Obituaries | Jewish News

Shirley Chernitzer

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:58:10 +0000

Chesapeake – Shirley B. Chernitzer, 89, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully with family at her side on September 18, 2026.
She was born May 24, 1937, in Norfolk, Virginia, and remained a lifelong Virginian.

A 1955 graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, Shirley dedicated her working life to serving in local schools. She worked with special needs children at Little Creek Primary School as well as served as a library assistant at Booker T. Washington High School. Shirley later worked as an administrative assistant at Lake Taylor Middle School and Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP). She retired in 1999. Her work in education inspired two generations of educators in the family.

Most of all, she cherished her role as a wife, mother, “Meemee,” and “Great Meemee.” Her family was the center of her world, and her boundless energy left a positive impact on everyone who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by the love of her life, Jacob Joseph “Joe” Chernitzer, her beloved husband of 50 years; her father, Joseph Berger; her mother, Evelyn; and her favorite aunt, Bertha Glaser.

She is survived by her brother, Donald Berger (Dorene); her children, Lisa Campbell (Ken); Rick Chernitzer (Julie); and Ross Chernitzer (Vicky). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Drew McMillan (Danni), and their daughter, C.C.; Abby McMillan (Davis); Rachel Chernitzer; Michael Chernitzer; and Dylan Chernitzer. Shirley also leaves behind her best friend of more than 75 years, Frances Higger.

A graveside service took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Shirley’s favorite charities, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Cabell Barker Cummings

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:57:25 +0000

Norfolk – Cabell B. Cummings, born August 14, 1977, passed away on September 5, 2026.

Cabell was a man no one will ever forget. Throughout his life, he touched the lives of countless people, leaving behind memories filled with laughter, sarcasm, and the unmistakable joy of simply being Cabell.

From the halls of Norview High School to the grounds of Cape Henry Collegiate, Cabell had a way of making himself part of the places and communities he loved. His humor was quick, his sarcasm was legendary, and his ability to bring joy to those around him was something that made him uniquely Cabell.

Cabell had many titles throughout his life, but none meant more to him than Dad. He was immensely proud of his daughter, Karrigan, and the bond they shared. While he may not have gotten to run the basketball court or baseball diamond alongside her, he was an incredible father who gave her his love, encouragement, and unwavering support. Alongside his loving partner, Kassie Verschelde, the three of them shared a bond like no other.

Cabell had plenty of practice being a great dad through his years working with the children at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center in Virginia Beach. As a Youth Sports director and coach, including through the Maccabi Games, he encouraged countless kids to get involved, work hard, and believe in themselves. Every one of those children held a special place in his giant heart, and many of them will carry a piece of Cabell’s encouragement with them for years to come.

A lifelong sports fan, Cabell loved baseball and just about every sport that could be watched, debated, or turned into a fantasy league. He was also deeply connected to his Cape Henry family, where he built friendships and memories that became an important part of his life.

Some of the memories that seem small at first become the ones that last the longest. For his brother-in-law, Matt Verschelde, that included Cabell taking him shopping as a kid—where Matt somehow always managed to come home with the newest Lego sets because he had conveniently forgotten his wallet. A wink was usually all that was needed to explain how that arrangement worked.

Cabell is survived by his loving partner, Kassie Verschelde, and daughter, Karrigan Cummings; his mother, Jean Cummings; his brother, George Cummings; nieces Olivia and Violet; aunt and uncle, Sandra and Don Carrigan; cousin Kelly Barefoot and his wife, Laura; parents-in-law Kathy and Brad Verschelde; brother-in-law Matthew Verschelde; and grandparents Zora and Hugh Parker and Muriel Verschelde.

He was preceded in death by his Granny, Virginia Waddill; Papa Cary Waddill; and Grandfather Verschelde, who were undoubtedly ready to welcome him when he arrived.

Rather than a traditional farewell, Cabell’s family will celebrate his life with a party honoring the spirit of the man he was. His life was filled with family, friendship, sports, children, laughter, and enough sarcasm to ensure that he will continue to be talked about for a very long time.

In honor of Cabell, Kassie and Karrigan ask that those wishing to remember him consider making a donation to one of the following organizations that meant something to him and the communities he loved: Care 4 Frontline, Cape Henry Collegiate Financial Aid Fund, JCC Maccabi Games, and RAPS (Really Awesome People Swimming).

Cabell’s life reminds us that the greatest legacy is not always something grand. Sometimes it is a daughter who knows how deeply she was loved, a child who remembers the coach who believed in them, a family who still laughs at the stories, and a friend who can make a room a little brighter simply by being in it.

That was Cabell. And that is how he will be remembered.

Betty Glasser Bonnie Hecht

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:56:02 +0000

Virginia Beach – On September 17, 2026, Betty Glasser Bonnie Hecht, a native of Norfolk, Va., passed away at the age of 95.

Betty was a loving wife of Dr. Herbert Bonnie for over 25 years until he passed away. Later, she married Robert Hecht with whom she spent six happy years until his passing.

Betty is survived by her children, Lily Groh (Barton), Edgar “Pat” Levy (Michele) and David Levy (Susan), and her siblings, Sandra Glasser Tavss (Irving, of blessed memory) and Izaac Glasser (Barbara). She is also mourned by Richard Bonnie (Kathleen), Dr. Marshall Bonnie (Sonia), Karen Eaton (Seth), Dr. Gary Hecht (Muriel), Leslie Hecht-Leavitt (Charles), 21 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Celia and Simcoe Glasser.

A graveside funeral was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiated.

Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Norman Hecht

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:54:55 +0000

Norfolk – Norman Hecht, 93, passed away on September 12, 2026, after a brief illness.

A proud native of Norfolk, he was the son and youngest child of the late Mollie L. and Joseph L. Hecht. He graduated from Maury High School in 1950 and University of Virginia Law School in 1956. Upon graduation, Norman immediately began practicing law in Norfolk until his retirement in 1997.

Norman enjoyed a very active lifestyle up until his death, including volunteering more than 2,000 hours at the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo, working on his classic Mustangs, and taking his beloved dog Ringo on daily walks at the beach. He could discuss current events and ancient history with equal ease, and his sharp mind and quick wit will be dearly missed.

In 1956, he married Gloria Caplan and they enjoyed 47 years together until her untimely death in 2003. In 2010, he and Sherry Goldstein married, second marriages for both, and spent the next 16 years of their lives together.

Norman was a loving and devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle who took immense pride in his family.

Norman leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by his wife Sherry; his children J. Randolph Hecht (Lori), J. Lawrence Hecht (Mai-Ellen), and Michele Cleland (David); grandchildren Matthew, Ryan (Rachel), Nathan (Jordan), Sydney, and Elissa; and great-grandson Finnegan. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Stephen Caplan (Renee) and James Caplan (Randy), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Norman also enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Sherry’s children Kevin (Barbara) Goldstein, Micah (Nikki) Goldstein, and Jodi Goldstein, as well as her grandchildren David, Daniel, Jack, Reid, Tyler, Rowen, and Avi.

Norman was predeceased by his first wife Gloria Hecht, daughter Lynn Hecht, granddaughter Naomi Hecht, and his siblings Jerome Massey, Shirley Nagle, and Doris Gordon.

A memorial service was officiated by Rabbi Rosalyn Mandelberg at H D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Military Aviation Museum or to Ohef Sholom Temple. Online condolences may be offered at hdoliver.com.

Richard H. Kline

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:53:50 +0000

Boca Raton, Fla. – Richard H. Kline died September 7, 2026.

Richard H. Kline was a key figure in Virginia Beach’s community life and business world. As an entrepreneur, he founded RK Chevrolet in 1964, establishing one of the city’s important car dealerships that contributed to the local economy and served generations of customers.

But Kline’s impact went far beyond business. In 1973, while serving as president of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, he founded the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. This festival was designed to celebrate and promote the culture, heritage, and spirit of Virginia Beach, highlighting its connection to the ocean and its vibrant coastal community. The first Neptune Festival took place in 1974 and has since grown into one of the city’s largest and most beloved annual events, attracting residents and visitors alike, with a wide array of activities, parades, and cultural showcases. Kline was also involved in civic leadership and philanthropy, holding positions including chairman of The Virginia Beach Industrial Authority and contributing to medical charitable causes, further cementing his legacy as a community-minded leader. His vision for fostering community pride and business growth helped shape Virginia Beach during a vital period of its development. Through both RK Chevrolet and the Neptune Festival, Richard H. Kline left a lasting mark on the city that continues to be celebrated today.

In his retirement, Kline was a prolific painter following in his mother’s artistic footsteps.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Fay, of 68 years, his three boys, Robert and wife Martha, William and his wife Amy, and Tommie and his wife Natalie. He is survived by his five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

KRONISH FUNERAL SERVICES / Boca Raton, Florida.

Myra “Tutsie” Bullock Legum Lipkin

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:52:04 +0000

Boca Raton, Fla. –Tutsie Lipkin unexpectedly passed away on August 31 in Boca Raton, Florida.

She was the daughter of the late William and Dora Wolman Bullock and in addition was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Nat Leiderman, and her nephew, William Ross Leiderman. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Walter Lipkin, who reached his 100th birthday in March of 2026, her nephew and his wife Marty and Ina Leiderman, and her great-nephew and his wife, Adam and Kristine Leiderman. She is also survived by two of Walter’s sons.

Tutsie was born in Norfolk and attended Maury High School with her lifelong friends Ada Rubin Michaels, Beverly Rafal Werbel, and Arlene Berman Kesser. She briefly attended Mary Washington College until illness took a year of her life then graduated from what is now Old Dominion University. She spent more than a decade working for Norfolk Public Schools as a teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary School and a Reading Specialist in the Central office.

Upon her marriage to Walter in 1974 she moved to Roslyn Heights, New York and then after Walter’s retirement to Boca Raton, Florida.

May her memory be for a blessing to all you knew and loved her.

Evelyn Mandelberg

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:51:02 +0000

Pikesville, Md. – Evelyn Mandelberg (nee Strauss), of Pikesville, Maryland, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 99.

She is survived by her loving children Dr. Terry (Shelley) Mandelberg and Robert (Ilene) Mandelberg; cherished daughter-in-law, Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg; beloved grandchildren, Elise Mandelberg, Adam (Staci) Mandelberg, Steven (Allison) Mandelberg, Jamie (Mark) Huntington, Matthew Mandelberg, Rachel (Ryan) Kaufman, and Capt. Scott Mandelberg; and cherished great-grandchildren, Brooke Mandelberg, Blake Mandelberg, Drew Mandelberg, Alex Mandelberg, and Azalea Mandelberg.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, H. William “Billy” Mandelberg; adored sons, Martin Mandelberg and Norman Mandelberg; caring siblings, Melvin Strauss, Pearl Schlenoff, and Shirley Weisberg; and dear parents, Mary and Frederick Strauss.

Services took place at Sol Levinson’s Chapel in Pikesville, Md. Interment followed at Baltimore Hebrew Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Stanley J. Peck

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:50:15 +0000

Norfolk – Stanley J. Peck told his last joke on Sunday, September 13, shortly after celebrating his 91st birthday and his 70th wedding anniversary.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 24, 1935, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia, when he was 10 years old. He was quick to make friends, which was a lifelong talent. His presence and his sense of humor brought a smile to whoever was in the room with him. He never knew a stranger and amazingly, those strangers somehow remembered him.

Stanley attended Camp Skylemar in Naples, Maine, in its inaugural year and won its most coveted title of the first winning Color War captain. While attending Georgia Tech, he fell in love with his fraternity’s sweetheart, Nancy Mendel, and decided to marry her after his father bought her an engagement ring. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army for two years, then returned to Portsmouth, Virginia, where he joined the family business, Peck Iron and Metal.

He was always dreaming up new ideas. Some were misses—like Bessie’s Place, a farmers’ market on the site that is now Harbor Park, but others did better, most notably The Boathouse, which became one of the region’s most iconic concert venues of the 1980s and 1990s.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bess and Julius Peck, his brother David Peck, and sister, Honey Verschleisser. He is survived by his brother Aaron (Carol) Peck, wife Nancy Peck, daughters Janet (Jeff Kramer), Linda (Barry Friedman), and sons Paul (Stephanie) and Larry; grandchildren Zachary, Aaron (Kate Belleman), Jessie Brenner, Ilana (Meir) Leibler, Elli and Ethan Friedman, Devorah (Reuven) Zinn, Jonathan, Audrey, and Caleb Peck; and four great-grandchildren Cyrus and Addie Brenner and Noam and Dovi Zinn, a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his cherished lifelong friends who remain.

A graveside funeral was held at B’nai Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Aron Margolin and Rabbi Levi Brashevitzky officiating.

In honor of Stanley, tell a joke, make someone smile or make a donation to Chabad of Tidewater or charity of your choice. HD Oliver Funeral Apts.

Selma Oppleman Snyder

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:49:23 +0000

Virginia Beach – Selma Oppleman Snyder passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, just four months shy of her 100th birthday.

To know Selma was to know a woman who was truly unforgettable. Iconic, elegant, beautiful, opinionated and fierce…Selma possessed a presence all her own. She moved through nearly a century of life with remarkable strength, grace, style, and an unmistakable spirit. She knew who she was, she knew what she believed, and she was never particularly shy about sharing it.

Raised in the mountains of Lynchburg, Va. by parents Ida Schewel and Joe Oppleman, Selma attended James Madison College before beginning the extraordinary life that would ultimately become her greatest legacy: her family.

She raised five children with her former husband, Harry L. Snyder, and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her son Louie, his wife Caroliine, her daughter Terrie, and Tricia and her husband Michael…her six beloved grandchildren, Olympia, Mackenzie, Michelle, Lauren, Jennifer, and Cody; eight great grandchildren, each of whom brought her enormous pride and joy.

Family was the center of Selma’s world, but her remarkable capacity for connection extended far beyond it. Throughout her long life, she cultivated and treasured many enduring friendships. People were drawn to her infectious spirit, her graciousness, her beauty, her wit, and her singular sense of style. She had that rare quality of being remembered – not simply for how she looked or what she wore, but for how unmistakably SELMA she was.

She belonged to another era in so many of the loveliest ways: Elegance mattered, graciousness mattered, friendship mattered, and family mattered most of all. Yet, there was nothing fragile about her. Beneath all that elegance was a tremendous strength – a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, endured the loss of two of her precious children, spoke her mind, and remained fiercely and unapologetically herself throughout nearly one hundred remarkable years.

Her family will remember her devotion. Her friends will remember her loyalty and sage advice.

Selma will be deeply and sorely missed, but the grace, strength and love she gave to those around her will live on through the generations of the family she so dearly loved.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dozoretz Hospice House of Virginia Beach or to a charity of one’s choice.

A memorial service took place at H.D Oliver in Virginia Beach.

Dr. Stephen Willis Tonelson

Jewish News VA — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:48:22 +0000

Norfolk – Dr. Stephen Willis Tonelson died peacefully on September 17, 2026.

His wife, Lona, and his daughters, Claire and Rachel, were with him. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. A. Rufus and Mrs. Sara Tonelson, and his older brother, Dr. Louis Tonelson.

Steve was born April 3, 1950, in Norfolk. He attended Stuart Elementary, Blair Junior High, and Maury High. He went on to receive a college degree from The College of William and Mary, a master’s from Old Dominion University, and a doctorate from University of Virginia. Steve was a professor at UVa before moving back to his hometown of Norfolk to work at ODU’s Darden College of Education for more than 40 years. He retired as Emeritus Professor of Special Education and Early Childhood Education. Recognition of his accomplishments in scholarship, teaching, and service includes several college and university awards for Most Collaborative Grants and for Outstanding Research, and Service.

Steve’s life was enriched by his marriage to Lona where he taught her how to cook and how to travel, as well as his joy in raising his daughters and watching them become adults. He valued his many friends – from the past as well as the present. He volunteered at his children’s schools, was a member and then the president of the Norfolk Public School Board. He loved playing his guitars, seeing live music, and enjoying endless rounds of golf.

A memorial service was held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments.