionally, he donated his collection of 3,100 original newspaper articles to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington.
While publisher of the Northern Virginia Sun, he wrote a weekly column about his life, politics, and philosophy. In 1983 and 1984, he served as a judge for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
Obe Obermayer was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 19, 1924 where he graduated from Central High School. He graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1946 and was an English major, studying under the poet Robert Frost. His college years were interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theatre from 1943-1946 and was awarded the Rhineland Campaign Star. He attended the Nuremberg Trials. As a teen, he became an Eagle Scout and as an adult, he was a member of the Executive Council of the Monmouth County (N.J.) Boy Scout Council from 1958 – 1971 and on the Executive Committee of the National Capital Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 1971 – 1979.
He also worked with the Jewish Policy Center and served on the National Board of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) since 1996 and the National Council of the American Jewish Committee (AJC). From 1989 to 2006, he was on the board of Commentary, a monthly magazine focused on religion, Judaism, politics, social and cultural issues.
Mr. Obermayer was an active member of many other clubs and organizations, including Temple Rodef Shalom (Falls Church, VA), the Washington Golf & Country Club (Arlington, VA), Cosmos Club (Washington, D.C.), Mont Pelerin Society, National Press Club (Washington, D.C.), Dartmouth Club (New York City), Rotary Club, and Sigma Chi.
He is survived by his four daughters, Helen Levy-Myers of Reston, VA, Veronica Atnipp of Houston, Adele Malpass of New York City, and Elizabeth Weintraub of Rockville, MD; 11 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A Memorial Service will take place at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, VA, on Tuesday, May 17th at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Rodef Shalom or the Folger Shakespeare Library. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=herman-obermayer-obe&pid=179974936&fhid=17008#sthash.ogeQdgOR.dpuf
POPKIN, IVAN MURRAY, Age 80, passed away peacefully at the hospital in Vail, CO on Sunday, March 29, 2020 with his loving wife, Susan Alexander Popkin, by his side. In addition to his beloved wife of 57 years, Ivan is survived by his adored and adoring family: daughters Nancy (Mark Stanback) Popkin and Debby (Richard) Amsellem and grandchildren Gray Stanback, Sylvie Stanback, Lauren Amsellem and Alec Amsellem. He was predeceased by his courageous and cherished daughter Emily. He was also predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Clarissa Popkin and his loving sister, Joan Popkin (Robert) Goldenberg. Ivan was dearly loved by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and the favorite uncle of his many nieces and nephews.
Ivan, a resident of Elkins Park, was a graduate of Cheltenham High School and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. His was the Vice President of Penn Jersey Auto Stores and then was a partner of GP Development, with Robert Goldenberg. Ivan was a long-time member of Philmont Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and tennis. An avid fly fisherman, a passion he shared with his wife, Ivan was a member of the Brodheads Forest and Stream Association. The years he and Sue spent on the stream at Brodheads were among his most treasured times. As a dedicated volunteer with the US Small Business Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.), Ivan loved helping others find success in their business endeavors. He was also a member of Kol Ami synagogue.
Ivan’s daughters described their dad as “a real doer. He was never someone to sit on the sidelines and watch life happen. In fact, he was the person that made life happen. Having Ivan Popkin as a father was like winning the trifecta at Churchill Downs.” They said that their father was easy to talk to and a fun-loving person who never said “no” to a challenge. This was most evident in how he helped his dear Emily manage to live independently despite her MS. His grandson, Gray Stanback, said that he considered him not only his grandfather but also a friend who lightened the mood of any conversation he joined.
Ivan loved his family and many friends and they loved him back. He loved bringing joy into the lives of other people. His death will leave a hole in their lives.
The family requests that donations in Ivan’s memory be made to Vail Health Spirit of Survival Fund, PO Box 1529, Vail CO 81658.
www.levinefuneral.com
Jeremy Reitman, a stalwart of the Canadian womenswear scene who guided Montreal-based Reitmans Ltd. through the so-called retail apocalypse, has died [on December 28, 2019]. The company announced the death of its chairman and CEO in a brief statement on Sunday, saying the entire company mourns for him. “The board of directors, management team and employees of the company extend their deepest sympathies to the Reitman family.”
Reitman was also a loving father, stepfather and grandfather, according to an obituary published on the website of a Montreal funeral home. “A passionate golfer, skier, Moishes regular, toastmaster and philatelist, Jeremy was also a strong supporter of Israel and Jewish causes and a most devoted friend,” reads the notice, which did not specify his age. “Jeremy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and all who knew him.”
The obituary says Reitman died peacefully in Florida on Saturday. It says he was an alumnus of Dartmouth College, McGill Law, Westmount High School and Camp Kennebec. He was also the grandson of Reitmans Ltd. founders Herman and Sarah Reitman. His brother, Stephen Reitman, serves as chief operating officer. Jeremy Reitman was head of the 93-year-old family business for a decade, serving as president before taking over as CEO and chairman. He steered the company through a rapidly changing retail landscape, contending with an influx of U.S. competitors who set their sights on the Canadian market and the rise of e-commerce. Amid the ruins of Canadian retailers, Reitmans is one of the few domestic chains still standing, though it is shrinking. When he took control, the company was growing, from 854 stores in 2004 to 968 in 2011. Today, there are 587. In 2011, the company announced that it would close its Cassis stores, which were geared towards women over 40. Three years later, it said it would also shutter Smart Set locations, which had targeted young urban professionals. Five separate banners remain, including Reitmans, Penningtons and Addition Elle, the latter two brands focused on the plus-size market.
With an eye to the rise of Lululemon and the “athleisure wear” trend, Reitman also led the company’s foray into the activewear market with the launch of its Hyba line. There were briefly standalone Hyba stores, but now the clothes are sold online and in Reitmans locations. Under Jeremy Reitman’s tenure, the company also gained attention for a series of notable ads in the mid-aughts that pitted Reitmans’ wearable fashions against haute couture looks.
“Reitmans: One. Haute Couture: Zero,” one of the two judges would inevitably say, before explaining that the company’s clothes are “designed for real life.” In a December 2006 interview with The Canadian Press, Jeremy Reitman said the ads — and the middle-class ethos behind them — boosted sales for the company. “We’ve always built our business on the middle and the lower middle because that’s where the money is, that’s where the people are and that’s where the broad base of customers are,” he said at the time. Nearly a decade later, in 2015, the company tapped Meghan Markle as a spokeswoman. Before the now-Duchess of Sussex began dating Prince Harry, she designed a capsule collection for Reitmans, and in a series of ad spots, she proudly told viewers that “It’s Reitmans. Really.”
A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Reitman’s death on Sunday. A funeral is scheduled for Jan. 2 in Montreal. The family will then sit shiva in his home.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2019.
David J. Rowan, 90, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who began swimming competitively when Herbert Hoover was president and didn’t get out of the pool until George Bush was in office, died Friday of pneumonia at Lankenau Hospital.
He had been a resident of Drexel Hill.
Mr. Rowan, accomplished at everything from freestyle sprints to the backstroke, breaststroke and open-water distance swimming, competed in his first meet for the Big Brothers Boys Club on Van Pelt Street in 1929 as a boy growing up in West Philadelphia.
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“There were no lanes marked off, and we didn’t have starting blocks,” Mr. Rowan recalled in a 1984 Inquirer interview. “When we made our turns, the swimmers often slammed into each other. . . . Some of them would be all over the place.”
In the decades that followed, Mr. Rowan logged literally thousands of miles in the water and competed – very successfully – at the high school, college and masters’ levels.
At West Catholic High School, he was undefeated in four years of competition in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle.
From 1932 to 1934, he won the 3 1/2-mile George Pawling Trophy Race on the Schuylkill, earning the title “King of the Schuylkill.” In 1935, he became the first Philadelphian to win the three-mile President’s Cup championship on the Potomac River in Washington.
At Rider College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1938 while on a swimming scholarship, he won all but one race in four years of competition.
Overall, Mr. Rowan held every Middle-Atlantic AAU record from the 50 to the 1,500 during the 1930s and was named the best long-distance swimmer in the East by the AAU.
Mr. Rowan was teaching in Washington, N.J., when he enlisted in the Army in 1941. He served in Europe and saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge. He went on to assist in the development of the Army Combat Survival Swimming Program.
He remained in the Army Reserve and became a training officer with the Signal Corps. He retired from the Reserve as a lieutenant colonel in 1972.
At that point, he resumed competitive swimming in the AAU and U.S. Masters programs. All told, he won 42 national AAU and masters’ age-group titles, setting 26 U.S. and six world records.
Fit and trim, he continued to swim competitively until the late 1980s.
His on-land activities included serving as a judge of elections in Drexel Hill for 10 years. He was commander of American Legion Post 716 and vice commander of Catholic War Veterans Post 731.
Mr. Rowan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne; daughters Kathleen Mahoney and Carol Reilly; sons John, David Jr. and Dennis; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Ruffenach Funeral Home, Township Line and Burmont Roads in Drexel Hill. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Dorothy Catholic Church, Township Line and Burmont Roads. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Marple Township.
He was a swimming counselor in the 1930s for 6 years
On November 22, 2013, Dr. Robert B. Rutherford, 82, passed away at his home in Boerne, Texas surrounded by his wife and several members of his immediate family.
Dr. Rutherford was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His youth was spent there, in Vancouver and Toronto, and in Australia, where he was for 4 years during World War II. He left Edmonton for New York in 1947, finishing high school at McBurney School in Manhattan before attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he received his BA and MD degrees in 1952 and 1956.
Dr. Rutherford’s surgical education began in 1956 with a surgical internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, but was completed in Denver at the University of Colorado in 1963, with an extra clinical fellowship year spent in Sweden. This lengthy training gained him certification in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and later, vascular surgery. Two years of military service were spent at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, before his first faculty position at Johns Hopkins in 1965. In 1970, he accepted similar responsibilities at the University of Colorado, where he remained during the rest of his active career.
Although initially pursuing research in shock and trauma and circulatory physiology, Dr. Rutherford’s interest in vascular disease steadily took over his research, clinical and societal activities. He published over 400 articles and book chapters and 6 textbooks, two of which went on to 4 and 6 editions. In addition to his well-known text, “Vascular Surgery”, Dr. Rutherford edited the quarterly review “Seminars in Vascular Surgery” from 1988 to 2012, and was co-editor of the Journal of Vascular Surgery from 1996 to 2003. A frequent speaker at vascular meetings here and abroad, Dr. Rutherford was best known as an educator and journal editor, and for developing standards for uniform reporting practices in vascular surgery and disease specific severity scoring as a basis for comparing treatment outcomes. He co-chaired the original Transatlantic Consensus on Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease, in 2000.
Dr. Rutherford was a member of close to twenty professional societies, and was president of four, most notably the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, now known as the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). He served as a director of the American Board of Surgery for 6 years and was chairman of the Vascular Surgery Committee of that board. In 1996, at the time of his delivery of the Lister lecture in Glasgow, he was honorary fellowship in the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow.
Dr. Rutherford was appointed Emeritus Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, School of Medicine on retirement from active clinical practice, moving at that time with his wife to Silverthorne, Colorado in order to enjoy their love of Colorado Mountains. Eventually they moved to Texas, splitting time between their home on North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, and their home on Salmon Lake, in Oakland, Maine where the family gathers every summer. They both enjoyed outdoor sports such as downhill and cross-country skiing, wind-surfing, sailing, tennis, biking and in more recent years he enjoyed bird photography, piano, fishing and golf.
Dr. Rutherford is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay, and their 5 children: Scott and his wife Kathryn, grandchildren Frances and RJ; Lori Thomas, her husband Gus, grandchildren Lindsay Walker, her husband Mike, great-grandchildren Ayden, Rinoa and Sutton, and Andrew, his wife Ashley; Holly Bukacek, her husband Bill, granddaughter Alison; Trudy Rutherford, her ex-husband Javier Sansierra, grandsons Scott and Borja; and Wilson Rutherford, his ex-wife Roberta, daughter Brandi who preceded him in death.
The Rutherford family would like to recognize the dedicated and exceptional care given by Hospices in Maine and Texas. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.
Any memorial donations may be awarded to the following organizations; The Brandi Rutherford Memorial Fund at Johns Hopkins (John Hopkins, Office of Annual Giving, P.O. 17073, Baltimore, MD 21297-0509), the HealthReach Hospice of Kennebec Valley, (PO Box 828, Waterville, Maine, 04903-0828), and the Cristus Home Care of San Antonio, (4241 Woodcock Drive, Ste. A-100, San Antonio, Texas, 78228-1337).
DR. JOSEPH STALOFF (September 26, 2008)
SATALOFF DR. JOSEPH, Sept. 26, 2008 of Bala Cynwyd, PA. Husband of Ruth (nee Sinberg). Father of Dr. Robert (Dr. Dahlia) Sataloff and Jody Sataloff. Grandfather of Jeremy, Jamie, Daniel, Benjamin and Johnathan. Relatives and friends are invited to Services Sunday Sept. 28th at 2 P.M. at JOSEPH LEVINE AND SON, N. Broad St. above 71st Ave. Int. will be private. The family requests that contributions in his memory be made to the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research, Published on 2008-09-28, Page , Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA) and Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
“Dr. Sataloff saved the hearing of millions of American workers by making companies purchase ear protectors and conduct” Joseph Sataloff, 89, an indefatigable otolaryngologist whose work and research helped tens of thousands with ear, nose and throat problems enjoy better lives, died Sept. 26 at Hahnemann University Hospital after a head injury. Dr. Sataloff, of Bala Cynwyd, a leader in legislation on occupational hearing loss, worked until two weeks before his death. Published on 2008-10-05, Page B14, Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Joseph Sataloff, MD, DSc was an internationally renowned otologist, surgeon, scientist, and pioneer in occupational hearing loss. His efforts to raise the consciousness of America’s leaders in government, industry, and medicine to the adverse impact and tremendous monetary and human costs associated with occupational hearing loss are recognized worldwide. Through service on numerous medical and American Standards Institute committees, and as an advisor to President Nixon, his influence resulted in the drafting of scientifically based laws that have preserved the hearing of millions of Americans. Dr. Sataloff authored more than 150 publications including eleven books. He served on numerous editorial boards and national and international committees. He was also world renown for his contributions to middle ear surgery. He served as Associate Editor of Archives of Otolaryngology for thirty years (a record). He made countless contributions to clinical care, research and education in otolaryngology. Herbert Kean, MD practiced with him for approximately one year before establishing an independent private practice. Dr. Sataloff’s primary long-term associate was his son Robert Thayer Sataloff, MD, DMA who joined the practice in 1980. Dr. Joseph Sataloff passed away on September 26, 2008 at the age of 89.
UNCLE BOB SMITH (January 7, 2012)
Robert Joseph (“Smitty”) Smith, 78, of Leominster, MA, passed away suddenly on January 7, 2012. Bob was born in Presque Isle, ME on February 17, 1933, After completing high school, where he was active in javelin and discus, Bob enlisted in the US Army. After an honorable discharge, he returned to complete his education at Aroostook State Teachers College, graduating in 1961 as the first male to graduate with a degree in Physical Education. Shortly thereafter Bob became the first physical education teacher at Skyway Middle School and remained for 26 years. In 1974, Bob earned a Masters degree in Physical Education at the University of Maine at Orono. Bob coached gymnastics and wrestling and for 20 years his wrestling teams were undefeated. As a coach, he had three state champion wrestlers and gymnasts. Bob not only coached, but he umpired and officiated team sports. For 22 years he officiated basketball, soccer and baseball. For more than 15 summers, he worked as a counselor at Camp Kennebec in North Belgrade, ME. He was head of the canoeing department and guided campers down the Allagash River. Bob retired from teaching in 1990, but remained very active with skiing, golfing, woodcarving, and singing in church choirs both in Presque Isle and Leominster. He was a great role model for his family. He was very faithful and was true to his commitments. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann ; his son William Smith (former Kennebec Camper) of South Portland, ME; his son Terrance Smith (former Kennebec camper) , of Georgetown, TX; and his daughter Donna Leon of Lunenburg, MA. Bob loved his family
STOTTER, HART, of Gladwyne, PA. September 12, 2014, husband of Jean (nee Kaufman); father of Mary (Gary) Canner, Linda (Jonathan) Flaxer and Kathy (Elliot) Burke; also survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services and interment are private. The family will be receiving at his late residence from 3pm Monday through Tuesday evening. The family is respectfully requesting that in lieu flowers contributions in his memory be made to the Gladwyne Free Library or the Bridlewild Trail Association.
STOTTER RICHARD LEE STOTTER beloved husband of Janet (nee Berman). Loving father of Sara and Alex; dear brother of Patricia (Brian Scanlon) Stotter; cherished son of the late Vivienne and Irving Stotter; adored uncle. Services will be held Friday, May 8 at 10 AM at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1985 S. Taylor Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH. Interment Mayfield Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the residence 3, Madison Court, Beachwood, OH. FRIDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 4 PM, SATURDAY EVENING 6 PM-9 PM, SUNDAY 1 PM- 5 PM. Friends who wish may contribute to theGreater Cleveland Fisher House, 21866 Seabury Ave. Cleveland, OH 44126 or the Cleveland Clinic Hospice 9500 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44195.
CHARLES SUNSTEIN (March 23, 2009)
Charles G. Sunstein Investment adviser, 91
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA); 240 words
Published: 2009-03-27
Section: OBITUARIES | Page B10 | Edition: CITY-D
Charles Gerstley Sunstein, 91, of Audubon, a retired investment adviser, died Monday of Alzheimer’s disease at home.Mr. Sunstein graduated from Oak Lane Country Day School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, where he managed the wrestling team and was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.During World War II, he served in the Army in Europe and in the Pacific.After his discharge, he joined his family’s brokerage firm, Gerstley Sunstein, in Philadelphia. He was partners with his brother, Leon, and cousin, William Gerstley, when the firm merged with Drexel Burnham in the 1970s. He remained with Drexel Burnham until 1989, when he established his own investment consulting firm. He retired in 2000 at 83.Mr. Sunstein served on the boards of Albert Einstein Medical Center, Congregation Rodeph Shalom, the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. He enjoyed boating and was a former commodore of the Eastern Shore Yacht Club in Maryland. He collected watches and antique tin toys, and he and his wife, Carolyn Netter Sunstein, collected dollhouses and miniatures. His other interests were travel, golf, dancing, playing cards and following the Eagles and Phillies.In addition to his wife of 67 years and brother, Mr. Sunstein is survived by daughters Florence Begun and Lynn Fox; a son, Chip; a stepbrother and stepsister; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at noon today at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St. Philadelphia.
