Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

03/09/2026

Sylvan Schneider: on March 8, 2026; Beloved husband for 65 yeares of Shirley Schneider. Loving father of Susan (Karl) Fenster. Devoted Puppie of Elyssa Wenkert, Paige (Matthew) Williams, Abbe Cohen, and Emma Fenster; proud great-grandfather of Jordan Williams. Sylvan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was always the life of every activity. Services and interment PRIVATE. Contributions may be made to The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, 1922 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

03/09/2026

Jane Danner Critchfield

April 1, 1953 - March 7, 2026 (72 years old)

Born in Pittsburgh, PA to parents Charles Lee Critchfield and Ruth Jane Danner.

Jane grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and graduated from Peabody High School in 1971. She attended Baldwin Wallace College and (now) Chatham University she moved to Chicago, IL in 1972. After the birth to her first son, Aaron, the family relocated back to Pittsburgh in 1983. The family grew as she welcomed son Dylan in 1986.

Over the last 40 years, Jane had many roles: wife, mother, entrepreneur, Reiki Master, and family caregiver. Jane was a self-taught desktop publisher, and ran a business out of her home designing newsletters and direct mail for local businesses and organizations. Throughout her life, Jane had a strong interest in New Age spiritualities and alternative medicines. Jane studied and trained in reiki under Nancy Murray and achieved her Master level in 5 years. Jane was a socially and politically progressive humanist, and a great vocal supporter of women's rights, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other marginalized groups. Jane loved the arts, music, good food, hosting parties, dinners and holidays, and spending time with her grandson.

Jane is survived by her husband, Jerome Sales, her two sons, Aaron Critchfield-Sales and Dylan Critchfield-Sales (Samantha Stern), and her grandson Luca Stern Sales, and her sister Margot Danner Critchfield. Jane is also survived by her best friend Susan and Steve Hawkins, and their four children, Becky, Abigail, Emily and Masha.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. 5509 Centre Ave, Shadyside, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Homewood cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name at:

WESA https://wyep.secureallegiance.com/wyep/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=WESABUTTON&PAGETYPE=PLG&CHECK=LPyPiNNj75Uo0fNqicOHvL1YhDw50SikSh2nq0qouhg%3d

PBS https://foundation.pbs.org/ways-to-give/

www.schugar.com

02/27/2026

SHANNA H. CHOTINER: On Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Beloved wife of the late James Chotiner. Mother of Robyn Chotiner and Todd Chotiner. Daughter of the late Charles and Gertrude Whitman. Cherished sister of Clifford (Claudia) Whitman. Devoted grandmother of William (Alexandra), Jacob and Katelyn. Proud Great-Grandmother of Wesley and Theodore. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shanna treasured her years as a stay-at-home mom before becoming a real estate agent. Her career in real estate spanning over 35 years. She loved traveling, shopping, and game shows. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (12 Noon - 1 PM). Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or a charity of the donor's choice.

02/17/2026

MORRIS KUBITZ: On February 17, 2026 at the age of 93. Beloved husband to the late Selma Kubitz; son of the late Nathan and Dora Kubitz; and brother of the late Saul Kubitz. Loving father of Ronald (Charlene) Kubitz, Nancy (Rodney) Matheson, and Robert (Ryan) Kubitz. He is also survived by two stepchildren, David (Tracy) Muskal and Helen Muskal. Morris was a loving grandfather and will be missed by Dan, Zachary, and Zoe Kubitz; Ilana Matheson; Ryan Muskal; and Katie Minor. Also survived by three great grandchildren. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care provided by his caretaker, Nancy Peters, who has been like family since she began caring for Selma, z"l, 14 years ago. Morris served in the Army during the Korean War and went on to have a long and fulfilling career as a CPA and Comptroller. Services at RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to services (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Beth Abraham Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. www.schugar.com

02/13/2026

Who is looking to do a mitzvah this afternoon before Shabbos?

We need a few Jewish men to make a minyan at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemtery in Shaler Twp at 1pm today?

The deceased has hardly any family and was very worried about having a minyan for Kaddish at the cemetery when he died. He was born in Morocco and raised in Israel. His name is Yehuda Israel. Please contact me at 412-621-8282 or on my cell at 412-897-3887 if you can help asap.

02/12/2026

Mr. Thomas Cahill "Tom" Kohn, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026 in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Born on November 20, 1933, in Smethport, Pennsylvania, Tom was a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, earning his degree in 1955. His professional life was marked by dedication and versatility. Over the course of three decades, he held numerous engineering and human resource positions at Jones and Laughlin and later LTV Steel. In 1985, Tom embarked on a new venture by founding Reflex Services, a temporary staffing company. After successfully growing the business, he sold it to enjoy a well-earned retirement split between Naples, Florida and Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Tom was full of life and embraced every opportunity to stay active and engaged. He was an avid golfer, tennis player, and skier who found great joy in travel-especially with his beloved wife of 38 years, Rita (Ritadale). Known for his ever-present smile, charm, good nature, and the loyal companionship of his constant companion, Finnegan, Tom brought warmth to those around him. He will be deeply missed by his friends and neighbors at Providence Point where he spent his final years.

He is survived by his children Pamela Kovick (William), Richard Kohn, and Carolyn Kohn; stepchildren Holly Rudoy (Bruce) and Scot Lehman (Carrie); grandchildren Matthew, Melissa, and Elisha; step-grandchildren Madelyn, Zachary, Elijah, Jacob, and Joshua; as well as six great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife Rita; his brother Rudy; sister Corlena; and parents Edwin and Mary.

In accordance with Tom's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Providence Point and the staff at Gallagher Hospice for their compassionate care during Tom's final days.

Contributions may be made to charity of donor's choice.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Services and interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel.

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

02/09/2026

Sylvia "Shanee" Kadosh: On Saturday, February 7, 2026; Beloved wife for 66 years of Edward Kadosh; loving mother of David (Heidy O'Connor) Kadosh of Pittsburgh and Alan Kadosh of Camp Hill, PA. Daughter of the late Hyman and Esther Kadosh. Sister of the late Alvin Kingsley. Devoted grandmother of Erin and Emily Kadosh. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Shanee was a devoted mother and teacher. She taught preschool, Hebrew school and Sunday school throughout the city and at Hebrew Institute. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Visitation one hour prior to services (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM). Interment Poale Zedeck Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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

02/07/2026

Edythe Green was born on November 25, 1923 and passed peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2026, two months after her 102nd birthday.

She was the beloved wife of Herbert S Green; the beloved mother of Wendy Green Kail, Keith Green, Larry Green and Richard Green; the beloved grandmother of Rory Tahari, Nicole Greene, Thomas Kail, Marisa Green, Josh Green, Kathryn Belle and Samantha Green; and the beloved great grandmother of Jeremy Tahari, Zoe Tahari, William Greene, Charlotte Greene, Jamie Greene, Grace Belle, Noah Green, Brendan Belle, Barrett Green, Hart Kail, Dov Kail and Lais Kail.

She was loved beyond measure and will be missed more than words can say.

May her memory be a blessing and may she rest in eternal peace.

Services and Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

02/06/2026

MURIEL FRIEDMAN: February 5, 2026, Beloved wife of the late Max Friedman, loving Mother of Joel Friedman (Viviane) of Scottsdale AZ and Lois Kopolow (Alan); proud Grandmother of Amy Jenkinson (Mike), Andrea Cassis (Noah), Adam Kopolow (Hannah), Alexa Eskow (Brian), Chloe Friedman and Max Friedman; adoring Great Grandmother (GG) of Mason Jenkinson, Carter Jenkinson, Quinn Kopolow and Jacob Cassis; sister of the late Lillian Winfield (Sidney).

Muriel was born in the Bronx, March 12, 1926 to Israel and Yetta Yudien. Married to Max Friedman May 30, 1950. Lived in Flushing Queens and worked as a bookkeeping and office manager for a Patent Attorney Law Firm, in Manhattan. She had an amazing ability for numbers. Moved to California in 1976 and was so happy to live near the beach. She was suddenly and unexpectedly widowed in 1978 at the age of 52. Years later she enjoyed traveling with friends including China and many parts of Europe. Loved opera, theater, movies, politics and music. She was an avid reader. She worked in an Entertainment Law Firm as office manager in Los Angeles and then worked as controller at a prominent Clock & Watch Company until retiring in 1994 and moving to Pittsburgh to be near her daughter and family. While in Pittsburgh, she discovered family members that she did not know lived there and was then able to spend holidays together. She volunteered at Family House and Na'amat. Always enjoyed playing mahjong, bridge and canasta with friends. Following her daughter and son-in-law, she moved to Baltimore in 2007 and made many wonderful friends while attending Beth Am Synagogue, where she was affectionately known as "Mom". Moved back to Pittsburgh in 2016 as her daughter did. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family - especially the grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She loved playing cards and other games with them. She lived a very full, vibrant and healthy life for one month shy of 100 years. She will be sorely missed.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Sunday Feb 8 at 11:30AM at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, New Jersey. Shiva will be Mon, Tues and Wed 6PM-8PM at the Kopolow home. Contributions in her memory may be made to Bridges Hospice 4130 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville 412-380-0711, Presbyterian Senior Care Network 1215 Hulton Rd, Oakmont 412-828-5600 or Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon St, Pittsburgh 412-421-2288. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

02/04/2026

DAVID JOEL POBER: (Please call the funeral home for the Zoom Link). Age 74, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Survived by partner Deborah Weisberg, sister Elaine (Mark) Pattak, nieces, nephews, grandniece and grandnephew, and numerous dear friends. Preceded in death by parents Leona and Harry Pober. Dave grew up in Eastmont and moved to Squirrel Hill in ninth grade. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in business. Fresh out of college, he wrote a column for Steel City Sports called Steel City Scraps.

Dave built a career in insurance and investments, earning great respect from many clients in the sports world. Business relationships morphed into lifelong friendships, including those with former NBA and NFL players, some of the country's most esteemed basketball coaches, and members of the media.

Dave was a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan and longtime season ticket holder, with the best seats in the park. He successfully brought to Pittsburgh for the first time the Summer Pro Classic NBA exhibition basketball games, featuring Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Maurice Lucas, from 1977 to 1984. He was inducted into the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2013, and served on the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame board for many years.

Dave was very involved with Sonny Vaccaro, Pat DiCesare and the promotion of the Roundball Classic during its 43-year run, and for 20 years co-chaired, with Ken Horoho, the Pittsburgh YMCA Scholar-Athlete Banquet, which was the largest event of its kind in the country at that time, providing hundreds of scholarships to Pittsburgh athletes. Dave approached everyone he met with warmth, genuine interest, and a spirit of acceptance-qualities that earned him a vast network of acquaintances, and a circle of close friends to whom he was deeply loyal. A man of unwavering integrity and strong character, he consistently did what was right, guided by timeless values and a quiet inner strength. Although a man of few words, when he spoke it was often to share a good story --- of which there were many --- rich with humor and the wisdom of a life well-lived.

People were drawn to his authenticity and kindness. While he will be greatly missed, his memory will endure as a blessing to all who knew him.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 1 PM. Visitation one hour prior to service (12 Noon - 1 PM). Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Western Pennsylvania Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in memory of David J. Pober, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. www.schugar.com

02/02/2026

George Speck of Allentown, originally the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026 after a brief illness.

Born May 14, 1952, he was the son of the late Molly (Friedman) and Martin Speck. Known for his sense of humor and passion for cooking and music, George will be missed greatly by his family and friends. He enjoyed reading, playing guitar, and listening to The Beatles.

He is survived by his son, Martin (Julia) Speck and his sister Judith (Joseph) Angello. As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Margaret (Jenkins) Speck, his parents Molly and Martin Speck, and son, Richard Speck.

There will be no public visitation, but a celebration of his life is planned with details to follow.

01/31/2026

BURTON "BURT" RICE On Thursday, January 29, 2026. Beloved Husband of AnnE Rice. Loving father of Michael (Priscella) Rice, Steacy Rice, and the late Cheryl Rice. Cherished brother of the late Carl, Murray and Morton Rice. Brother-in-law of Ira (Susan) Mazer. Uncle of Matthew (Danielle) Mazer, Lindsey (Bob) Monahan, and Erin (Ravi) Wilcher. Great-uncle of Madison and Alyssa Monahan, Chase and Maxton Wilcher and Riley Mazer. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1 PM. Visitation one hour prior to service (12 Noon - 1 PM). Interment Shaare Torah Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.Schugar.com