ALVIN RAPPAPORT, 87, of California, died July 18, 2001. He was an attorney who was a graduate of the University of Detroit Law School. He was also a star sprinter in track.
In 1931, Mr. Rappaport was a member of the Michigan State AAU championship relay team at Detroit Central High School. He became a member of the "Seven Iron Men" at the University of Detroit in the mid-1930s and participated in the 1933 Olympics. Mr. Rappaport was twice selected, once as captain, to represent the United States on the U.S. international sprint relay team.
He was a board member of the Gus Dorais Memorial Foundation in the 1950s, which provided scholarship funds for deserving young athletes so they could participate in sports and earn a university degree. In 1987, Mr. Rappaport was inducted into the University of Detroit Hall of Fame.
In addition, he was as jazz musician, arranger, bandleader and soloist. During World War II, he headed the Contract Termination Department for the U.S. Army Ordinance Command in Detroit. He authored many operations manuals used by the government during and after the war.
Mr. Rappaport earned two degrees at the University of Detroit: a bachelor of arts in history and philosophy and a bachelor of law degree. In the early 1970s, he headed the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company's litigation department. He went on to practice and became a law partner of James Hare, former Michigan secretary of state.
He was certified to appear before the Michigan Supreme Court and remained a lifelong member of the Michigan Bar Association. He was also a member of the Anti-Defamation League Legal Board.
Mr. Rappaport is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen Rappaport; son, Geoffrey Rappaport; brother, Paul Rappaport of California and sister and brother-in-law, Fritzi and Marvin Rott; sisters-in-law, Florence Rappaport, Mona Rappaport, Gloria Zack; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry and Reva Ratner, Gene Keller.
Interment at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the University of Detroit Athletic Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
BEN SCHURGIN, 92, of West Bloomfield, died July 18, 2001. He was the owner of Eden Furniture. He also received a teaching degree from Michigan Normal, now Eastern Michigan University, a master's degree in education from Wayne State University and taught classes in Detroit prior to World War II. After the war, he went into the furniture business. Mr. Schurgin was a former professional football player, who played for the Dearborn Tiger Cats and played college ball for Michigan Normal.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Leon and Audrey Schurgin of Farmington Hills, Dr. Arthur and Cindy Schurgin of Phoenix; daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Roy Lachman of Ohio, Miriam and Ralph Silverstein of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, Karen Schurgin and Robert Braunhild, Debbie Schurgin, Brian Schurgin, Joseph Lachman, David Silverstein, Rhonda Silverstein, Daniel Schurgin; great-grandchildren, Rachel and Ilyssa Braunhild. Mr. Schurgin was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Eder Schurgin; dear brother of the late Arthur Schurgin, the late Harry Schurgin, the late Donnie Schurgin and the late Bessie Meyers.
Interment at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan and the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
ANNA WEITZ, 96, of Southfield, died July 17, 2001.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Marshall and Ruth Weitz of Southfield, Robert and Sandra Weitz of Huntington Woods; brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Annette Elliot of Farmington Hills; sister, Sylvia Saracheck of New York, N.Y.; grandchildren, Susan (David) Sabbath, Julie (Michael) Lask, Mark (Holly) Weitz, Matthew (Lorna) Weitz, Lynn (Jerry) Kirshner; great-grandchildren, Rachel, Madison, Zachary, Zoe, Joseph, Ronald, Jakob, Sofya, Jennifer and Sara; great-great-grandson, Drew. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Weitz.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the Dorfman Chapel.
EUGENE W. CHOVER, 55, of Southfield, died July 16, 2001. He was an inventory manager at the Broadway/City Slicker Shoes in Detroit.
Mr. Chover is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Daline Chover of California; nephew, Richard Chover; uncle and aunt, Dr. Lionel and Flo Finkelstein.
Interment at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
FRANCES HODESS, 85, of Oak Park, died July 16, 2001.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Hodess of Oak Park; son, Bruce Hodess of Maryland; sister, Rossie Perlman of Southfield; granddaughter, Arwen (Ruben) Cochran; great-granddaughter, Sarah. She was the beloved wife of the late Morris Hodess; sister of the late Milton "Murph" Greenberg.
Services and intermenty at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 16310 W. 12 Mile, Southfield, MI 48076 or the American Diabetes Association, 30600 Telegraph Rd. Suite 2255, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. Arrangements by the Dorfman Chapel.
SYLVIA MAZER, 90, of Livonia, died July 16, 2001.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Morris; daughter and son-in-law, Carole and Jerry Singer of Livonia; son, Ronald Mazer of Chula Vista, Calif.; sister, Goldie Agrest of Delray Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Steven (Carole) Singer, Richard Singer, Alynne Singer, Denise Singer, Joel (Mary) Mazer, David Mazer, Elizabeth Mazer; great-grandchildren, Evan, Alan, Alex, Derek, Danielle, Jared and Michael.
Interment at the Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 16310 W. 12 Mile, Southfield, MI 48076 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the Dorfman Chapel.
CELIA KATZ, 77, former Detroiter of Denver, Colo., died June 16, 2001. She received a bachelor of science degree with honors from Wayne State University, attended law school and passed the bar. She was a self-employed attorney, representing the underprivileged, as well as being a medical technologist and homemaker.
Congregation Rodef Shalom of Denver honored Mrs. Katz for her participation in the synagogue and its sisterhood.
Mrs. Katz is survived by her husband, Isadore; children, Robert Yale (Jodi) Katz, Alan L. Katz, Dr. Eva Lynn (Dr. William) Zimmerman, Simona Joy (Anatoly) Yuffa; grandchildren, Keith and Alexandra Katz, David and Aaron Zimmerman, Gabrielle and Hanne Yuffa, Jonathon and Steven Katz, Charl Yuffa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Morris and Delores Katz, Anna Katz Brenner, Lillian Gold, Jerry and Stephanie Katz, Ann Weiner. She was the sister of the late Harry and Hymie Weiner; sister-in-law of the late Jeannette Tilchin.
Graveside services were held at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Congregation Rodef Shalom in Denver or to Porter Hospice. Arrangements by Feldman Mortuary.
HERMAN MARMELSTEIN, 84, of Roswell, Ga., died July 16, 2001. He was a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and pharmacist.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Marmelstein; son and daughter-in-law, Roy and Redika Marsten of Atlanta; seven grandchildren.
Interment at Brith Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
NATHAN BLITSTEIN, 77, of Southfield, died July 15, 2001. For 25 years, he was a store manager at Federal Department Stores and then for 20 years a store manager at Osmuns Men's Wear. He was also a member of B'nai B'rith.
Mr. Blitstein is survived by his wife, Roma Blitstein; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Shel Jacobs of West Bloomfield; son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Annette Blitstein of Beverly Hills; grandchildren, Ben and Lauren Jacobs, Alex and Amanda Blitstein; sisters and brothers-in-law, Fay and Meyer Ordower of Windsor, Faga and Milton Claphman of Toronto, Sookie and Norman Ordower of Windsor; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Sidney and Carol Seltzer of South Carolina.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
JACOB "JACK" DIAMOND, 98, of Franklin, died July 15, 2001. For over 40 years, he was the owner of Army-Navy Surplus Store in Detroit and Warren. He was a charter member of Adat Shalom Synagogue and active with the Knights of Phythias.
Mr. Diamond is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Marjorie and Stephen Ziff of Franklin, Mimi and Terry Wittert; grandchildren, Julie Cykiert, Michael and Sandy Lippitt, Richard and Elizabeth Lippitt, Ronald and Dr. Denise Lippitt, Brian and Leslie Ziff, Dr. Adam and Lisa Ziff, Jennifer and Gordon Goldbaum, Matthew Werber; great-grandchildren, Josh Cykiert, Nathan Cykiert, Max Lippitt, Scott Lippitt, Maureen Lippitt and Maya Goldbaum; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sylvia and "Sorky" Helfer. He was the beloved husband of the late Rose Diamond.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Adat Shalom Synagogue. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
HARRY EICHLER, 102, of Sarasota, Fla., died July 15, 2001. He was an insurance salesman.
Mr. Eichler is survived by his sons, Dr. Sheldon Eichler of Florida, Dr. Martin Eichler of Georgia; grandchildren, Ricki and Rick Rogow, Roger and Marta Eichler, Romey Eichler, Suzanne and Windel Shindel, Dr. Marc Eichler, Dena and Cliff Oliver; great-grandchildren, Darren, Sarah and Zachary Rogow, Matthew and Simone Oliver. He was the beloved husband of the late Pauline Eichler.
Interment at Hebrew Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
HAROLD "HAL" ABROMOVICH, 43, of Huntington Woods, died May 23, 2001. He was a computer salesman.
He is survived by his wife, Sari Abromovich; son, Scott Abromovich; daughter, Anna Abromovich; parents, Barnett "Bob" and Beryl Abromovich; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Richard Miller, Mona and Steven Mertz; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Arline and Sy Finkelstein; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dale and Stephen Harburg. He was the loving son of the late Florence "Laurie" Abromovich.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
CLIFFORD BANILOWER, 88, of Southfield, died May 25, 2001. He was self-employed and owner of Rave Cleaners.
He is survived by his nephews and nieces, Bruce and Rosalie Rosen, Joyce and Gerry Tauber; great-nieces and great-nephews, Julie and Marty Wiener, Pamela and Jeffrey Roberts, Susan Tauber, Lisa Tauber, Michael and Jodie Tauber; and great-great-nephews and great-great-niece, Danny and Sammie Wiener, Megan and Jeffrey Roberts. He was the beloved husband of the late Laura Weiss Banilower; dear brother of the late Tillie Rosen and the late Bennie Banilower.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Tillie and Aaron Rosen Memorial Fund Variety -- The Children's Charity, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite 301, Southfield, MI 48076. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
BENNIE "UNCLE BENNIE" BANILOWER, died April 20, 2000. He is survived by his brother, Clifford Banilower of Southfield; nieces and nephews, Bruce and Rosalie Rosen and Joyce and Jerry Tauber; great-nieces and great-nephews, Julie and Marty Wiener, Pamela and Jeffrey Roberts, Susan Tauber, Lisa Tauber, Michael Tauber and fiancee Jodie Little; great-great-nieces and nephews. Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be directed to the Tillie and Aaron Rosen Memorial Fund at Variety, the Childre's Charity, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite 301, Southfield, MI 48076. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
EVA R. BAYER, 83, of Flint, died Oct. 3, 2000. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Aida Bayer of Miami, Fla.; daughter, Myra White of Flint; grandchildren, Jamey and Liz Wittenberg, Andrew and Wendy Wittenberg, Adam Bayer, Mitchell and Sharon Bayer; great-grandchildren, Rachel Wittenberg, Elizabeth Bayer. Mrs. Bayer was the beloved wife of the late Ben Bayer; loving mother-in-law of the late Charles White; loving sister of the late Samel Rosen, the late Rebecca Goldberg, the late Betty Slafkin. Contributions may be made to Hurley Foundation, ICU, 1 Hurley Plaza, Flint, MI 48503. Services and intermenty at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.
SAMUEL W. BRAVERMAN, 87, of Huntington Woods, died March 30, 2001. He was an attorney who practiced law in Lincoln Park until he was 81. He was a member of the Downriver Association and the Wayne County Detective Association. In addition, he was a Shriner, a Mason and a past member of B'nai B'rith.
Mr. Braverman is survived by his wife, Mirriam Braverman; sons and daughters-in-law, Eric and Julia Braverman of Huntington Woods, Les and Gail Braverman of West Bloomfield; daughter and son-in-law, Alaine and Robert Katz of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Erica, Paul, Max and Nicole Braverman and Natalie Katz.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be directed to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel
SOPHIA BRAVERMAN, 70, of Southfield, died Nov. 24, 1999. She is survived by her husband, Solomon Braverman; daughter and son-in-law Helene and Joseph Shlimovich of Southfield; sister Nina Brelik of Oak Park; grandson Eugene. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Services and arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.
