Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

08/20/2025

DR. LARRY A. DOBKIN: On Monday, August 18, 2025; Beloved husband of Sharon Weiss Dobkin of Pittsburgh (formerly of Beachwood, OH); Very loving and proud father of Rachel (Ben Eisenstein) Dobkin of Brookline, MA; brother of Joseph Dobkin of Miami, FL. Also survived by several cherished cousins and dear friends. A graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, Larry majored in chemistry and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University. After graduating from of Pitt School of Medicine, Larry practiced internal medicine and geriatrics, taking calls from home, making house calls and providing an unsurpassed level of care and expertise to all he served. Humble, unassuming and quiet, Larry had a wealth of fascinating stories which he remembered with extraordinary detail. A math genius, Larry loved baseball and was an amateur baseball statistician. He was also legendary for being able to balance his checkbook in his head to perfection. Larry loved teaching and mentoring; he loved dogs, especially his beloved Lucy, music and classic cars. He was kind, caring, generous, and down to earth. There was no one like him and he will be terribly missed by his loving family, devoted friends and patients. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to services (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania (pfwpa.org), Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 and the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, (michaeljfox.org). www.schugar.com

08/12/2025

Mira Manes Cohen, on August 12, 2025, died peacefully at home. She was born on October 29, 1945 and was the daughter of the late Allen and Ann Manes. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Sanford E. Cohen. She loved spending time and kibbitzing with her good friends. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with family. She was of course happiest with visits from her children, Brian Cohen and Nicole (Howard) Valinsky, grandchildren Alex, Andrew (Danni), Brad, Eric, and Shayna, and of course, her great grandson Milo. As her kids were growing up, she would always be so welcoming to all of their friends who would lovingly refer to her as "Mrs. C." Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11 AM at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Please call the funeral home at 412.621.8282 for access to the zoom. Contributions may be made in her honor to Community Day School or Congregation Beth Shalom. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

07/26/2025

LLOYD JEROME KLEIN: Beloved husband of Judy Arlene Vernick. Son of the late Mildred Krasnoff Klein, Harry Irving Krasnoff and the Hon. Harold Beryl Klein. Loving brother of Roberta Klein and the Hon. Arnie (Sara) Klein. Also survived by a niece and nephews.

Lloyd grew up in Aliquippa, PA and loved going to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games with his father. He attended Point Park University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer/Information Science and an Associate of Science Degree in Public Administration. Lloyd earned his Master's Degree in Public Management from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policyat Carnegie Mellon University. He also received a Master's Certificate in Project Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz School of Business. Lloyd was a PA Notary Public.

Lloyd was an information technology professional in the financial services industry for over 30 years. Specializing in mainframe systems, he served as a software engineer at PNC Bank. He also was a senior consultant for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

He was actively involved in the Keystone Mountain Region of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, and later served as President of B'nai B'rith Gateway Lodge of Pittsburgh.

He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, with a special love for the Pittsburgh Pirates. As an eight-year-old, he earned local fame for predicting Bill Mazeroski's famous homerun in the 1960 World Series.

Lloyd's greatest love was his treasured wife, Judy, and their beloved dogs.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 12 Noon. Visitation one hour prior to services (11 AM - 12 Noon). Interment at The Homewood Cemetery, Star of David Section. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lloyd's memory may be made to the JCC Pittsburgh and to Animal Friends. www.schugar.com

07/07/2025

Claryne Cooper Berman, formerly of Steubenville, OH, passed away peacefully at age 93 on July 6, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. The only child of the late Benjamin and Jeanne Cooper, Claryne was born on May 11, 1932, in Steubenville, OH, and graduated from Steubenville High School. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67.5 years, Sanford W. Berman. She is the cherished mother of Stuart Berman of Los Angeles, CA, and Elyse (Marty) Eichner of Pittsburgh, PA; adoring grandmother of Alanna (Salomon) Maya, Mia Berman, Scott (Tracy) Eichner, Adam Berman, Max (Rachel) Eichner, and Erica (Stephen) Pierce; proud great-grandmother of Jacob Maya, Milo, Oliver, and Luca Pierce, and Miller Sophia Eichner.

Services will be private. Donations in Claryne's memory may be made to Sivitz Hospice & Palliative Care, part of the Jewish Association on Aging, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. family-owned and operated. www.schugar.com

06/20/2025

BARBARA BAER

Suddenly on June 17, 2025, passsed away at the age of 79. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Townsend W. and Rowena Baer, beloved sister of Ellen Sue Caldwell and shared owner of her adored dogs, Morgan, Tyler and Casey. Barbara graduated from Duquesne University and spent her career as a well-respected Court Counselor for the Family Division of the Court of Allegheny County. Barbara loved to travel and saw the world, making friends everywhere she went...She loved to dance, ..art, theater, opera and spending time with friends. She was the kindest and most generous person ever and will be missed greatly, by her sister Ellen Sue, step- nephews and nieces, step-grand nephews and nieces, and friends. As she requested, there will be no funeral. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family-owned and operated. www.schugar.com

06/18/2025

ALAN I. FARBER, ESQ.: Age 69, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025. Alan was the loving father to Jed, David, and Jack Farber. He was the son of the late Seymour and Yetta Farber. He was the twin brother of Kathy (Nigel) Mills, and was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Moravitz. Alan was the partner of Kathleen Rice-Coon and the former spouse of Susan Farber.

Alan grew up in Squirrel Hill and attended Taylor Allderdice High School. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1988 and opened his elder law practice in 1992. Alan served his clients alongside his paralegal, Kathy Cortese, throughout his career until his passing. A passionate music lover, Alan enjoyed listening as well as playing bass guitar with his esteemed band. He was also an avid skier, mountain biker, golfer, and dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan. Alan cherished his time spent with family and friends, often bringing humor and levity into their lives.

Graveside services and interment were held with close friends and family at Homewood Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

06/17/2025

LINDA ROSE SCHUGAR, age 84, a long time career as a Speech-Language Pathologist and a resident of Mount Lebanon, died peacefully on June 17, 2025. She was a member of Tree Of Life Congregation, where she was just minutes away from the horrific shooting at the Shabbat Service in 2018. These were not just a list of names, but were her friendships that she treasured. She lived with no fear, was filled with wisdom, and had no regrets. Linda was pre-deceased by her loving sister, Ruth, and her parents Dr. and Mrs. George Schugar. She is survived by her cousins and many good friends who were just like family. Private graveside service. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

06/02/2025

JUDY KRAUSE SPAHR: Age 85, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025.

Judy was an impassioned artist who could always be found happily creating masterful canvases with acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. She brought her passion for art to Carnegie Mellon University where she received her BA in Fine Arts and later became an accredited art teacher. Judy also dedicated herself to helping others with her Masters of Social Work from University of Pittsburgh that she used at McKeesport Hospital.

In her spare moments, she was a part of U.S. Masters Swimming, an active member at Rodef Shalom, and the women's group at Chabad of the South Hills.

Judy was the daughter of the late Dr. Gilbert and Belle Krause, and identical twin sister of the late Trudy Kapner. She is survived by her brother Paul Krause and brother-in-law Leonard Kapner.

Judy was the proud and devoted mother to Nathan (Jamie) Bennett, Steven (Terri Gomez) Bennett, David (Mindy) Bennett. She found her greatest joy in her grandchildren: Lexi, Elijah, Isabela, Gabriela, Elizabeth, Gregory, Shayna, Eliana, and Bailey.

Judy had a beautiful love for family and cherished all the moments growing up with her cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to The Branch (formerly Jewish Residential Services), 2609 Murray Avenue, #201, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. www.schugar.com

05/31/2025

MYRON "BUDDY" LETWIN: Age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Buddy was the beloved son of the late Rose and Sam Letwin, and a man whose warmth, humor, and humanity left a mark on everyone he met. Known for his innate likability, Buddy lived by the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. He never judged by title, background, or circumstance--and his kindness earned him deep respect across Pittsburgh's diverse communities.

A devoted husband to Phyllis Letwin, his loving partner of 72 years, Buddy was a proud and devoted father to Jeffrey (Roberta), Sheri Letwin (David Berk), and Mitchell (Rhonda). He found his greatest joy in his grandchildren: Amanda Weiner (Jared of blessed memory), Ari Letwin, Andrew Filipek (Kaela), Rachel Jacoby (Michael), Ryan Letwin, and Justin Berk (Talia); and his great-grandchildren: Jonah and Zoe Weiner, Mason and Riley Jacoby, and Jackson Filipek. He is the brother of his cherished sister, Judy Weinstein (Brian) and his late brother, Larry Letwin.

Buddy was perhaps best known in Pittsburgh as the founder of The Listening Post, a fixture in Shadyside for more than three decades. What began as a hub for records, electronics, and countercultural expression evolved into high-end audio destination--but it always remained a place where people felt welcome. Buddy's warm presence and civic spirit earned him the affectionate nickname, "The Mayor of Shadyside."

Buddy was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and became friends with many of the players from the Super Bowl teams in the 70's. In fact, many of them made sure he and Phyllis had tickets for all of the games. The Listening Post was even selected to run the music to the scoreboard. Besides being a really less than mediocre golfer after spending years practicing at Green Oaks, it was less known that he diligently maintained a daily fitness routine.

His civic and cultural engagement ran deep. Buddy was an active supporter of Jewish causes and a contributor to the B'nai Brith, Anti-Defamation League, and United Jewish Federation.

Buddy Letwin will be remembered for his joy in life, fierce devotion to family, and unwavering belief in the dignity of all people. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the caring staff of Weinberg Terrace.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 12 Noon. Visitation one and one half hour prior to service (10:30 AM - 12 Noon). Interment The Homewood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Weinberg Terrace, 5757 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or a charity of donor's choice. www.schugar.com

05/26/2025

RUTH SPINDELL RUBENSTEIN: Ruth Spindell Rubenstein, age 98, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, May 26, 2025.
She is survived by her daughters, Olivia Loeb Burten (married to Richard Burten) and Harriet Wendy Loeb (married to Thomas Fields); her grandchildren, Erica Lynn Burten and Sarah Burten Birenbach (married to Jeff Birenbach); and her adored great-grandchildren, Isaac Hochman, Crimson Birenbach, and Eden Hochman. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ray Muldorf.
Born in the Bronx, NY, in 1927 to Anna and Harold Spindell, she also had a younger sister, Muriel Muldorf, now deceased. She came to Pittsburgh in 1944 to join the Cadet Nurse Corps training program at Duquesne University. This move launched a nursing career of commitment and compassion. She cared for returning soldiers during World War II. Always committed to public service, Ruth later traveled to Africa to study healthcare through an NYU graduate program. She also consulted with the robotics program at Carnegie Mellon that was created to help older people.
Ruth and her family spent many happy summers together at Copake Lake, NY, a place that held a special spot in Ruth's heart. She was also an active and involved member of the Rodef Shalom Congregation, the Ladies Hospital Aide Society, and the Westmoreland Country Club, where she built lifelong friendships and was known for her commitment, warmth, and generosity.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Visitation one and one half hour prior to service (9 AM - 10:30 AM). Interment Mount Hope Cemetery, Hastings on Hudson, NY.

Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to the Duquesne University School of Nursing, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282 or Sivitz Hospice and Palliative Care, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217 or the charity of your choice. www.schugar.com

05/16/2025

ANDREW H. STERN: On Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Beloved husband of Sherri (Sterrett) Stern. Loving father of Aaron (Teresa) Stern and Lauren (Nate) Schmidt. Brother of Matthew (Annelise) Stern and the late Barbara Stern-Coder. Grandpa of Eva Stern and Lincoln Schmidt. Uncle of Naomi Coder of Scottsdale, AZ. Also survived by other nieces and nephews. Andrew flew airplanes as a hobby. He was on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association, a local Pittsburgh Chapter, #45. He loved woodworking, visiting national parks, hiking and doting on his grandchildren. He also liked to fix old machinery and he was an avid reader of world military history. He was vice-president of Technical Services formerly Chester Engineers now Hatch. After retirement, he continued consulting for Hatch. Services and Interment Private. Contributions may be made to the Shadyside Hospital Foundation, 532 S. Aiken Avenue, #302, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 in memory of Andrew H. Stern for the extraordinary care that Andrew received at UPMC/Shadyside Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

Ralph Schugar Chapel is proudly serving Pittsburgh's Jewish Community as an independently owned funeral home.

05/16/2025

JOEL G. MULLIN: On Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Beloved husband of Marlene Fischman Mullin. Father of Erin (Eric) Carter and Joshua Mullin. Brother of the late Arthur Mullin (surviving spouse Deborah). Grandfather of Desmond Mullin and Delilah Carter. Uncle of Marc and Chad Mullin. Services and Interment Private. Contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of W. PA, 850 Cranberry Wood Drive, Room 2222, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com