Remembrances

Horace Mann School remembers with fondness the following members of our community who have passed away.

The Honorable Donald Blinken ’43 passed away on September 22, 2022.

Irwin Binder ’46, father of Jeffrey Binder ’84 and brother of Lenny Binder ’52, passed away on December 8, 2018.

Edward Munves, Jr. ’48 died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 25, 2022, after a brief illness. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Sherman (David) and Joan Boening; his grandchildren, Benjamin Sherman (Kara), Sarah Flaccavento (Marjorie), Justin Boening (Devon Walker), and James Boening (Amanda); and his great-grandchildren, Paul, Charlotte, Barrett, Asher, Lucas and Noa. He was a husband for 60 years of the late Norma Munves and then partner of the late Eve Kleger. Son of Frances and Edward Munves, Sr., he spent his entire life living in New York City. In his 70-year career in arts and antiques, he was chairman of James Robinson, Inc., a past president of NAADAA and a Fifth Avenue Association board member. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Brown University or the Village Community School. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 28, 2022, 10:00 am at Frank E. Campbell, Madison Avenue at 81st Street. Published by New York Times on July 26, 2022.

Bernard J. “Bud” Nussbaum ‘48, our longtime partner, colleague and friend, passed away on February 23, 2019, his 60th year with the firm. After graduating from University of Chicago Law School, where he was editor of the Law Review, Bud volunteered to serve in the Third Infantry Division, US Army, Judge Advocate General's Corps, where he tried dozens of courts-martial. Joining legacy Sonnenschein in Chicago in 1959, Bud developed a nationwide reputation over the years in the areas of antitrust and trade regulation, securities law, and contract disputes. In his later years, he was active in the Los Angeles and New York offices as well. A brilliant strategist and trial lawyer, Bud was one of the driving forces behind Sonnenschein’s ascendancy as a national litigation powerhouse in the 1970s and 1980s. He achieved countless victories for clients across a number of industries and geographies—one day defending a manufacturer against claims of wrongful termination of a distribution agreement, the next representing a real estate investment trust as plaintiff in a case against its bank sponsor alleging securities law violations and breaches of fiduciary obligations. He was also an active member of the National Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association and served as an arbitrator in several significant commercial matters. Published on February 28, 2019, by dentons.com.

Ralph Weindling ‘48 of New York City and Millbrook, NY, devoted husband to France-Helene (died 2017), loyal brother and friend, proud father and grandfather, passed away at home on May 1, 2021. Ralph was born June 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany to Nathaly (Daly) Holzer and Arnold Weindling. The family fled the rising Nazi power in 1933, immigrating first to England and later in 1939 to America. On September 3rd, Ralph, his older brother Lester and his mother Daly arrived in New York City. Ralph earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, the Harvard Business School and served in Korea as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. In 1957 Ralph joined the consulting firm John Diebold & Assoc., which specialized in automation, computers and data processing. Rising to Chairman VP, Ralph worked on breakthrough projects with IBM and Boeing, as well as projects in Venezuela and Europe. In 1974 Ralph and a colleague established MW Consulting while continuing to work closely with Diebold. In 1991 Ralph became a Professor and Management Department Head at Brooklyn Polytechnic University. He later transitioned to pro-bono consulting for not-for-profit organizations and became an active Board Member of the Dutchess Land Conservancy in Millbrook, NY. Ralph enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, and had impeccable taste in ice cream and wine. A true gentleman, elegant and refined, he was known for his kindness and generosity, the twinkle in his eye, his sharp wit and his wise advice. Married in 1961, Ralph and France-Helene were a steadfast team. They shared a rare capacity and willingness to welcome others into their home and shower them with love. Ralph and France-Helene are united again, their time apart now but the blink of an eye and a distant memory. In addition to his son Adrien, Ralph is survived by his loving brother Lester, his daughter-in-law Gillian and three adoring grandchildren Sofia, Margaux and Elyse. A memorial service was held at the Church of the Heavenly Rest at 90th Street and 5th Avenue, May 19, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dutchess Land Conservancy. Published by The New York Times on May 9, 2021.

Richard Sheldon Greene ’49. Born in Brooklyn, died at age 91 on September 24, 2022. Loving father of Wendy (Lee), Jim (Karen) and Gary ’82 (Carolyn), grandfather to Spencer (Mariel), Hillary (Greg), Zachary (Shelby), Valerie, Emily and Alison, and great-grandfather to Ellie and Sam. Graduate of Horace Mann School, Dartmouth College, and Tuck School of Business. Enjoyed a long career as a management consultant. His happiest days were spent with family, behind the lens of his camera, or sailing on the Long Island Sound. A private service is planned.

Paul Weinstein ’49 passed away on October 11, 2022 at age 90. Born in Manhattan, he attended F&M College. After college Paul entered the printing business with his father Jerry and later started Quality Printing. In 1975 he created Heavenly Jazz and later Jazz at Six. In 1986 he became chair of the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and in 2002 given its Beacons in Jazz Award. A competitive tennis player, Paul was a nationally ranked squash player (seniors). He is survived by wife Ada Ciniglio; daughter Lynne (Billy), son Paul Jr. (Jessica), stepson Lorenzo (Jennifer); and their children, Ian, Emma, Parker, and Hannah.

Joel Rudich ’54 of Lantana, FL passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5th at the age of 85. Joel was born in the Bronx on November 13, 1936, the son of Sigmund and Rose. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Wish) Rudich for 62 years, and the adoring father of Lauren Sheinman, Debra Smul and Karen Rudich Izo. Joel graduated from the Horace Mann School in the Bronx, received his BS in Management and Industrial Engineering from New York University in 1959, and his MS in Industrial Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1963. He also completed the Executive Development Program at The Ohio State University in 1992. Joel's formative years were mischievously spent at JHS 80 in the Bronx with a group of guys that remained his best friends till the very end. Standing 6’3”, Joel was certainly a presence, but it was his big heart and personality that filled the room. He was a masterful storyteller, an encyclopedia of jokes and always quick to stump the unsuspecting with a riddle. Joel’s career touched many industries and iconic corporations such as Lillian Vernon, Time Warner Cable, American Can, Singer Sewing Machine Co., and Xerox. As President of Coaxial Communications of Central Ohio, he was a pioneer of early cable television. He viewed his employees as family, keeping in touch with staff members and following their careers for many years after he retired. He was most proud of his philanthropic contributions, serving on the Board of Directors for the Nationwide Children's Hospital and Wexner Home for the Aged in Columbus, OH, United Methodist Children's Home of Decatur, GA, and as a tutor for low-income students in Palm Beach County. His legendary Penny-A-Day Drives and Olympic Pin Christmas Tree Auction generated tremendous funds for Children's Hospitals in Ohio. A lifelong sports fan, Joel adopted the teams of Ohio, including the Indians and Buckeyes, but his heart always remained in the Bronx, at Yankee Stadium. He loved being a part of the world’s biggest stages attending several Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Super Bowls, NBA All-Star Games, and the World Series. He was a basketball referee for 30 years and was accredited by the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials. He also remained a lifelong member of the New York Two Sewers, his Bronx neighborhood stickball team. Joel had a penchant for collecting things. Antique trunks and clocks, pachinko games, autographed baseballs, vintage movies, baseball caps, Olympic pins, and so many other things both large and small. It was not his intention to compile world-class collections of all things his loving wife Phyllis hated, but she allowed him to display them, as long as they were inside a room she never had to enter. Joel always had a great respect for law enforcement. In later years, he was a volunteer at the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Department. Armed with a badge and patrol car, there was nothing he enjoyed more than writing a parking ticket for illegally parking in a handicap spot. And he was as proud to tell you about it as he was to educate you on the virtues of bulk cable television for your community. His grandchildren say he handed out NY Police Benevolence stickers like candy. He was predeceased by his sister, Claire. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Rudich, his three daughters, Lauren (Steve), Debra (Peter) and Karen (Erik), his eight adored grandchildren, Danielle, Jake, Alex, Lucie, Jack, Sam, Sadie and Damek, three great grandchildren, and of course his three special girls, Max-E, Rox-E and Lulu. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spectrum 360, 414 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 200B Attn: Development Dept., West Orange, NJ 07052 or The Friendship Circle at FCNJ.com/Donate

Michael Jay Levine ’56 -- Florence, MA -- Dr. Michael Jay Levine died peacefully on Oct. 30 surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Levine, known by his friends and colleagues as Mickey, Fuzzy or to his family as Zayde, was born in New York City in 1938. He was the son of Martha, a mathematician and lawyer, and Jack, a judge and hotel owner, and brother to Laurie May, a tenured professor of law. Mickey grew up in both Swan Lake and New York City.

Mickey attended Horace Mann School in the Bronx and then Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. At Horace Mann, he was awarded membership in the Varsity Club for his athletic achievements and Cum Laude for his academic achievements. He was the only senior awarded both honors.

He loved sports and at Wesleyan played freshman football, club softball, lacrosse, and wrestled on the varsity team in the 129 lb. weight class.

After college, he attended Chicago Medical School and later completed his residency at Albert Einstein. It was during a residency rotation at Kings County Hospital, that he met a first-generation college and medical student, Marilyn Lampert, who became the love of his life, best friend and married in 1966.

Marilyn and Mickey started their family in the Bronx with two girls, Naomi and Erica. They moved to Western Massachusetts where Mickey was base surgeon at Westover Air Force Base and goalie for the base hockey club. Marilyn was the doctor for Mount Holyoke College. The family stayed in South Hadley for over 50 years, living on Woodbridge Terrace in an English Tudor that sat on a small hill. They added Devorah, one more girl to the clan, enough to start a basketball team. And no matter how hard Mickey tried, he couldn't make them Yankees fans.

Mickey ran a private medical practice in Holyoke for more than 40 years, as well as performing surgery at Holyoke and Providence hospitals. Patients adored his bedside manner, empathy, and kindness, sometimes waiting hours to see him when urgent operations took precedence over office hours. His three girls, who all worked in his office, remember that he always came in the office front door. No matter how late he was running for appointments, he greeted his patients and let them know he would be with them soon.

In retirement, Mickey spent eight years volunteering as an assistant coach for the Keene State College lacrosse team. In 2017, he was inducted to the school's athletics hall of fame. He and Marilyn were tireless travelers, and with or without family, made it to every continent, traveling to Morocco, Antarctica, and on the Trans-Siberian Railway. He was a fan of professional and collegiate sports, including wrestling, rugby and cricket. He enjoyed lunching with family and friends and had a passion for Linzer tortes and lemon squares.

Mickey often boasted about his six grandchildren – Jack, Connor, Helen, Maggie, Sophia, and Maya – and discussed their achievements in the classroom and on the athletic field. Searching online for stories of their accomplishments brought him much joy.

If you haven't guessed, it is his three daughters writing this love note to their dad on a life well lived, filled with laughter and moments that mattered. We hope everyone has a Mickey Levine in their lives, who brings and gives joy, while always teaching life's lessons. We love you Zayde. We know we will see your smile and spirit in the color of the annual leaf changes, rainbows after storms, and when the sun sets each night.

The funeral service was held on November 2nd at 11:00 AM at Cong. B'nai Israel with burial in B'nai Israel Cemetery. Shiva services were held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the Levine residence in Florence. The Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home assisted the family.  (Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on November 2, 2022)

Stephen N. Gwertzman ’57 – On Monday, October 3, 2022, Stephen N. Gwertzman, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 82. Steve was born on April 2, 1940, in Bronx, N.Y. to Max and Adelaide Gwertzman. He attended Horace Mann School and graduated from NYU. Steve was the founder and president of U.S. Adjustment Corporation of New York. For over 50 years, Steve was a leading national insurance adjuster. In addition to his own firm, Steve was a member of Lloyds, London and served on the board of the North Sea Insurance Company. In 1976, he married Sheila Axler and they raised one son, Alan. Steve leaves behind his four grandchildren and older brother Bernard Gwertzman, a retired writer and editor for The New York Times. Steve was passionate about three things, his wife Sheila, fine food and of course, the Yankees. He enjoyed spending time with Sheila and extended family at their beach house in Barnegat Light, N.J. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, loyal friend, and gentleman. His smile and generous heart will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the many caregivers and physical therapists who assisted them along the way, making Steve's final years as happy, dignified and as comfortable as possible. Published by Legacy Remembers on October 16, 2022.

Norman Schneider ’57, DDS, passed peacefully on September 3, 2022, at the age of 82. Loving husband of Stefanie and father of Andrew. Born in Manhattan on February 9th, 1940, to Aaron and Mae Schneider and brother Phillip. After graduating Horace Mann High School, Norman attended Columbia College where he studied art history. Following Columbia, he obtained his dental degree from NYU School of Dentistry followed by an oral surgery residency at Lincoln Hospital. Following his studies, he volunteered for the Army where he was a Captain in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged, after being injured. Upon returning home, he opened up his practice in Spanish Harlem where he practiced and was a fixture of the community for over forty-five years. After retiring, Norman volunteered at the Met. Norman was one of the most dedicated people to his family and friends. Some of Norman's passions were spending time with his family and friends, skiing, traveling, reading and spending time with his dog, JoJo. Donations should be made in Norman's memory to Boys Town Jerusalem. Published by New York Times on September 6, 2022.

Carl Samrock ‘59, the veteran Hollywood publicist who over the course of a 50-year career worked for Warner Bros. and headed his own firm, has died. He was 81. Samrock died Saturday night of pancreatic cancer at his home in Encino, his wife of 44 years, Carol Andelman Samrock, announced. Samrock was vice president of national publicity at Warner Bros. Pictures in Burbank under co-chairmen Bob Daly an  d Terry Semel. He joined the company in 1982 as West Coast publicity director and built and managed a 16-member staff responsible for publicity duties on some 30 films in production or release annually. Samrock moved to Warner Home Video in 1997 as a consultant to help then-president Warren Lieberfarb introduce the new format. A year later, he launched Carl Samrock Public Relations, a boutique firm that focused on publicity and promotion campaigns for DVD and Blu-ray releases. For the next nearly two decades, the company handled such tentpole titles as The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca and Gone With the Wind for Warner, Seinfeld: The Complete Series for Sony and many Disney and DreamWorks Animation classics. In 2017, his firm was acquired by its strategic partner Click Communications. Samrock was born on June 1, 1941, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. His father, Victor Samrock, was a Broadway producer and manager, and his mother, Hyla, once was a member of the Doris Humphreys modern dance troupe. Samrock attended the Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School in Manhattan and the Horace Mann School in the Bronx before graduating from Tufts University in 1965. Soon after college, Samrock worked as a theatrical press agent on stage shows including the 1967 off-Broadway hit You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Subject Was Roses; In Praise of Love, starring Rex Harrison and Julie Harris; Private Lives, starring Maggie Smith; A Day in the Life of Joe Egg, starring Albert Finney; and I Have a Dream, starring Billy Dee Williams as Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1977, Samrock was appointed vice president in the New York office of ICPR Public Relations, a corporate and entertainment PR that worked with major movie studios and independent film producers, actors and filmmakers. From the late ’60s through the mid-’70s, Samrock was a freelance photographer, specializing in entertainment and editorial work, in particular for The New York Times‘ Arts and Leisure section. His personality portraits for the paper included Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Jessica Tandy, Randy Newman, Joan Baez, Robert Altman, Anne Baxter and Christopher Walken. In 1972, his photo coverage of Bella Abzug’s run for Congress accompanied a New York Times Magazine feature on the campaign. In addition to Broadway and off-Broadway shows, he provided publicity photos for WNET/13 (the Great Performance series, The Adams Chronicles, Theatre in America and Monty Python’s 1972 trip to New York) and Warner Bros. Records (Joe Cocker, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Seger). Samrock lectured regularly on publicity at Loyola Marymount University and UCLA, serving as a faculty member in Westwood for brief time. He also was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and on the board of directors of the American Society of Magazine Photographers. And he was president of the Encino Little League for the 1995-96 season. In addition to his wife, survivors include his sons Gabriel (and his wife, Faye) and Steven (Katsue), sister Ellen and granddaughter Daisy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Philip Boag ’83, age 57, a longtime resident of New York City, died peacefully with his wife at his side on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Beloved husband of Christine Malossi. Loving brother of Jeanane Driscoll and her husband Thomas Driscoll, DDS, John Boag and his wife Penny Boag, and Kathleen Boag and her partner Christian Woods. Loving uncle of Thomas Driscoll, Jr., MD, Betsey Driscoll, Gavan Driscoll, and Tara Driscoll; Jake Boag, Riley Boag, Melissa Boag, and Alison Salek. Dear grand-uncle of Amina. Philip was predeceased by his parents Virginia and Eugene Boag. He is survived by his beloved in-laws, Maureen and Daniel Malossi, as well as his brother-in-law Daniel, his wife Kristina and their children Joseph and Liliana, and his two beloved cats Koko and Cheese. Philip’s career as a writer and producer of nonfiction television won him a Television Documentary Emmy in 2004. His work also led him to be designated as a “First Responder,” having documented the 9/11 tragedy at Ground Zero for the NY Times. In lieu of flowers donations in Philip’s name may be made to Callanish, an organization that creates a healing space for people who have been changed by cancer. Source:  Volk Leber Funeral Home.

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