Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford, NY (2025)

10/22/2024

Rabbi Howard Matasar, a beloved community leader, esteemed scholar, and devoted teacher, passed away during the holiday of Sukkot on Chol Hamoed, October 19, 2024, at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Jewish community of Central New York.

Born to Harry and Jeanne Matasar on November 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, he graduated from Indiana University with an undergraduate degree in History and received his Orthodox Rabbinical Smichah from Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, IL. His commitment to Jewish education and spiritual leadership led him to serve in five congregations throughout the United States, most notably at Orthodox Congregation Zvi Jacob in Utica, NY, for over 31 years. He also served as a Jewish chaplain for the New York State Department of Corrections, from which he recently retired.

Rabbi Matasar was known for his passionate sermons, insightful Torah teachings, and deep compassion for his Shul family. He belonged to the Rabbinical Council of America and looked forward to attending their yearly conventions.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mimi; his devoted children, Tracy and Hillel; and his loving brothers, Ronnie (Edwina) and Dale (Sandy).

Rabbi Matasar loved baseball, enjoyed traveling, discussing politics, and visiting national parks and kosher restaurants. He was well-known for his strong work ethic. He will be remembered for his love of Torah, halachic wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community and will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

05/28/2024

Helen Martha Cramer, 77 years old, beloved wife of Harvey S. Cramer, died peacefully in her bed at the Eddy Village Green Nursing Home in Cohoes, NY on May 19, 2024. She is survived by her loving children, Stacy Van Epps and Jaime Rider; and grandchildren, Cody and Abby Rider and Maggie and Hannah Van Epps. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Barbara Mark and Nancy Bokovza.
Helen was born in Queens, NY on April 5, 1947. Her parents, Francis and Samual Rosen lived in Queens until moving to Staten Island, where she was raised by Dr. Cecil Mantell, after the passing of Sam Rosen.
Helen received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1970. She married Howard Rodgen in 1976 and moved to Roxbury, New Jersey to raise her family. Later in life, she met her true love, Harvey Cramer, the professor of biology at Hamilton College. They wed in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, amongst family and friends. Helen was an entrepreneur, owning her own small business, the Elephant’s Trunk in Livingston, New Jersey. She later found a love for merchandising and completed a successful career working for Maidenform.
Helen and Harvey were active members at the Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, NY, where they shared their love for golf and socializing with their dear friends. She was a dedicated mother, traveling to every soccer game for both Jaime and Stacy. Helen enjoyed her time skiing, playing Marjon, and traveling the world with her honey.

Address

13 Oxford Road
New Hartford, NY
13413

Telephone

+13157242731

Website

http://www.bentzfuneralhomes.com/

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Rabbi Howard Matasar

Rabbi Howard Matasar, a beloved community leader, esteemed scholar, and devoted teacher, passed away during the holiday of Sukkot on Chol Hamoed, October 19, 2024, at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Jewish community of Central New York. Born to Harry and Jeanne Matasar on November 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, he graduated from Indiana University with an undergraduate degree in History and received his Orthodox Rabbinical Smichah from Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, IL. His commitment to Jewish education and spiritual leadership led him to serve in five congregations throughout the United States, most notably at Orthodox Congregation Zvi Jacob in Utica, NY, for over 31 years. He also served as a Jewish chaplain for the New York State Department of Corrections, from which he recently retired. Rabbi Matasar was known for his passionate sermons, insightful Torah teachings, and deep compassion for his Shul family. He belonged to the Rabbinical Council of America and looked forward to attending their yearly conventions. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mimi; his devoted children, Tracy and Hillel; and his loving brothers, Ronnie (Edwina) and Dale (Sandy). Rabbi Matasar loved baseball, enjoyed traveling, discussing politics, and visiting national parks and kosher restaurants. He was well-known for his strong work ethic. He will be remembered for his love of Torah, halachic wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish community and will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Helen Martha Cramer Live Stream

Helen Martha Cramer, 77 years old, beloved wife of Harvey S. Cramer, died peacefully in her bed at the Eddy Village Green Nursing Home in Cohoes, NY on May 19, 2024. She is survived by her loving children, Stacy Van Epps and Jaime Rider; and grandchildren, Cody and Abby Rider and Maggie and Hannah Van Epps. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Barbara Mark and Nancy Bokovza. Helen was born in Queens, NY on April 5, 1947. Her parents, Francis and Samual Rosen lived in Queens until moving to Staten Island, where she was raised by Dr. Cecil Mantell, after the passing of Sam Rosen. Helen received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1970. She married Howard Rodgen in 1976 and moved to Roxbury, New Jersey to raise her family. Later in life, she met her true love, Harvey Cramer, the professor of biology at Hamilton College. They wed in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, amongst family and friends. Helen was an entrepreneur, owning her own small business, the Elephant’s Trunk in Livingston, New Jersey. She later found a love for merchandising and completed a successful career working for Maidenform. Helen and Harvey were active members at the Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, NY, where they shared their love for golf and socializing with their dear friends. She was a dedicated mother, traveling to every soccer game for both Jaime and Stacy. Helen enjoyed her time skiing, playing Marjon, and traveling the world with her honey.

Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service