Sisskind Funeral Service

01/08/2026

Joann Finkel, 84, died Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Born on May 24, 1941 in Boston, MA to A.D. and Thelma Fineman Finkel,
She had been a resident of Syracuse for most of her life. Her dad passed in1985, her mom in 2007, and her brother Robert in 2020.
She is survived by her long time companion Glenn Lystad; and her nephew Alexander (Lori) Finkel.

Contributions may be made to The Syracuse Jewish Cemetery Association.

Graveside services will be on Monday the 12th at 10:00AM in Poiley Tzedek Cemetery.

www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

Send a message to learn more

12/29/2025

Dr. Laurence Thomas, 76, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 27 at The Nottingham. An American philosopher, he was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Political Science at Syracuse University.

Dr. Thomas was the author of over 80 articles and four books. His articles on moral theory, on social philosophy and on American Blacks and Jews have been widely anthologized. One of Laurence Thomas's most highly regarded essays is entitled "Being Moral and Handling the Truth".

He has held appointments at Notre Dame, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Oberlin College, and in 1994 was a visiting scholar in the Religion Department at the University of Michigan. He was the Andrew Mellon Faculty Fellow at Harvard University in 1978-79.

Thomas's teaching has been widely noted and praised. He was named Syracuse University's Scholar-Teacher of the Year in 1993.

“Over the years my students have been a profound source of inspiration. My signature course was Philosophy 191, “Ethics and Value Theory”. That course has been and continues to be a tremendous source of moral and intellectual inspiration.”

Though Dr. Thomas never married or had children, his legacy is his students who he thought of as his family. “I regard parental love as the greatest of all moral gifts’”

Funeral services will be at 10AM on Wednesday at Sisskind Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street. Burial will be in Frumah Packard Cemetery.

Contributions to perpetuate his memory may be made to Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse

Send a message to learn more

12/02/2025

Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein, 100, passed away in the comfort of her home early Tuesday morning. Born on September 1, 1925 to Morris and Esther Garelick in Rochester, she had been a resident of Syracuse since June of 1946 when she and her late husband Alex were married.
She was a graduate of SUNY Brockport and received the Hall of Heritage Award from the Brockport Alumni Association in 2024. Chuckie taught at Salem Hyde and tutored students after she left formal teaching. In 1998 she received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from LeMoyne College; and then in 2015 was awarded a Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa honorary degree from Syracuse University.

Chuckie was a “Citizen Trustee”. It was a title that she not only earned but lived her life by through activism, volunteerism and devotion to making her community a better place for all citizens locally and globally. She was honored locally, by New York State, and nationally as well.

She served as an honorary VP of the The American Jewish Committee where she chaired the national committee on the role of women; also served on the board of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Human Rights, and chaired the Jewish Communal Affairs Commission.

Her awards and accolades are vast and widespread. She was particularly proud to have been a co-founder of “Leadership Greater Syracuse”, and F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse. She spoke with pride of her 100’s of graduates of the programs.

Chuckie was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Alex in 2020, daughter-in-law
Barbara in 2003, and son Philip in 2016.
Her family includes her children Carol (Ron) Killian, David (Jeanne), Alyse, and Liz (Lou); grandchildren Shoshana (Howie), Ben (Amy), Mark (Ana Laura), Erin (Mike), Dan (Sarah), Greg (Stephanie), Chelsea (Chris), Erin (Eric), Sam (Esther), Amara (Bjorn), and Dan; great-grandchildren Ben, Josh, Arthur, Hannah, Alex, Winnie, Jack, Birdie, Isla, Thatcher, and Parker.

Funeral services will be at 11AM on Monday the 8th at Temple Concord at Kimber Road. Friends may visit with the family at the Temple, 450 Kimber Road from 9:30 to 11AM immediately prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 30 of Woodlawn Cemetery.

The live stream may be seen at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ZYlXy9yMvGvKeVMBOcLyNPngv9A0zFu/view?usp=drive_web

Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to Temple Concord, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, Leadership Greater Syracuse, Loretto, Meals on Wheels, The Holstein Citizen Engagement Fund at The CNY Community Foundation, The Jewish Community Foundation of CNY, or The Syracuse University Library Special Collections which is the home of the Charlotte Holstein Papers.

Shiva will be observed at Chuckie and Alex’s home on Monday the 8th from 7-9PM and Tuesday the 9th from 7-9PM www.Sisskind funeral service.com

11/25/2025

Sonya H. Bergman, 95, passed away early Tuesday morning at her home at The Nottingham. She was born on May 10, 1930 to Mortimer and Doris Solomon in the Bronx. She was raised in the Bronx until moving to Orangeburg, NY in the 1960’s.

Sonya earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching and taught typing, stenography, and secretary courses at Tappan Zee High School. Though critically important at the time all three are now from another era. She taught for more than 30 years until retiring. She remained active in her retirement through teaching at the Katherine Gibbs School in Manhattan.

She and her late husband Martin retired to Boynton Beach, Fl and enjoyed their retirement years there. In 2022 Sonya moved to The Nottingham Independent Living to be closer to her family. She remained independent until just weeks ago. She lived a full life with a positive attitude. She rose above any challenges and had a good life.
It was a blessing to her family to have her nearby. She loved her grandchildren and being a part of their lives.

Her husband Martin passed away in 2003 after 50 years of a wonderful marriage.
Her family includes her sons Neal (Nomi) Bergman, and Fred (Judy) Bergman; grandchildren Danielle (Ryan), Rebecca (Justin), Dori (Brandon), Meredith, Mark, and Allison; great-grandsons Liam, and Connor; her partner of the past 15 years Burt Bloomberg; and many dear friends.

Friends may visit with the family at Neal and Nomi’s home on Wednesday the 26th from 5-7PM; with a Shiva Minyan at 6. Burial in Mt. Ararat Cemetery on Long Island will be private.

Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to The Sunny B. Wound Care Center at Crouse Health; or The Nottingham Community Care of the Loretto Foundation.,
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

11/16/2025

Wendy Davenport, 78, passed away Saturday night at Crouse Hospital with her family by her side. Born on Long Island on January 23, 1947 to the Honorable Paul and Vivian Lawrence she had been a resident of Syracuse for more than 50 years.

She was a graduate of SUNY Albany with a BA degree, and earned her masters degree from Syracuse University in English Literature.

Wendy was a teacher at Cicero-North Syracuse High School for 37 years until retiring.
She also taught at Columbia College at Hancock AFB. She was a long time member of Temple Concord, and active in the sisterhood of the Temple. Wendy was a volunteer and teacher at OASIS. She was especially proud to have been a founding member of CNY Reads; a member of NYSUT; and active member of the English Speaking Union which was affiliated with the Shakespeare competition for area high schools. She was a Wendy was a member of the Spirit of Syracuse Sweet Adelines. After her husband Robert passed in 2010 she continued his membership and active participation in the Oneida Lake Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Wendy’s family includes her daughter Shana (Grant) Kohler; her son Robert F. “Bob” (Heather) Jr., and her granddaughter Nicole.

Funeral services will be at 11AM on Thursday the 20th at Temple Concord. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the funeral service at the Temple, 450 Kimber Road on Thursday from 10 to 11AM.
The service will be live streamed at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82769469499 pwd=dos658pAwAZbqEsVAkf02ptaOobHra.1. Meeting ID: 827 6946 9499
Passcode: 987302

Entombment will be in the Temple Concord Mauseleum at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Temple Concord, or Oasis.

Shiva will be observed at Wendy’s home Thursday night 6-8, and Friday from 2-4 www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

11/16/2025

Pamela S.Poushter, 41, passed away Saturday at Crouse Hospital with her family by her side as a result of an asthma related cardiac event. Born on May 12, 1984 to Ron and Tracy Poushter she had been a life resident of Syracuse.
Pamela was a graduate of Jamesville-Dewitt High School, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from LeMoyne College. She was an avid skier and softball player. Pam was a loving daughter and sister who always had a smile on her face. She had a great sense of humor.
Pamela was pre-deceased by her grandparents Harry and Dottie Poushter, Robert Vogel, and Robert Anklin. She is survived by her parents Ron and Tracy Poushter; her brother Andrew “AJ”, her nephew Landon; her grandmother Carol Anklin; her aunts Sandra King, and Laura Vogel-Missale; her uncles Bruce (Ianne) Poushter, and Alan (Marsha) Poushter; many cousins; and a large and loving extended family.
Funeral services will be at 11AM on Tuesday the 18th at Sisskind Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Tuesday from 10-11 at the funeral chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street. Burial will be in Adath
Yeshurun Cemetery.
The service will be live streamed on the Sisskind Funeral Service FaceBook page beginning at 10:55AM on Tuesday. Shiva will be observed at Ron and Tracy’s home Tuesday 6-8 and Wednesday 6-8PM
Contributions to perpetuate Pamela’s memory may be made to the SPCA of CNY.

11/04/2025

Barbara Ann Black, 78, passed away in the comfort of her home early Tuesday morning with her family beside her. Born on April 14, 1947 she had been a life resident of Syracuse.
She was a graduate of The Craig State School of Nursing at SUNY Geneseo, then earned two Masters degrees in Consumer Affairs/Economics from Syracuse University, and a post Masters Advanced Certificate ANP in nursing from SUNY Health Science Center College of Nursing.
Her career began in general nursing as an ICU nurse. After continuing her education and earning two Masters degrees she established the Center for Continuing Nursing Education as the director of the program. In 2013 Barbara was appointed as an Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing at Upstate Medical Center.
Barbara was active in her community. She volunteered at the American Heart Association, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and The R**e Crisis Center. She was also a 27 year member of the Board of Education of the Fayetteville-Manlius School District, and on the board of trustees of Menorah Park.
For the last several years Barbara co-chaired the annual Menorah Park Golf Outing.
She also served on the Board of the Nursing Scholarship Endowment Fund. While on the FM School Board she spearheaded the Endowment Fund for the School System.
Barbara enjoyed playing golf, tennis, cooking, decorating, reading, dressing well, and of course partying. What she enjoyed most was spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She will forever be remembered as the force of nature that she was. Her presence filled a room. Her independent way of living her life drew people in seeking her advise and counsel. She was a valued and dear trusted friend to so many.
Her family includes her husband Gerald of 48 years, their children
Nicole (Scott Crook) Black, Leah (Jason Mayo) Black, Jonathan Black;
Grandchildren Sophia, Talia, Zane, Avi, Marley, Lily, and Dyllan.
Funeral services will be at 11AM on Friday the 7th. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Friday from 10-11 at Sisskind Funeral Chapel,
3175 E. Genesee Street. The service will be live streamed on the Sisskind Funeral Service Facebook beginning at 10:55 on Friday the 7th.
Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to the Upstate Foundation for the Barbara Black Endowment Fund, 750 E. Adams Street Syracuse, NY 13210, or the Foundation of Menorah Park.
Shiva will be observed at Barbara and Gerry’s home from sundown Saturday to 9, Sunday from 11-2, and 4-7; Monday and Tuesday from 4-7.

10/21/2025

It is with great sadness and an abundance of unique memories that family and friends mourn the passing of Arlene Abend on October 17th, 2025. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 23rd, 1931. Always drawn to the ocean, she frequented Brighton Beach in her early years. A graduate of the Arts at Cooper Union, finishing her bachelor’s at Syracuse University, her artistic endeavors continued well into her early nineties. She was embedded into the creative culture of Syracuse and Upstate, NY for over six decades.
Beginning with pastel portraits, Arlene expanded her talents into the mediums of ceramics, bronze, resins, and steel, focusing the majority of her career on metal sculpture from whimsical figurines to her favorite commissions for towering creations.
A trailblazer and an avid feminist before it was fashionable, Arlene would never back down from misogyny. Her stories were infectious and her love for sunsets and fresh snow on the ground was immeasurable. “I’m explaining, not complaining,” was a favorite quote from her mom, notwithstanding another favorite adage, “When you make plans, God laughs.”
Arlene is survived by her adult children, Tema Abend and Les (Carol) Abend, and her grandchildren, Alyssa O’Neal-Abend and Shira O’Neal-Abend. A Celebration of Life will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom on the evening of February 25, 2026.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

10/21/2025

Kathy Anne Brodsky, 73, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday evening after a long illness. She was born on December 19, 1951 in New York City to Joan & Howard Smith. She had been a resident of Syracuse for more than 50 years

Kathy was a graduate of Syracuse University with both Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Social Work. During her professional career she was a social worker for the Onondaga County Department of Health’s Home Care Unit, SUNY Upstate Hospital, and with the Regional Oncology Center. She then joined the American Cancer Society as a Patient Services Provider, where she worked until her retirement.

Kathy was a former member of Temple Concord, volunteering in the gift shop for many years. She was an avid quilter and knitter, lovingly creating gifts for her family and friends in her free time. Kathy was an active member of the Dewittshire Community Club, organizing events and tending gardens in the neighborhood that she held so dear. Most importantly, Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, niece, and friend.

Her family includes Howard, her husband of 52 years; their sons Benjamin (Tracy), Jacob (Erin), David, and Peter (Erika); their grandchildren Ashlin, Martin, Paul, Dara, Elena, Seth, Reuben, and Evelyn. Kathy was predeceased by her parents and her loving brother, Arthur Smith.

Services will be at 11 am on Sunday, October 26th, at Sisskind Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Sunday from 10-11 at the funeral chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Food Bank of CNY, or Upstate Medical University.www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

10/15/2025

Bernie Bugin, 96, passed away on Tuesday evening at Menorah Park. He was born on October 23, 1928 In Buffalo, NY to Sam and Eva Bugin. Bernie served His country during the Korea War and was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1960.

He and Virginia Jacobs were married on February 14, 1953 and were married for 40 years until her passing on January 1, 1993. In October 1993, he met Linda Stone, who has been his companion for 32 years.

Bernie was always active. In 2001, he won a gold medal in the senior games in Syracuse, NY, for racket ball. He was the owner of his own business Associated Hearing Aid Corp. for 62 years, retiring officially at 92.

Bernie’s family includes his children, David Bugin, and Barbara Andrew. 6 Grandchildren, Jamie Crewell (Jay), Susanne Bauer (Jon), Jessica Butler (Chuck), Daniel Bugin, Nathan Bugin and Grace Bugin, 3 Great Grandchildren Brynn Crewell, Cooper Bauer, and Cora Bauer.

Funeral services will be at Temple Concord, 450 Kimber Road, Syracuse on Thursday, October 16 at 2PM. friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Thursday from 1-2PM at the Temple. The service will be live streamed beginning at 1:55PM on Thursday at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84006153294pwd=qPTxNYijxy8q3KUAfn9f6oyGOiDJjK.1
Meeting ID: 840 0615 3294 Passcode: 835930
Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 63 of Woodlawn Cemetery beside Virginia.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com