COMMUNITY 18 | BUSINESS 28 | OBITUARIES

BUSINESS

Rhode Islanders get glimpse of intriguing Israeli startups

BY SETH CHITWOOD

PROVIDENCE – Israeli startups focused on early detection of autism, at-home urine testing and sailing analytics were in the spotlight on Feb. 16 as the RI-HUB and the Rhode Island Israel Collaborative launched the second season of “Little States, Big Innovation.”

The monthly program introduces Rhode Islanders to some of Israel’s most exciting startups and the entrepreneurs behind them, who may be considering expanding into North American markets such as Rhode Island. Avi Nevel, founder of RIIC, said last year’s program was “very successful” and led to “multiple connections” between Israel and Rhode Island.

The first segment of the Feb. 16 Zoom program featured Jonathan Sadka, founder and CEO of Ladatt, which is focused on creating a platform for diagnosing certain diseases in babies, with a main focus on building a tool for the early detection of autism.

“In the U.S., around one in 44 children is diagnosed with autism, often very late,” Sadka said. “Autism is often comorbid with other disorders or other problems, such as GI [gastrointestinal] issues, epilepsy, seizure disorders … many of those can be mitigated if treated early enough.”

Sadka said that research shows that using electroencephalography, or EEG, is a non-invasive way to track brainwaves to accurately diagnose autistic children at a very young age.

He said the company Ladatt has backing from a “large IT company in Israel” and plans to start clinical trials by 2023.

Sadka said that last September, he visited Rhode Island to assist in one of the neuroscience labs at Brown University, which he called an eye-opening experience of the tremendous potential for health-care research and development.

“We are looking for collaborations within the U.S., even at this point,” he said.

Annette Tonti, managing director of RI-HUB, said she was thrilled to hear Sadka’s news.

“At RI-HUB, we give startups six months' free space [and] access to everything that Rhode Island has to offer, including our incubation services and mentorship,” she said. “We want to be able to … build economic development here in Rhode Island … with our friends from Israel.”

The second segment featured Varda Aberbach presenting her company, Samplify, which aims to revolutionize urine testing for early detection of kidney disease.

“Eighty million people are at risk of kidney disease, and 90% of them don’t even know they have it until much later down the line,” she said. “People are just not taking the test, or are not completing it correctly.”

To solve these problems, Samplify has created a hygienic and easy way to take a urine sample and safely store it in a sealed case for 20 hours and then get an accurate reading on an iPhone.

Aberbach said Samplify is just starting trials in Jerusalem, and would be “more than happy to have collaborations with an American hospital to run the trial.” Down the line, she said, the tests could be introduced to the American market.

The final entrepreneur to present was Omer Brand, founder and CEO of KINETIX, an advanced platform that helps organizations, coaches and athletes improve performances in sailing.

Brand, who has won national and international sailing championships, said he decided to join the hightech scene after retiring from competitive sailing.

He said the most effective way to analyze a sailing performance is by video analytics, but it’s difficult to get a complete and objective analysis from the perspective of any one coach or trainer.

KINETIX solves this problem, he said, with its fully automated platform, which is based on video and sensors and uses a unique algorithm and analytic platform.

“It [video] can be from any device like a cellphone, GoPros or smartwatches,” Brand said. “The platform provides those golden moments that the athletes and coaches can learn from.”

Brand said KINETIX is up and running in Israel and has already changed the way athletes, coaches, managers and even parents are engaging with the sport. He is hoping to break into the American market next.

“Our main focus now is north of New York, like Rhode Island,” he said, adding that he knows Newport is a sailing capital.

“So, we’re definitely in the right place for us to collaborate,” he said.

The next program is March 17 at noon. Register at https:// bit.ly/3pnVtK6.

SETH CHITWOOD (www.sethchitwood.com), of Barrington, is a features reporter for The Standard-Times, in New Bedford. He is also the creative director of the award-winning Angelwood Pictures production company.

OBITUARIES

Elizabeth Berger, 92

WARWICK, R.I. – Elizabeth H. (Abel) Berger, of Warwick, passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Abraham and Betty (Berger) Abel.

Elizabeth received a bachelor’s degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music and worked as an elementary music teacher for many years until her retirement. She loved pottery, enjoyed traveling, and was a Brown University Continuing Adult Learning member.

Elizabeth is survived by two children, James “Jimmy” Berger and his wife Antonia “Toni” of Cranston and Andrea Ehrlich and her husband Stephen of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; three grandchildren, Amy Ehrlich, Rebekah Amaral and Louis Berger and two great-grandchildren, Ariel and Iris Amaral. She was the grandmother of the late Polly Connelly and the sister of the late Robert B. Abel.

Joel Feinberg, 88

CRANSTON, R.I. – Joel I. Feinberg passed away on Feb. 26, 2022, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the husband of Rosalie (Zusman) for 65 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Norman and Edith (Karp) Feinberg, he had lived in Cranston for over 55 years. He was the former owner of A&W Restaurant of Smithfield. Joel was an avid sports fan.

He was the brother of Carol Z. Kaplan and her husband, Dr. Kenneth Kaplan, of Delray Beach, Florida. He was the uncle of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan and his wife, Melissa, and Andrew Kaplan. He was the great-uncle of Matthew, Sophia, Alayna and Julia.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Richard Fine, 62

WARWICK, R.I. – Richard “Rick” G. Fine passed away on Feb. 24, 2022. Born in Providence, he was a son of Gertrude (Kramer) Fine and the late Morton Fine of Warwick, and beloved brother of Robert Fine and his partner, Pamela Pandapas, of Rockland, Massachusetts.

Rick was a lifetime resident of Warwick and an inventory auditor for various retail companies. He was a graduate of Community College of Rhode Island, New England Tech, and Pilgrim High School. He was an avid sports fan and collector of sports memorabilia and cards.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

J. Ronald Fishbein, 89

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – J. Ronald Fishbein, Esq., of Providence, passed away on Feb. 20, 2022, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Nathan and Evelyn (Goldberg) Fishbein.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brandeis University, he earned a master’s degree in biology from the University of Vermont and a doctorate of law degree from Boston Law School.

Mr. Fishbein was an attorney in Providence for many years before retiring and was a member of Temple Emanu-El.

Survivors include: two nephews, Adam and Joshua Fishbein, and very close friends Christopher J. Kane and his wife Angela V. Kane and their son Giovanni J. Kane of Providence.

He was predeceased by his brother Hal R. Fishbein and seven uncles.

Doreen Harrison, 77

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Doreen E. Harrison passed peacefully, yet not without a fight, on Feb. 5, 2022, with family by her

OBITUARIES

side. Born Dec. 11, 1944, to Yetta F. (Blake) Harrison and Samuel M. Harrison, Doreen lived a life filled with chocolate, considerable world travel, amazing times with many wonderful friends and family, and close relationships with her parents, cousins, “nieces and nephews.”

A 1963 graduate of Hope High School in Providence, Doreen learned the ins and outs of finance and marketing during her high school years while working the first female-driven Del’s Lemonade truck with her lifelong friend Terry Newell – they were very successful! She went on to earn a B.S. in Business Administration from Bryant College in 1967 followed by a long career in accounting and market research – and a happy period later in life as a driver education instructor – she loved the teenagers!

Doreen was a very private person, an avid yet savvy gambler and quite the social butterfly. She loved her casino adventures across the globe and treasured her escapades and time spent with friends and family – always eager to ask a lot of questions and learn as much as she could about them and anyone else who crossed her path – she never forgot any details! She never forgot ANYTHING!!!

She had a sign in her kitchen that read, “Friends are the family that we choose!” Certainly a void has been left in the hearts of us all – the Hiltzes, Hochmans and Blakes – and equally to those of the family she chose– her many remarkable and fabulous friends.

Donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital (Stjude.org), Hope Hospice (1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904) or the Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Collaborative Services (1165 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.)

Frederic Haas, 78

CALDWELL, N.J. – Frederic D. Haas passed away on Feb. 3, 2022, at home. Born in Providence, a son of the late Sol and Jean (Friedman) Haas, he had lived in New Jersey for the past 40 years.

He was co-owner of the former Bace Disposal in Florham Park, New Jersey, and the former executive vice president of Dictograph Products. Fred was a former member of Temple Emanu-El, Providence.

He was the brother of Donna Levy and her husband, Sheldon, of Florida. He was the uncle of Josh Reitzas and great-uncle of Charlie. He was the nephew of Murray Friedman. He was the cousin of Diane and Robert Ducoff and their children, Gary Friedman, Brian and Carol Friedman, Bobby Friedman, Dennis and Shelly Friedman, and the late Alan Friedman and his surviving wife, Carol.

Contributions may be made to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island – Maccabi Games Fund, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Morton Kessler, 89

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Morton (Mort) H. Kessler of Providence passed away on Feb 2, 2022. After several months of declining health, he died peacefully with his children by his side. Mort was born in Providence on Sept. 23, 1932, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Feldman) Kessler.

In his formative years, Mort was a poultry raiser, buyer and breeder, as well as a trombone player. Growing vegetables was a lifelong passion, and he enjoyed gifting family and friends with tomatoes and homemade pickles. If you were lucky enough, you would also be gifted with his famous hermit cookies. Later in life, Mort bred and raised poodles.

As a proud member of the Army, he served overseas during the Korean War. Upon completion of his military service, Mort worked for both of his family’s businesses: Kessler’s Bakery and Ma Kessler’s Delicatessen. He was a master chef and baker, using his skills and experience as a chef instructor at William Davies Career Technical School in Lincoln.

He attended the University of Rhode Island, Bryant College and Rhode Island College.

Mort was a member of Overseas Lodge #40 F&AM, Consistory Scottish Rite Valley of Providence, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Palestine Temple, Touro Fraternal Association, University Society of Providence, Parents Without Partners – Providence Chapter, AARP and Jewish War Veterans – Rhode Island Post 23.

Mort is survived by his sister Rosalie Buckler of Providence; former spouse Elaine (Segal) Silva and their four children, Barry Kessler and his wife Vicky Kessler, of Barrington; Wayne Kessler and his wife Karen Meginsky, of Westwood, Massachusetts; Rhonda Kessler (retired PPD) and her husband Keith Tucker, of Smithfield; Lori Krawetz and her husband Edward, of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends.

Contributions can be made to the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or Jewish War Veterans Wall Memorial Fund, PO Box 100064, Cranston, RI 02910.

George Millican, 81

WEST KINGSTON, R.I. – George Ronald Millican (known as Ron) passed away Feb. 12, 2022.

Ron had a good life and a good death. Beloved by his wife Laurie Heineman, his daughters Annie and Yulan and his late son Nico Millican, Ron lived a full and varied life. After a more than 10-year journey with Alzheimer’s, COVID-19 led to a swift fiveday decline, and he passed on near dawn in no pain. He was cared for by his family and the angels of Beacon Hospice. Ron loved to dance and in his final days he was surrounded by music, singing, love and with family photos nearby. All who knew him remember his enjoyment of dressing with his own style, so his family added a lace pocket square for his transition to Rhode Island Hospital, where his brain was donated for Alzheimer’s research as he desired.

Ron spent most of his early life in North Carolina and on Navy bases. While working his way through University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he waited tables during summers at a hotel in Nantucket where he received advice from one of the patrons. “Try a career for two years, and if it doesn’t feel right, try another.” So after serving as a navigator on Navy supply planes during the Vietnam War era, he worked in advertising in New York City, and then at Citibank with a stint in London in the early years of venture capital investing.

Later Ron developed and sold real estate on Long Island and in Manhattan, including housing for the elderly. In 1995, after getting a master of arts in teaching, he, Laurie, and their girls, moved to Kingston, where Ron worked for the East Bay Collaborative and Rogers High School. He completed his career at The Education Alliance at Brown University.

Contributions to Doctors Without Borders or The RI Alzheimer’s Association would be welcome.

Susette Rabinowitz, 80

WARWICK, R.I. – Susette Rabinowitz passed away on Feb. 18, 2022, at Tamarisk Assisted Living. She was the wife of the late Warren Rabinowitz. She was the mother of Gary Rabinowitz of Cranston and Jon Rabinowitz (Michal) of Tenafly, New Jersey. She was the sister of the late Robert Herz. She was the grandmother of Romi and Mia.

Born in La Paz, Bolivia, a daughter of the late Fred and Ruth (Wolfe) Herz, she had lived in Warwick for 2½ years, previously living in Boca Raton, Florida, and a longtime resident of Cranston. A longtime activist and proponent for active senior care, she was the director of Senior Services for the City of Cranston for 20 years and the executive director for Jewish Seniors Agency, retiring in 2005. She was instrumental in the creation of Tamarisk, where she spent her final years. Susette was a co-founder of VICS (Volunteers in Cranston Schools) and was inducted into the Cranston Hall of Fame in 2000. She was also a life member of Hadassah.

Contributions in her memory may be made to The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick, RI 02886.

OBITUARIES

Joseph Schleifer, 51

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Joseph M. Schleifer passed away on Feb. 13, 2022. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was a son of Estelle (Chorney) Schleifer and the late Ernest Schleifer. He was the father of Samantha Schleifer and Max Schleifer and brother of Beverly Goncalves, her husband, Carlos, and their sons, Lyle and Arthur, all of Cranston. He is survived by his former wife, Ruth Schleifer. Joseph will be missed by his girlfriend, Deborah Cohen Peckham and extended friends and family.

He recently moved to Jacksonville. Previously he was a longtime resident of Cranston. Joseph was a graduate of Cranston East High School, Class of ’88 and attended Northeastern University in Boston and University of Alabama. Joseph enjoyed golfing and loved spending the day at the beach where he bathed in the sun and walked with his dog, Daisy. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor.

Contributions may be made to Chabad of West Bay, 3871 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886.

Steven Schleifer, 56

COVENTRY, R.I. – Steven H. Schleifer passed away on Feb. 21, 2022, at Respiratory and Rehab. He was the son of Linda (Abrams) Schleifer of Coventry and the late Robert Schleifer, brother of Elissa Schleifer of West Greenwich and uncle of Kamron, Sydni and Konor O’Brien.

Born in Yonkers, New York, he had lived in Coventry for three years. Previously he was a longtime resident of West Warwick. Steven enjoyed reading and working at the family bookstore years ago. He was also always working with technology and on computers in his spare time. Most of all, Steven loved animals and had a variety of unique pets throughout his life.

Contributions may be made to Amedisys, c/o Beacon Hospice, 1130 Ten Rod Road #A205, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or the animal welfare agency of your choice.

Eva Sheer, 108

WARWICK, R.I. – Eva (Sonkin) Sheer, of Warwick, passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, at Avalon Nursing Home in Warwick. She was the wife of the late Leonard Sheer. Born in Central Falls, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Anne (Witchner) Sonkin.

Survivors include: three sons, Arthur Sheer and his wife, Barbara, of Providence and Florida, Neil Sheer and his wife, Charlotte, of Cape Cod and Stanley Sheer and his wife, Deborah, of Warwick; seven grandchildren, Adam Sheer, David Sheer, Jason Sheer, Lisa Zenack and her husband, Scott, Lara Winn and her husband, Joshua, Leonard Sheer and his wife, Cathy, and Melissa Hatch and her husband, Matthew; 12 great-grandchildren, Philip Sheer, Penelope Sheer, Samuel Winn, Sophie Winn, Cassie Hatch, Andrew Hatch, Rom Sheer, Jod Sheer, Evangeline Sheer, Nathaniel Sheer, Jessie Zenack and Steven Zenack. She was the sister of the late Leo Sonkin, Nathan Sonkin and Edith Gordon

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Joyce Tesler, 91

WARWICK, R.I. – Joyce M. (Cohen) Schreiber Tesler, of Warwick, passed away on Feb. 21, 2022. Joyce was the wife of the late Ira L. Schreiber and the late Marvin J. Tesler. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Max A. and Ethel J. (Blackman) Cohen.

Joyce graduated from Classical High School (’47) and attended Pembroke College (Brown University) earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology (’51). She began her career as a social worker but later devoted her time entirely to her four children. As her children grew older, she returned to the work force and became a successful real estate agent. She was also an active congregant of Temple Sinai for over 50 years.

Joyce could often be found at a card table enjoying weekly canasta, mahjong or bridge games. It was there she met so many who became her lifelong friends. She achieved life master status in bridge. The kitchen was another place of enjoyment where she baked blueberry pies and apple crisps that were known by all but eaten by only the fortunate.

She was the mother of four children: Jill Ann Schreiber of Hamden, Connecticut, Bruce J. Schreiber of Bradenton, Florida, Kenneth A. Schreiber (Anne) of Cranston, and Judith L. Schreiber Rowland (Ray) of Acton, Massachusetts; two stepchildren: Dr. Peter Tesler (Deborah) and Pamela Tesler Howitt (Steven). She was the grandmother of Max, Abby and Haley Schreiber, Julia and Jack Rowland, Jennifer Harper, Jake, Lucas and Zachary Tesler and three great-grandchildren: Hannah, Hayden and Hallie Harper.

She was the sister of the late Donald A. Cohen; sister-in-law of the late Lois Cohen; mother-inlaw of the late Nilda Schreiber and niece of the late Ida Blackman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ira L. Schreiber Music Fund, c/o Temple Sinai, 30 Hagan Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.

Alan Uffer, 83

BOCA RATON, FLA. – Alan M. Uffer, of Boca Raton (formerly of Cranston) died on Feb. 12, 2022, of heart failure.

Alan lived his entire life focused on the things he loved most: his family, his sports teams, the beach and being poolside, telling jokes, wearing his blonde girlie wig, admiring beautiful women and driving his much-adored sister-in-law crazy. Over the years he would never pass up a chance to fish, play cards, bowl or go to auctions. His kindness and compassion knew no bounds, and he would be the first to tell you he just wanted to make people feel good and laugh. After the passing of his wife, he had to quickly learn “adulting,” including cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, paying bills and using an ATM. He was a work in progress.

Born in Providence, he was a graduate of Hope High School and Bryant College. He spent a career in retail, moved to business ownership and culminated in food distribution sales and marketing. In his retirement he dedicated a great portion of time to volunteering at Save the Bay, the Rhode Island Blood Bank, the Children’s Museum and Hasbro Children’s Hospital among others. He was a member of Touro Fraternal Association and served in the Army National Guard.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Uffer; his parents Jenny (Goldstein) and Harry Uffer and brother Martin Uffer. He is survived by his daughter Ellice Uffer and son David Uffer; most beloved granddaughter Alexis Uffer; sister-in-law Adrienne Uffer, nieces Michelle Snoeren (Pieter Snoeren), and Debra Gold (Steve Gold); great-nephews Harris Sullivan and Henry Gold and great-nieces Sage Andone (Dakon Andone) and Jenny Gold; and favorite cousins Arlene Goldstein and Burt Goldstein (Elaine Goldstein) and grandpup Frankie Grace. He is also survived by his “Debbie” – loyal and devoted aide, companion and mostly importantly, best friend on earth.

Memorial donations may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Save the Bay or Camp JORI.

We are read

Larry Katz, director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, attended the annual conference of the Jewish Educators Assembly, which honored former Rhode Islander Dr. Cathy Berkowitz with its lifetime achievement award. The conference was held Jan. 30-Feb. 2 in Boca Raton, Florida.