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Obits

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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PHYLLIS T. BLAU, 82, formerly of Detroit, died March 13, 2022, in Paoli, Pa. She is survived by many cousins and friends. Ms. Blau was the daughter of the late Saul and the late Fanny Blau; sister of the late Loretta and the late Kenny.

Interment was in Los Angeles, Calif. Contributions may be made to organizations that benefit Jewish people in the U.S. or Israel.

TERRY T. BROWN, 73,

passed away on March 13, 2022. Interviewer of singer Peggy Lee when he was a teenager, friend of jazz musician Al Hirt, and bridge opponent (one time at a national tournament) of Warren Buffet — Terry T. Brown has held an interesting life.

He grew up in Indiana, spent most of his life in Metro Detroit and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in retirement.

A longtime Detroit-area radio broadcaster, on WWJ Newsradio 950 and many others, Terry was a lifetime communicator.

His lengthy career in public relations and marketing in Michigan included stints at Stone August Baker, J. Walter Thompson and Ford Motor Company. He was part of the creative team that launched the first global commercial (recognized in the Guinness Book of Records), featuring teen opera star Charlotte Church, for Ford Motor Company, in 1999.

Always writing, he had more than 3,000 articles published in news media. He

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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had a regular entertainment column for many years, “Around the Town with Terry T. Brown”, in the Royal Oak Tribune.

He published a novella and a book of poetry, and could write a limerick on any topic in minutes.

He was an accomplished bridge player, a Gold Life Master, playing in clubs in Michigan and New Mexico, as well as national tournaments. He also loved to play hearts at an annual gathering of friends of 50-plus years.

Terry was a music lover, playing dobro and steel guitar, as well as piano and bass guitar, over the years.

He was a Kentucky Colonel, a three-cushion billiard player and always loved to cook (famous for his latkes!)

Terry was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Shalom of Oak Park, a part of its lay leadership, and on the beit din, working closely with Rabbi David Nelson. He was one of the founders and leaders of the synagogue Boy Scout troop. He was also a member of the chaplaincy team at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak for 10 years.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sally Ann Brown; son, Peter RobinsBrown (Veronique); stepsons, Colin Mattson (Allison) and Evan Mattson (Yevgenya Lavrovskaya); and three grandchildren. His brother, Tim, predeceased him.

A private family burial has taken place in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Louisiana Progress (www. louisianaprogress.org), the Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splccenter.org) or to a charity of one’s choice.

DR. VICTOR

GORDON, 92, of Franklin, died March 12, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and healer. He leaves a legacy of kindness, compassion and love.

Mr. Gordon is survived by his adored wife of nearly 68 years, Beverly Gordon; his sons, David Gordon and Jeffrey Gordon; daughter, Suzanne Gordon.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

MARILYN GUSS, 80, of West Bloomfield, died March 13, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Marvin Guss and Laura Bendikas of Chicago, Ill., Howard Guss of West Bloomfield, Jeffrey Guss of Chicago; she is also survived by Sanford and Adrienne Guss.

Mrs. Gus was the loving daughter of the late Barney and the late Hermina Forman; dear sister of the late Sharon Rose.

Contributions may be made to ASPCA, aspca.

org; or Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. A funeral service took place at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment was held at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

DR. BERNARD

KOLE, 62, of West Bloomfield, died March 12, 2022. He was a physician, a professor, a friend, a colleague and an all-around mensch. His life’s work was caring for others and giving of himself to those who needed it most. He cared for so many without hesitation or expectation of recognition or thanks.

Dr. Kole always took an interest in caring for the underserved and most downtrodden in the community. His reach in the lives of those he loved and cared for was far and his touch deep. He led an extraordinary life of service, kindness and selflessness. His family was his greatest joy in life. His wife and children will be his everlasting legacy.

He is survived by his wife of 35½ years, Linda Otis Kole; sons, David Kole of West Bloomfield, Samuel Kole, also of West Bloomfield; daughter, Elizabeth Kole of Birmingham; brother-in-law, Dr. Lyle Sklar; nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Brandon Wildermuth, Andrew Sklar, Stephanie Sklar; great-nephew, Skyler Wildermuth; great-niece, Isla Wildermuth; many dear friends and patients.

Dr. Kole was the loving son of the late Betty and the late Abe Kole; brother of the late Irwin Kole; brother-in-law of the late Sheila Sklar; son-inlaw of the late Rose and the late Irvin Otis.

Contributions may be made to a fund in Dr. Kole’s memory at Friendship Circle, 6892 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; or Kole-Otis-SklarFamilies Early Education Fund, c/o Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323. A graveside service was held at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

DR. JERRY

LESSON, 88, of West Bloomfield, died March 14, 2022. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Jennifer Lesson, Kenneth and Susan Lesson, Randy and Lauren Lesson; daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Jay Zemmol; grandchildren, Ryan (fiancée, Theresa), Jamie, Jordan, Corey, Joshua and Jillian Lesson, Zackary and Zoey Zemmol; sister, Brenda Karr; many loving nieces, nephews other family members and friends.

Mr. Lesson was beloved husband of the late Joan Lesson; the brother-in-law of the late Edward Simon, the late Marjorie Kaufman, the late Stanley Simon, the late Martie Karr.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Aish Detroit, Yeshiva Beth Yehudah or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

c. 2002

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Serving each family. Consoling each heart. For 105 years.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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HOWARD PIKSTEIN, 66, of Northville, died March 14, 2022.

He was raised in Oak Park. He helped develop the baggage conveyor system at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. Professionally, Howie worked in IT program management. He was employed by the Ford Motor Company for many years.

Howie played Beaver Softball for more than 40 years and his number will be retired. He enjoyed ski trips and vacations to Oscoda with the family.

He was a Michigan graduate and an ardent U-M sports fan.

Howie leaves Drew, his beloved wife of 26 years. He was the devoted father of Casey (Natalie) Jentzen; proud zaydie of Cameron and Noah. Howie’s father, Herman, died at a young age. It was then his mother Helen’s determination and values that nurtured the lifelong bond between Howie and his two siblings: sister, Rochelle (Ron) Siegel, and brother, Marty (Laura). He will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service will be held this summer when Marty and Laura can return from China. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association. BELLA RUBEN, 94, of West Bloomfield, died March 16, 2022. She graduated from Central High School in Detroit and advanced two years at Wayne State University, pursuing a teaching degree. Bella met Charles Ruben in McKenzie Hall in her second year and life changed. They were married for more than 60 years.

After briefly working for the federal government, she was the consummate homemaker and highly active in the community as well as a bridge player aficionado. A lifelong member of Congregation B’nai Moshe, Mrs. Ruben was president of the sisterhood, president of the local Morgenthau Women’s Chapter and state-wide president of Michigan B’nai B’rith Women. She inspired development and implementation of Hillel houses across Michigan college campuses. She also coordinated and spearheaded endless officer installations, Jewish programs and charities.

Mrs. Ruben was exceptionally astute at selling cosmetics in local malls for more than 10 years. Her unabated energy and youthfulness made her a paragon of hope, optimism and resilience. But it was her contagious smile that melted the hearts of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, earning her the reverent nickname “Maimie.”

She was her husband Charles’ sunshine and respected matriarch of the Ruben family. Together, Bella and Chuck enjoyed winters for 20 years in their Boca Raton condo. Bella found similar solace in her apartment at Meer.

The family is thankful for her infinite wisdom on happiness and values on a good marriage

and family. Her legacy of perseverance and leadership will endure through the achievements of her survivors.

Mrs. Ruben was the beloved wife of the late Charles Ruben; cherished mother of the late Ellyce (Dr. Stephen) Field, Dr. Nancy (J.T.) Turner and Dr. Douglas (Arlene) Ruben; proud grandmother of Jordan (Marjorie) Field, Andrew Field, Dr. Garrett (Nayomi) Field, Michael (Rochelle) Ruben, Jennifer (Adam) Zillins and Jeffrey Macciomei; great-grandmother of Logan Field, Dylan Field, Sophia Field, Dalia Field, Brayden Ruben, Frank Zillins and Isaac Zillins; devoted daughter of the late Morton and the late Hilda Freedman; sister of the late Joseph Freedman.

Interment was at Oakview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Congregation B’nai Moshe, 6800 Drake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, bnaimoshe.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

ROSALYN RUBIN, 94, of West Bloomfield, died, March 15, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Elliott Gorov, Julie and Dr. Michael Savin; sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Dorothy Rubin, Dr. William and Karen Rubin; loving grandchildren, Carrie (Eric) Bourget, Jamie (Jeff) VanderWal, Dr. Emily (Gabe) Plaza, Hannah Rubin, Nathan Rubin (fiancée, Fallon), Marshall (Andra) Rubin, Spencer (Tiara) Rubin, Ethan Rubin (fiancée, Jaime), Dr. Jeffrey Savin, Kimberly Savin; great-grandchildren, Charlie and George Bourget, Alexandra and Samantha VanderWal, Brenton and Elaira Rubin, Raya and Zoey Plaza; brother, Dr. Irving Friedman; sister-in-law, Annette Friedman; devoted caregiver, Juanita; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mrs. Rubin was beloved wife of the late Morris Rubin; the sister-in-law of the late Honey Friedman; sister of the late Dr. Lee Friedman; sister-in-law of the late Ralph and Yetta Epstein, and Harold and Ann Bogrow.

Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Contributions may be made to Jewish Senior Life, Hospice of Michigan, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel

DR. ALLEN WEISS, 94, of Bloomfield Hills, died March 15, 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Sparling; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve Weiss and Karen Ring, and Scott Weiss and Marci Bakst; grandchildren, Ben and Abby Sparling, Adam and Rebecca Sparling, Alexandra and Shane Jarmin, Monica Weiss, Jake Weiss, Mitch Weiss and his fiancee, Jaime Falco, Brad Weiss, Danny Weiss and Eric Weiss; six great-grandchildren; loving companion, Estelle Robinson.

Dr. Weiss was the beloved husband for 60 years of the late Marilyn Weiss; the loving brother of the late Shirley Finkel, the late Seymour Weiss, the late Jack Weiss and the late Herbert Weiss; the devoted son of the late Samuel Weiss and the late Lilly Weiss.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Oral Surgery Fund-363537, 3003 S. State St., Suite 9000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; or The Ros1ders, 1721 Eastern Ave., Suite 19, Sacramento, CA 95864, theros1ders.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

Haredi Orthodox Rabbi Known as ‘Prince of Torah,’ Dies at 94

SHIRA HANAU JTA

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, the powerful leader of Israel’s haredi Orthodox community who was known as the “Prince of Torah,” has died.

Kanievsky was 94 and died after collapsing at his home in Bnei Brak, the center of haredi life in Israel where he was regarded with reverence.

The son of a major rabbi with familial connections to numerous famed rabbinic dynasties, Kanievsky seemed to be destined for a position of power from a young age. But the scholarly rabbi rose to new heights during the coronavirus pandemic as Israel’s government struggled to contend with numerous outbreaks in the haredi Orthodox community. Kanievsky, whose words were mediated through his grandsons, became a key leader in persuading haredi Orthodox Israelis to comply with government lockdowns.

“They see him as a holy man,” Eli Paley, the chairman of the Haredi Institute for Public Affairs, a Jerusalem-based research group, told the New York Times. “They see their existence as relying on Rabbi Chaim and his Torah learning.”

Born in Poland in 1928 into a family of well-known rabbis, Kanievsky began studying as a young boy in Bnei Brak at the yeshiva of his uncle, Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, then one of the most important Jewish legal authorities in Israel.

Kanievsky, who spent most of his life in Bnei Brak, departed from yeshiva life only briefly, when he served in the Israeli army during the country’s war of independence. He became a major authority on all matters of Jewish law, authoring several books of Jewish legal writings.

“He’s isolated from everyone, from social life, just him and the Talmud,” Sara Zalcberg, a professor at Tel Aviv University who studies Israeli haredim, said of Kanievsky, who was known to seclude himself in his study with his Talmud for most of the day.

For years, Kanievsky would answer dozens, if not hundreds, of Jewish legal questions via small postcards on which he would inscribe his answers in tiny handwriting.

He would also receive visitors in his home who would seek his guidance on areas of Jewish law and with questions about all aspects of their lives.

After the 2017 death of Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman, Kanievsky became the preeminent leader of Israel’s non-Hasidic haredi Orthodox community, taking on a more political role in addition to his status as an authority on matters of Jewish law.

In October 2020, Kanievsky tested positive for COVID-19 but recovered and resumed public life. After vaccines became available, Kanievsky broke with some in his community by urging widespread vaccination. He received death threats in late 2021 after opining that children should be vaccinated against the virus.

Kanievsky was largely considered a moderate on matters of Jewish law, according to Zalcberg; in 2016, for example, he ruled that medical marijuana was kosher for Passover.

Kanievsky’s wife and the mother of his eight children, Batsheva, died in 2011. He was to be buried March 20.