Join us in mourning those brothers who have entered the Chapter Eternal.

 

Jeffrey H. Brotman, Alpha Mu (University of Washington) 1965

Jeffrey Hart Brotman died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 1. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 27, 1942 to Bernie and Pearl Brotman. He attended the University of Washington and graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1964, and received his JD in 1967. Jeff married Susan Thrailkill, a Nordstrom executive, in 1976. They have two children: daughter Amanda Pearl, born 1979 and son Justin Hart, 1982.

Jeff grew up in a retailing family, his father Bernie founded Bernie’s Mens Wear. Jeff worked in his dad’s stores in high school and college. Later, he and his brother Michel operated Bottoms, a chain of stores for young women, as well as Jeffrey Michael. He went to Law School to “escape” retail, and after graduating, served as assistant Attorney General from 1967-68. He then founded a law firm with Earl Lasher, practicing Tax Law for seven years with Lasher, Brotman and Sweet. Jeff was drawn back into retail, founding Costco with Jim Sinegal in 1983. They were amazing partners and had deep respect and admiration for each other. Jeff served the company as Executive Chairman. Costco Wholesale now operates 736 stores in the US and abroad – the largest membership warehouse club in the world. They prided themselves in “doing the right thing” as exemplified Costco’s mission: 1) Obey the Law, 2) Take care of your customers, 3) Treat your employees well, 4) Respect your Suppliers. If you do those four things, your shareholders will be rewarded.

Jeff served on numerous boards including Seafirst Bank and Starbucks, and was a trustee of the Seattle Art Museum. He was a Regent of the University of Washington from 1998-2011, and Board President in 2004.

Jeff served on the UW School of Medicine Board, the Medicine Strategic Initiative Committee, chaired the UW Investment Management Company (UWINCO), and served on UW’s Committee on Real Estate. He Chaired the Campaign for Medicine for Campaign UW: Creating Futures. Jeff and Susan are among the co-chairs of UW’s current Be Boundless Campaign. Jeff and Susan received the 2013 Gates Volunteer Service Award at UW. In 2015 Jeff was named Laureate Junior Achievement Puget Sound Business Journal Hall of Fame, and in 2016 UW’s Foster School of Business Distinguished Leadership Award.

Jeff was involved in numerous civic organizations. He chaired the United Way Campaign in 1997 and continued to Chair the Million Dollar Round Table. He received the United Way 2014 Beacon Award for Visionary Philanthropy. Jeff and Susan received the 2005 First Citizen Service Award in recognition of outstanding civic service by the Seattle King County Association of Realtors and the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Survivors include Jeff’s wife Susan, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Antoine Schetritt, grandsons Leo Marcel and Simon Hart; son Justin, daughter-in-law Margot; brother Michel, sister-in-law Valerie; Nephews Adam Brotman (Carrie), daughter Addison; Jason Brotman (Andy), son Jackson; Samantha Brotman (Rob). Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Grant and Dianne Thrailkill, niece and nephew; Stacy Thrailkill, Brian Thrailkill and numerous cousins.

For all his accomplishments, Jeff will be remembered most for his devotion to his family and friends, his intelligence, wit, his generosity of time and spirit. He was a great guy, he was the best.

Donations can be made in Jeff’s name to the University of Washington, United Way of King County or the Seattle Art Museum.

Originally published in The Seattle Times.

 

Martin A. Sklar, Alpha Rho (University of California – Los Angeles) 1957

Martin A. “Marty” Sklar, 83, a right-hand man of Walt Disney and central figure in the development and expansion of his company’s theme parks around the world, died Thursday at his Hollywood Hills home, the company said. No details were released on his cause of death.

Mr. Sklar had roles in the development of every Disney park, from the original Disneyland in Southern California in 1955 to the Shanghai Disney Resort last year, and was revered by employees as a living link to the founder.

Mr. Sklar was still a college student at UCLA when he was hired to create the Disneyland News for the original park and became a full-time Disney employee the following year.

For the next 54 years he led the development and expansion of the company’s parks, and was among the first to have the unique-to-Disney title of “imagineer” when he became the company’s chief creative leader for theme parks.

He had a hand in the design of memorable Magic Kingdom attractions such as the Enchanted Tiki Room, It’s a Small World, and Space Mountain.

Mr. Sklar retired in 2009 but remained a frequent presence and ambassador at Disney events, including the company’s D23 Expo in July.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah, and son, Howard.

Originally published by the Associated Press. Read more on Wikipedia.

 

John P. Gallucci, Epsilon Nu (State University of New York – Oneonta) 1989

John P. Gallucci, adored father, husband and brother, age 50, a lifetime resident of Oneonta, N.Y., passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, May 11th at Albany Medical Center with his beloved family by his side. John was born on July 7, 1966 to Jacqueline (LaSalle) and John E. Gallucci.

John graduated from Oneonta Senior High School in 1985 and attended the State University of New York at Oneonta where he became a member of the ZBT Fraternity and found brothers for life. John found his calling in the bar and restaurant business when he opened The Silver Bullet in Oneonta in 1991, where he perfected his culinary skills, befriended and helped many of his patrons and employees, and created lifelong friendships. Years later, John owned and operated Rail benders in Oneonta, where he provided patrons with delicious food, drinks, friendship, and sage advice.

John had a strong connection with young people, having worked at the Youth Leadership Academy of South Kortright where he displayed his compassion and talents for guiding youth in a positive direction. Most recently, John found his niche with RSS working at the Elmwood Community Residence in Oneonta where he enriched the lives of many residents and their families.

John was a loving and devoted father to his three children, of whom he was exceedingly proud. He was an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, loved hiking, swimming, cooking, antiques, drawing, working out, helping others whenever possible, adventure, experiencing new things, exploring his cultural heritage, travel, and, most of all, living. John had a tremendous sense of humor and provided comic relief to all he knew. John’s heart was full of love and he gave it most generously and freely. He will be dearly and deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.

John is survived by his cherished wife Marcella Gallucci and his three adored children: Anthony, Nicholas, and Holdyn; his loving sister Helyn L. Gallucci and her companion David S. Erbe, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, formerly of Oneonta; his paternal Uncle and Aunt Frank and Aida Gallucci; his paternal Uncle Arthur; maternal Uncle and Aunt Richard and Cindy LaSalle; three very dear friends: Cary Panullo, Antonio Vasquez and Scott Foster; cousins, nephews, and in-laws; and his loyal black labrador Noel Gallucci.

John was predeceased by his loving parents John (10/12/03) and Jacqueline (10/27/16); his maternal and paternal grandparents; and by his beloved German Shepherd Bullet.

Donations in John’s memory are asked to be made to The Boys Scouts Of America, 6134 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be offered online by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta, NY.

 

Richard Wolk Brown, Alpha Gamma (Vanderbilt University) 1949

Richard Wolk Brown, of Marblehead and Rancho Mirage, Calif., died Saturday, April 8, 2017 in Rancho Mirage.

He was born to Helen Wolk Brown and Charles Brown June 16, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1949, where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.

Richard was the owner of Vinyl Company of America, a home improvement organization. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He was interested in all sports. He played tennis his entire life, and took up golf in later years. Richard enjoyed extensive travel. He loved to play tournament Bridge and achieved Silver Life Master.

Richard is survived by former wife and constant companion, Helen Hoyer Brown.

Originally published in the Sandusky Register.

 

Dr. Andrew M. Blumberg, Pi of Phi Sigma Delta (University of Wisconsin – Madison) 1970

Andrew M. Blumberg, M.D. died peacefully on April 2, 2017, surrounded by his family and friends. Andy was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ. He graduated from Rutgers Preparatory School (’66), The University of Wisconsin-Madison (’70) and George Washington University School of Medicine (’74). Andy completed his Internship and Residency with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. During his 40-year career as a pediatrician, ‘Dr. B’ cared for thousands of children. Andy served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Credentials Committee member, and Vice Chief of Staff for Saddleback Women’s Hospital. He served as Hoag Memorial Hospital’s Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and as a member of the Medical Executive Committee. He was the Chief Liaison between CHOC and the Department of Pediatrics at Hoag. He was the founder and CEO of KidsDoc and UrgiKids. Andy’s greatest joy was treating his young patients, practicing medicine until the time of his death.

Andy took daily walks in Laguna Beach. He loved history, football, basketball, steak and sushi. He cherished his family and his friends.

Andy is survived by his loving children, Jeremy (Ally), Adam (Dana) and Annie (Matt); his beloved sister, Joanne; and his precious grandchildren, Poppy, Brandon, Henry and Ethan. He was preceded in death by his proud parents, Ed and Shirley.

Contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Originally published in Orange County Register.

 

Brett Schwartz, Alpha Omega (University of Miami) 2013

Brett Schwartz, 24, of New York City passed away on June 8, 2017. He grew up in Morganville and was a graduate of University of Miami where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and is a lifetime member of the ZBT Fraternity. He worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers as a Certified Public Accountant and lived in New York for the last two and a half years. He was an enthusiast for the New York Yankees, Miami Hurricanes, Miami Dolphins, and Brooklyn Nets. He is survived by his loving parents Myles and Melody Schwartz of Morganville, his sister Heather and his girlfriend Jessie Widder. Funeral Services were in June in Woodbridge, NJ. The Memorial Donations in his memory may be made to University of Miami School of Business, Attn: Lance Balding, Gable One Tower Suite 995, 1320 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL 33196. Checks should be payable to University of Miami.

 

Ryan A. Maidenberg, Nu (The Ohio State University) and Alpha Alpha (Purdue University) 2012

Ryan Aaron Maidenberg, 27, passed away on June 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Ilana Unterhalter; his father, Michael Maidenberg; and his sister, Tori Maidenberg. He is also survived by his grandparents, Tiby Unterhalter and Mike Unterhalter, and Ann and Rick Altman; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ryan was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended Beren Academy and The Emery-Weiner School. He attended Purdue University where he was a founding father of a Zeta Beta Tau fraternity chapter. Ryan then transferred to The Ohio State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Economics, International Relations, and Political Science in 2012. After graduation, Ryan made aliyah to Israel as a Lone Soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces. He returned to the United States for health reasons. Over the next few years, Ryan experienced multiple health challenges. At the same time, he focused on entrepreneurial endeavors in financial services and technology.

Ryan had an endless thirst for knowledge, especially when it came to finance and politics. He was a huge advocate for homeopathic and naturopathic medicine research. He had a tremendous amount of empathy for people suffering from health-related issues, often offering his expertise. He loved spending time with family and friends, whether playing board games or engaging in deep conversations.

Donations in memory of Ryan can be made to Meyerland Minyan, Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, or Magen David Adom.

 

Lewis G. (Sonny) Sherman, Jr., Mu of Phi Epsilon Pi (University of Georgia) 1947

Louis G. Sherman, Jr. (“Sonny”) passed away peacefully August 17, 2015. Sonny was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 16, 1925. He moved to Atlanta when he was five years old and spent the remainder of his life here. He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Sherman, Sr. and his sister, Dorothy S. Commins. He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Mary Louise Marx Sherman, his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Larry Kahn, children Mary Jane and Fred Colen, Dorothy Gross, Michael L. Sherman, and James and Nancy Sherman, grandchildren Jennifer Mosbacher, Danny Gross, Fred Colen, Jr., John Colen, Ellie Sherman, Jay Sherman, and six great-grandchildren. Sonny graduated early from Boy’s High School and briefly attended the University of Georgia in 1943 where he was a member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity. He left the University of Georgia to join the United States Navy where he served in the South Pacific during World War II. When Sonny returned to Atlanta, he finished college at Emory University. After graduating in 1948, Sonny entered the furniture business with his family and became part owner of Henderson Furniture Company and Southeast Wholesale Furniture Company. Sonny was a member of the Standard Club for seventy years where he was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds with his golfing buddies. Later in life, he also enjoyed his regular bridge game. The family will have a PRIVATE funeral service. Donations may be made to The Temple, The Weinstein Hospice or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at hmpatterson.com.

Originally published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

 

Matt Friedlander, Alpha Upsilon (Duke University) 1940

Matt Friedlander, a Moultrie native and business leader, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. He was 94. Services are set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Baker Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service. Visitation will be at 4:30 p.m. at the home of Mrs. Ann Friedlander, 106, 13th Ave., S.E., Moultrie. Mr. Friedlander was born in Moultrie in 1920, the third of Louis and Esther Friedlander’s six sons. His survivors include his wife, Jacqueline, who now resides in Atlanta; his sons, Stephen, who now lives in Jerusalem, Israel, John and wife Pamela, Ann Arbor, Mich., Charlie and wife Teresa, Athens, Ga.; grandson Jesse, granddaughters, Cait and Kelly; brother Jack, Moultrie; a great granddaughter, Eliana, and a great grandson, Adin. After graduating from Moultrie High School at age 16, he attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., and Duke University in Durham, N.C., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. When the U.S. entered World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as lieutenant senior grade and was involved in the campaign that liberated North Africa from Nazi Germany. In 1943, he was married to Jacqueline Sprayregen of New York City. Although northern born in the big city, she quickly came to share her husband’s affection for Moultrie. In September, the couple celebrated their 71st anniversary. While he developed successful business operations throughout the Southeast across seven decades and traveled to more than 40 countries, he lived most of his live in Moultrie within two miles of his birthplace, a wood-frame house that still stands on First Avenue Southeast. He was an active member in numerous state and national real estate professional organizations, including GAR, NAR and the Association of Georgia Real Estate Exchangors. The family requests that any well-wishers consider donations to the Colquitt County Arts Center and Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, N.W., Atlanta, Ga., 30327.

Originally published in the Moultrie Observer.

 

Louis D. Perlis, Xi (Georgia Institute of Technology) 1946

Louis Perlis, 91 of Cordele, Ga.; Sarasota, Fla. & Highlands, NC. Passed away on May 13, 2017.

He was born October 14, 1925 in Cordele, Ga. to Isadore Perlis & Clara Feingold Perlis, both of blessed memory. Louis is survived by Pauline Heller Perlis his loving wife & soulmate of almost 63 years, as well as his three children Janice Perlis Ellin & her husband Dr. Richard Ellin of Atlanta; his son Larry Perlis and wife Barbara Arogeti Perlis of Savannah & Cordele; his son David Perlis and wife Robin Kent Perlis of Atlanta; his grandchildren Lee Perlis, Hayley Perlis, Sarah Perlis & Caroline Perlis as well as his brothers & sisters in law Lamar & Jackie Perlis of Cordele and Marvin & Lynette Perlis of Amelia Island, Fl.

Louis was a graduate of Cordele High School & Georgia Tech. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a radio technician on the Island of Guam. After completing his service in the Navy and graduating from Georgia Tech, Louis entered the family retail business, The Fair Store alongside his parents & siblings in Cordele, Ga. Louis later became involved in numerous other business pursuits including other retail operations, shopping center & commercial real estate development, hotel ownership & other various business ventures. Louis was the consummate entrepreneur.

Louis served multiple terms as President of The Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, The Cordele Chamber of Commerce, who honored him by naming him as its Citizen of the Year in 2010. He was active with the American Cancer Society, the Cordele Lions Club and served on various bank boards. He was also a Freemason.

Louis was an avid golfer & fisherman but most of all loved spending time with his family & friends (including his 4 legged friends.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation ( c/o Phil Perlis 346 Main S. Main Street Tifton, Ga. 31794) or a charity of one’s choice.

To sign the online registry, go to www.paulkfuneralhome.com.

 

Julian H. Toporek, Alpha Theta (University of South Carolina) 1959

Julian H. Toporek, 80, of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Jacqueline Aiken Toporek, entered into eternal rest Friday, April 21, 2017. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC. DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Julian was born May 23, 1936 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late Jack Toporek and Miriam Goodman Toporek. He held an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, and was a graduate of the USC School of Law. Julian was a practicing attorney in Georgia and South Carolina, holding membership in both the South Carolina and Georgia Bar Associations.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jacqueline Toporek, of Savannah, GA; three children, Brian (Dawn) Toporek of Marietta, GA; Brenda (Larry) Needle of Columbia, SC, Melissa Toporek (Abebe Debay) of Savannah, GA; sister, Rosalind Portman (Buddy) of Savannah, GA; six Grandchildren, Aaron Toporek, Adam Toporek, Evie Needle, Bette Needle, Rose Needle and Yael Toporek.

 

Errol Phillip Cohen, Alpha Phi (Miami University of Ohio) 1965

Errol Phillip Cohen, 73, of Savannah Georgia and husband of Carol Lynn Fleischaker Cohen, died Friday evening, March 25, 2016, at Memorial University Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Gamble Funeral Service

 

Aaron L. Buchsbaum, Sigma (Tulane University) 1953

Aaron L. Buchsbaum, a Savannah lawyer, was a passionate advocate of social justice, classical music and public radio, and brought a measure of each to his hometown.

He died Saturday at age 83 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Buchsbaum was a key figure in the civil rights movement, helping to desegregate Savannah institutions and the state jury system. He was a concert organizer, bringing world-renowned musicians to the city, and a founder of Savannah’s public radio station. He was also a leader and spokesman for the Jewish community.

He practiced law for more than 50 years, and was best known for his civil rights work which, when it began in the early 1960s, was a cause that was deeply resented and whose outcome was far from assured.

Buchsbaum grew up in Savannah in the 1930s, where he was confronted with widespread poverty and racism, and witnessed abuses he could neither comprehend nor accept. As a lawyer, undaunted by occasional defeats, he never stopped working to end injustice and inequality.

In the early 1960s, he successfully challenged legal practices used to jail civil rights demonstrators in Savannah. One of them, a teenager arrested at a Tybee Island sit-in, was Edna Jackson, now Savannah’s mayor.

Buchsbaum worked countless hours pro bono and to establish and expand organizations to represent the poor. In 1966, he became president of the Legal Aid Society of Savannah, opening its first fulltime office. He later joined the board of its successor, Georgia Legal Services. As its president, from 1976 to 1981, he oversaw a broad expansion of the program to include representation of migrant farmworkers and legislative advocacy, and doubled the number of offices statewide to more than 20.

In 1974, Governor Jimmy Carter appointed Buchsbaum to the Governor’s Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, where he helped recommend new laws to improve the state justice system, especially to make it more accessible to the poor.

He was the volunteer cooperating attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union for Savannah, and a member of its Georgia advisory board. He joined the NAACP and for more than 40 years served as the attorney for the local anti-poverty agency, the Economic Opportunity Authority.

He also actively promoted black professionals into positions of leadership. It was on his advice that Governor Carter appointed Gadsden as a Workers’ Compensation Board judge, desegregating the Chatham County bench, and that Governor George Busbee later promoted Gadsden to be the first black judge of the Chatham County Superior Court.

Buchsbaum had been active in the Savannah Concert Association from 1975 until it closed in 1996, and was among the group that restarted it in 2003. He served on the city’s Cultural Arts Commission and on the boards of the Savannah Symphony and City Lights Theatre.

Despite strong fund-raising efforts, the station never overcame its operating deficit. In 1988, under

As a leader of Savannah’s Jewish community, Buchsbaum served twice as chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, to which he gave generously. He served on the board of the Savannah Jewish Council and on the executive committees of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council, including as its vice chairman from 1971 to 1976. He was also a lifetime member of the southeastern advisory board of the Anti-Defamation League.

Aaron Levy Buchsbaum was the son of Herbert Buchsbaum, co-owner of Buchsbaum Brothers wholesale grocery, and Sarah Levy Buchsbaum, daughter of the founder of Levy Jewelers, for whom Aaron was named. He attended Massie School, which was behind his house on Gaston Street, and Savannah High School where, despite being the top-ranked tennis player, he was barred from becoming team captain because of his religion. He graduated from Tulane University with a BBA in 1952 and from Emory University Law School, with honors and as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Public Law, in 1954.

After law school, he served in the Army as a specialist first class with the Army Audit Agency in Paris. He was admitted to the bars of Georgia, the United States Supreme Court and other federal courts.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Esther Rosenbaum of Atlanta; their four children, Herbert, Lauren, Susan and Elizabeth; and four grandchildren, Emma Louise Buchsbaum, Sarah Lea Gratz, David Matthew Gratz and Isabella Pearl Levine; a daughter-in-law, Letta Tayler; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Gratz.

Donations may be made to the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga., 31405; the Agudath Achim Synagogue, 9 Lee Boulevard, Savannah, Ga., 31405; or to the Aaron L. Buchsbaum Fellowship Fund, which pays for an Emory Law School graduate to work at Georgia Legal Services, Emory University School of Law, attn. Joella Hricik, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Ga., 30322.

Full obituary originally published in Savannah Morning News.

 

Christopher M. Christodoulou, Beta Xi (Brooklyn College) 1996

Brother Christodoulou was among the first responders to arrive at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. The former NYPD sergeant entered the Chapter Eternal on September 17 after a battle with cancer.  Read more on his story here.

 

Stephen Steinberg, Gamma Delta (Long Island University/C.W. Post) 1964

Brother Steinberg is a former Supreme Councilor who served as International Treasurer.

Brother Steinberg was named Maxwell Hyman Chapter Advisor of the Year in 1967 for his work with the Gamma Delta (C.W. Post), Beta Xi (Brooklyn College) and Gamma Kappa (Adelphi University) chapters. He worked alongside his brother, Franklin O. L. Steinberg as the owner and operator of Sunset Chapels, Inc in Manhasset, N.Y., for 52 years. He graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 1957.

Services were in May on Long Island.

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