Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

03/23/2026

Nella Barash: On Monday, March 23, 2026, beloved wife for 57 years of Semyon Barash; loving mother of Kalman (Svetlana) Barash and Marina (Adam) Klaff. Sister of Adel Magaziner. Proud grandmother of Steven, Benjamin, Gabriel, Sophia, and Jordan. Nella was the heart of her family, a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose impact will be felt forever. Graveside services and interment will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12 Noon at Homewood Cemetery, Star of David Section. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, of squirrel Chabad of Squirrel Hill, 1700 Beechwood Blvd, Pitsburgh, PA 15217, or Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, 6214 Pimlico Road, Baltimore, MD 21209. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., www.schugar.com

03/21/2026

Daniel S. Heit, Visionary Business Executive, Philanthropist and Family Man, dies at 78.

DANIEL S. HEIT: Visionary founder and president of JusticeWorks YouthCare and a nationally respected leader in behavioral health and youth services, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026 with loved ones by his side after an extremely hard fought and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 78.

Born on September 28, 1947, in Ellenville, New York, to Rose (Green) and Morris Heit, Dan lived a life defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable youth and families. He was predeceased by his parents, his former spouse Sandy Loevner, and his brother Steve Heit.

Dan's incredibly distinguished career spanned decades and was marked by both executive leadership and public service at the highest levels. Early in his professional life, he served as a senior executive at Abraxas, where he earned recognition for his work in developing effective programs for at-risk youth. Building on that experience, he founded JusticeWorks YouthCare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1999-an organization that would grow to become a nationally recognized model for innovative, community-based behavioral health services.

A leading voice in his field, Dan was widely acknowledged for his expertise in designing and managing programs for troubled youth. His work was grounded in a deeply held philosophy of doing "whatever it takes" to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people, their families, and their communities.

His leadership extended well beyond his own organization. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve on a 24-member Presidential Commission focused on model legislation. As president of a national trade organization, he met with President Bill Clinton and contributed to subcommittees on health care reform. He was also a founding member of The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws and served two terms as president of the Therapeutic Communities of America, helping to shape policy and best practices nationwide.

Colleagues remember Dan as a man of conviction and vision-someone who combined strategic insight with compassion and an unyielding sense of responsibility. He was deeply engaged in his community and generously gave his time and expertise to numerous organizations, always with the goal of strengthening systems of care and expanding opportunity for those most in need.

Above all, Dan was devoted to his family, who were the absolute joy of his life. He is survived by his tremendously loving and devoted daughter, Morgan Wilks (Thomas); his son, Alex Heit (Harris Blum); his sister, Susan Heit (George Dionne); and his cherished grandchildren, Saylor, Lola, and Devin. He took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments and remained closely connected to them throughout their lives.

Daniel S. Heit's legacy is one of impact, integrity, and enduring compassion. Through the organizations he built, the policies he helped shape, and the countless lives he influenced, his honest and hard work will continue to carry on a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Entombment Private at Homewood Cemetery. A Private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to causes supporting youth and families, reflecting Mr. Heit's lifelong mission. www.schugar.com

03/12/2026

Ilene Kramer Venig; On Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Alex Venig. Loving Mother of Ellen (Steven) Wagman of Blue Bell, PA, and Holly (Elliott) Levenson of Fox Chapel, PA. Devoted Memaw of Evan, Allison, and Margo. Graveside service and interment will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11 AM at Tree of Life Memorial Park, Franklin Park, PA. Contributions may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.Schugar.com

03/12/2026

Sylvia Jean Freeman Ali was born on April 11, 1933 and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Louis and Irma Freeman. She was the oldest of three children. Her younger brother Alfie died at the age of four. Her younger sister Ruth died in 2023.

Sylvia was a true lifetime learner. She attended Liberty Elementary School and graduated from Peabody High School in 1951. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Western Maryland. Later, as a senior citizen, she took classes for many years at the University of Pittsburgh through the OSHER program.

Sylvia raised her five children in Pittsburgh and later in Maine. She spent most of her working life as a teacher and as a librarian. In 1990 she gave up her position at the Baxter School for the Deaf in order to return to Pittsburgh and help to take care of her 87 year old mother.

Sylvia especially loved classical and folk music and she played violin, viola, piano, recorder, and tin whistle. She played in several community orchestras and a string quartet. She was also a talented artist and poet.

Sylvia loved exploring places and cultures. She worked briefly for the State Department in Washington DC in the 1950s and in later life she was eventually able to visit Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and China. She also loved studying languages: Latin, French, German, Sanskrit, Bengali, sign language, Irish, Yiddish and Chinese. She translated several works by her great uncle Jakob Elias Poritzky from German to English.

Sylvia was very devoted to her family and friends. She loved life. She was a free thinker and a true bohemian. She had many quirky and unique ways of thinking about things and doing things, and she was always supportive and never judgmental of other people.

Sylvia is survived by her five children, Robbie, Roshida, Rahim, Sheila, and Liana, her niece Cheri and her nephew Michael, her seven grandchildren, Irma, Abraham, Sylvia, Eliza, Jacob, Elias, and Natalie, and her grand-niece Clio.

Friends will meet at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12 Noon and then proceed to Shaare Torah Cemetery for 1 PM Graveside Services.

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

03/10/2026

Barbara Rabner: On Tuesday, March 10, 2026; Beloved mother of Monte Rabner, Fred (Nicole) Rabner, and Kim (Adam) Snyder. Cherished sister of Marla Armstrong, Evelyn Simon and the late Rolene Granata and Lisa Polansky. Adored grandmother of Jordan and Jake Rabner, Jesse and Georgina Rabner, Andrew and Noah Meyers, and Maya Snyder. Also survived by several cherished nieces, nephews and countless treasured friends and colleagues.

Barbara’s life is reflective of her undeniable tenacity, zest for life, and truly kind-hearted nature. While raising her three children, Barbara worked her entire life. Starting her career as a court stenographer and spending the remainder of her professional life as licensed real estate agent at Coldwell Banker. Barbara’s filled her free time with the things brought her so much joy - gardening, cooking, dancing, listening to Benson Boone, and even sharing her love of golf with children, volunteering at Schenley Park golf course. Despite her varied passions and successes, nothing brought her more fulfillment spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
The love she showered them with will be felt forever.

There is no way to fill the gap in our hearts Barbara leaves behind. We will see her and feel her love of hummingbirds and butterflies everytime we see one.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11 AM. NO PRIOR VISITATION. Interment Homewood Cemetery, Star of David Section. Contributions may be made to Rebuild Beeri, Grow Pittsburgh, or Chabad of South Hills.

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.