Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel, Inc.

03/12/2026

Mr. Randall “Randy” Belinfante
Herkimer


Mr. Randy Belinfante, 70, of Herkimer and formerly of New York, New York, passed away peacefully, March 10, 2026, at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born August 10, 1955, in Stockton, California, the son of the late Wesley Dwight Curtis and Josephine Selina Belinfante Curtis. Randy pursued education throughout his life, earning several master’s degrees over the years. He married the former Anne-Marie Whitfield and for many years lived in New York City until 2020 when they relocated permanently to Herkimer.

Randy was the executive director of the American Sephardi Federation Library (now the National Sephardic Library andArchives) in New York City. He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to collect books as well as stamps. Randy had a constant passion for studying and research. Even as his health declined he continued to wrestle with gemara. Randy was also intrigued with flying, airplanes and pilots, especially from World War I.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Anne-Marie Belinfante; his daughter, Liorah Belinfante; his son, Aaron Curtis; and his cousin Darice Belinfante, along with many friends here and in New York City.

Randy’s graveside funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2026, in House of Israel Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro, with his longtime friend, Rabbi Metal, officiating.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Scott J. Pizer for Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel. (315)797-9121

03/06/2026

Ms. Cheryl Katz Rundle
New Hartford

Cheryl Ruth Katz Rundle, 71, of New Hartford and formerly of Utica, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, march 4, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on April 29, 1954, and grew up in Herkimer, the daughter of the late Sydney and Cynthia Katz.

Cheryl was a special education school social worker for the Utica school district for many decades, working in all of the schools in the district over her career. She eventually became Chair of the Special Education Committee for the district, working tirelessly to make sure every child had what they needed to succeed.

After her retirement, she became a full-time volunteer for various organizations all over the Utica area, especially the Oneida County Historical Society, and many food kitchens and homeless shelters. Cheryl especially loved preparing meals for the less fortunate every Thanksgiving and Christmas for decades.

She was a lifelong supporter and constant volunteer at the Utica public library. She taught Michael that it was a magical place where you could learn anything. To this today he has many fond memories of the times he spent there with his mother.

Cheryl, in her free time, loved gardening. She had extensive raised beds of flowers at her previous home and was extremely proud of them. Cheryl also had a special creativity that she showed in making “activity books” for her son, grandchildren, niece and nephews. She would spend every year scouring magazines to cut out or copy interesting facts, pictures and games for them.

Cheryl was a member of Temple Beth Joseph, Herkimer.

Survived by her son, Michael, and Meaghan Ellis of North Carolina; her grandchildren, Alyssa Rundle and Zachary Rundle of North Carolina; her sister Jo M. Katz of Albany; sister and brother-in-law Judy and Bryan Whittaker of Frewsburg; and a niece, several nephews and four great nephews.

Cheryl’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Temple Beth Joseph, 327 Prospect Street, Herkimer, with Cantor Kal Socolof, officiating. Interment will be made in the Temple Beth Joseph section of Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer where she will be laid to rest with her parents. Shiva will be observed Monday night at Jo Katz’s home in Albany. Donations in Cheryl’s memory may be sent to the Utica Public Library.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Scott J. Pizer for Jacobson-Pizer funeral chapel. (315) 797-9121.

01/26/2026

Mr. Murray D. LaVine
Utica

Murray David LaVine, 88, lifelong resident of Utica, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 23, 2026, in the warm comfort and love of his family at his residence, where his daughters, Karen and Sharon cared for him in his last years.

He was born on February 20, 1937, in Utica, the son of the late Emanuel and Rae Fink LaVine. Murray was the only child and graduated from Utica Free Academy. A lifelong resident of Utica, he was enormously proud and knowledgeable about the city of Utica and all its people from multiple generations. Murray was and always will be deeply embedded in the community. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Berlin crisis.

Murray married the love of his life, Mazal who immigrated from Israel to Utica. They shared a blessed union for 53 years until his passing.

Murray was a man who had a profound sense of humor, and he always liked to make funny jokes in moments and loved to make people laugh everywhere he went. He was exceptionally good at engaging with all diverse types of people, including strangers that he would meet. He loved to have witty banter with people. Murray really loved talking to people, telling stories, and was very social. He was a real character. Everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him knew how he was and really appreciated his personality and charisma. He had or made friends everywhere he went.

He was a hearty, blue-collar worker who ran the operations at Empire Furniture in Utica for over 40 years. He also worked hard physically delivering the furniture into people’s homes. He worked till even after his retirement age into his 70’s. But his greatest talent was his ability to accommodate the needs of every customer who walked through the door and found a way to be able to make a sale that was affordable for them.

In his early years, Murray was an exceptional pitcher for the Utica Free Academy baseball team. He broke many records for strikeouts displaying his exceptional talent His love for baseball led him to being an avid fan of the NY Yankees. Murray loved music and would often sing songs at random times.

Murray was an active member of Congregation Zvi Jacob where he attended services regularly. He was a staunch supporter of the entire Jewish community and all its aspects.

Murray was a real family man he loved being with his family more than anything and he was a simple man that appreciated the little things in life.

Murray was a lover of American cars. He owned a 69 Pontiac Catalina for 20 years of which he was immensely proud.

Murray had a huge heart and was always there for his friends and family. He was selfless and everything he did was for his family. His memories and legacy will be carrying on for many years through all the peoples’ lives he touched.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mazal; his daughters, Emanuella Quartuccio and her husband, Ben, Sharon LaVine and her fiancé, Donovan James and Karen LaVine-Molina and her husband, Carlos; his son, David LaVine; his grandchildren, Armani Dante Woods, Delilah Molina and Adin LaVine.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, Mareeana Carter, Eugene Samuels and Sonya Rodriguez, for their exceptional care and dedication.

Murray’s funeral service will be held 12 P.M., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from Congregation Zvi Jacob, 110 Memorial Parkway, Utica, with Rabbi Levy Yitzchok Charitonow, officiating. He will be laid to rest with his parents on the family plot in Temple Beth El Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro, immediately following the service.

The family will observe Shiva at the family home, Tuesday, January 27, from 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, January 29, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Shiva Minyan Services will be held each night at 7 p.m.

LaVine family has entrusted their care in Scott J. Pizer for Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel. (315) 797-9121.

01/25/2026

Mr. Murray D. LaVine
Utica


Murray David LaVine, 88, lifelong resident of Utica, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 23, 2026, in the warm comfort and love of his family at his residence, where his daughters, Karen and Sharon cared for him in his last years.

He was born on February 20, 1937, in Utica, the son of the late Emanuel and Rae Fink LaVine. Murray was the only child and graduated from Utica Free Academy. A lifelong resident of Utica, he was enormously proud and knowledgeable about the city of Utica and all its people from multiple generations. Murray was and always will be deeply embedded in the community.

Murray married the love of his life, Mazal who immigrated from Israel to Utica. They shared a blessed union for 53 years until his passing.

Murray was a man who had a profound sense of humor, and he always liked to make funny jokes in moments and loved to make people laugh everywhere he went. He was exceptionally good at engaging with all diverse types of people, including strangers that he would meet. He loved to have witty banter with people. Murray really loved talking to people, telling stories, and was very social. He was a real character. Everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him knew how he was and really appreciated his personality and charisma. He had or made friends everywhere he went.

He was a hearty, blue-collar worker who ran the operations at Empire Furniture in Utica for over 40 years. He also worked hard physically delivering the furniture into people’s homes. He worked till even after his retirement age into his 70’s. But his greatest talent was his ability to accommodate the needs of every customer who walked through the door and found a way to be able to make a sale that was affordable for them.

In his early years, Murray was an exceptional pitcher for the Utica Free Academy baseball team. He broke many records for strikeouts displaying his exceptional talent His love for baseball led him to being an avid fan of the NY Yankees. Murray loved music and would often sing songs at random times.

Murray was an active member of Congregation Zvi Jacob where he attended services regularly. He was a staunch supporter of the entire Jewish community and all its aspects.

Murray was a real family man he loved being with his family more than anything and he was a simple man that appreciated the little things in life.

Murray was a lover of American cars. He owned a 69 Pontiac Catalina for 20 years of which he was immensely proud.

Murray had a huge heart and was always there for his friends and family. He was selfless and everything he did was for his family. His memories and legacy will be carrying on for many years through all the peoples’ lives he touched.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mazal; his daughters, Emanuella Quartuccio and her husband, Ben, Sharon LaVine and her fiancé, Donovan James and Karen LaVine-Molina and her husband, Carlos; his son, David LaVine; his grandchildren, Armani Dante Woods, Delilah Molina and Adin LaVine; his caregivers, Mareeana Carter, Eugene Samuels and Sonya Rodriguez.

Murray’s funeral service will be held 12 P.M., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from Congregation Zvi Jacob, 110 Memorial Parkway, Utica, with Rabbi Levy Yitzchok Charitonow, officiating. He will be laid to rest with his parents on the family plot in Temple Beth El Cemetery, Wood Road, Whitesboro, immediately following the service.

The family will observe Shiva at the family home, Tuesday, January 27, from 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, January 29, from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Shiva Minyan Services will be held each night at 7 p.m.​

LaVine family has entrusted their care in Scott J. Pizer for Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel. (315) 797-9121.

11/27/2025

Mr. Shawn M. Nichols
Lexington, Ky

Shawn Michael Nichols, 32, of Lexington, KY and long-time resident of Dolgeville, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, November 14, 2025, in Lexington, KY following a brief illness.

He was born on June 28, 1993, in Dolgeville, the son of Victoria Nichols and the late Raymond Austin and was a graduate of Dolgeville Central School. Shawn at one time was employed with RMJ Canopies, LLC..

Shawn was a loving and devoted father whose greatest joy was spending time with his children. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sharing meaningful family activities. Those who knew Shawn will remember his generous spirit, sense of humor, and love for bringing laughter and good times to those around him. He cherished his family deeply and especially treasured the moments spent with his children.

Shawn is survived by his mother, Vicky Austin; his wife of eleven years, June Nichols; his children, Payton Nichols, Cadence Nichols, and Brantley Nichols; his sister, Veronica Pendolf, and her husband Joseph Pendolf, and their children, Ariana Siver, Chloe Walsh, and Blake Siver; His brothers, Corey Austin and Justin Warner; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Warner; and Justin’s children, Toby Warner, Taryn Warner, and Bellamy Warner. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond Austin and his grandmother, Ruth Mosher.

All Funeral and Burial Services are private. At the request of the family, the cause of Shawn’s passing will remain private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations for his children’s education fund through gofundme.com

Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo Street, Rome, 13440.

05/23/2025

11/12/2024

Therapist Kristina Dirk said a funeral can be important because it is a first step to acceptance in realizing that a person has passed away.

10/26/2024

Dr. Howard Berg (1939-2024)

A Beloved Dentist and Community Member

Howard Berg, formally of Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 85 at his residence in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Born in Utica, New York, on March 14, 1939 to parents Louis and Rhea (Ribyat) Silverberg, he had a happy childhood growing up with his many nearby cousins and brothers Monte and Alvan. Growing up in upstate New York, he excelled early in school, sports, and music.

After graduating high school, Howard married his high school sweetheart Nancy Helfert on August 21, 1959, and they remained happily married until Nancy's passing on November 5,
2019.

Howard graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Together, he and Nancy had a long-standing dental practice in
Dolgeville. A dedicated and skilled dentist who served his community for many years, “Doc” Berg was widely known for his easy-going demeanor and for the quality care of his patients. He
did not retire until he was 76 years old.

Howard and Nancy raised three children in Dolgeville, where he was active in the community. He served on the school board for more than thirty years, established youth soccer in town,
served on the Town Library Board, and all the while aimed to never miss his Childrens’ sporting and music events. He and Nancy were active with the community of their synagogue, Temple Beth Joseph, in Herkimer, enjoying observances, events, and weekly dinners out with their Temple community family. They were often easy to find with their friends at their favorite Dolgeville restaurants whether at Motors, Arthur's, or Green Acres.

Howard’s love of life and learning included aviation. He acquired a private pilot license and a plane in his 20s, and took many flights for fun and family travel. Of his skill as a pilot, Nancy remarked that she felt more comfortable with him flying a plane than driving a car. Most of his interests were developed solely by reading books. He had a photography darkroom in the basement and built the first of his 25-foot sailboats in the garage. Howard even captained a 50-foot catamaran for family and friends on tour of the British Virgin Islands.

He had a deep appreciation for history and literature, instilling a deep love of reading in his children. His natural curiosity extended to science and craftsmanship, and he became an accomplished woodworker, producing many pieces of fine furniture. A man of diverse interests and talents, Howard heartily enjoyed skiing, chess, tennis, sailing, and trap shooting, all of which he loved to do with his family and friends. Howard was a serious backgammon and
billiards player, had an extensive model train collection, and nurtured a highly productive vegetable garden. He was an active athlete his entire life, playing with and organizing local ice hockey and soccer teams. Having a lifelong love of the game of tennis, he had a backyard court built and invited friends and family to play nightly.

Howard was quite an early adopter of technology, teaching himself how to build a personal computer from Radio Shack parts in the late 1970’s. He effortlessly stayed online right up to his last days, remaining active to stay in touch with family, follow international sports, and play online chess with friends and family.

As an avid and thorough reader of the New York Times, he was particularly happy when that newspaper published his Letter to the Editor. Once, in Albany NY, he met his literary hero Elmore Leonard, who further encouraged his interest in the art of writing.

Howard embraced all that life offered and remained passionate and grateful for everything that he had, including daily sunshine.

Howard is survived by his brother Alan and Trisha Silverberg; his children and their spouses, Rachel Berg and Andrew Hewett, of Portola Valley, CA, Sheldon Berg and Lisa Joy Rosner of Emerald Hills, CA and Samuel and Carole Berg of Portsmouth, NH; his grandchildren Isaac, Rhea, Harley, Dina, Ruby, Zara, Seth and Sydney who know him as their beloved Zeyde.

Dr. Berg’s funeral will commence at 12 p.m. (Noon) Monday, October 28, 2024, from Temple Beth Joseph, 327 N. Prospect Street, Herkimer, with Cantor Kal Socolof, officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Beth Joseph section of Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. The Berg family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Shiva and visitation will be 6 p.m. Monday evening at temple with 7 p.m., minyan service.

Contributions, in his memory, may be offered to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Scott J. Pizer, Director for Jacobson-Pizer Funeral Chapel. (315) 797-9121

09/03/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Our funeral home line is down at the moment !

If you need us , please call me at 315-701-0770….

Or Bottinis at 315-336-6120.

We are hoping to have fixed asap .

Thank you
Scott J. Pizer

06/12/2024

Our phones are down at the moment . If you need immediate assistance call me on messenger , or 315-868-3696 or 315336-6120 for my coverage

Call now to connect with business.

06/12/2024

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