Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

06/04/2026

"DOC" SIDNEY SCHWIMER, DDS: An Army veteran, just shy of his 102nd birthday, passed away on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Sid was the beloved husband of the late Charlotte Schwimer. Loving father of Dr. David Schwimer, Mark Schwimer and Dr. Charles Schwimer. Grandfather of Douglas, Elena, Levi and the late Laura Schwimer. Great-grandfather of Braxton. Uncle of Jay, Dennis, Michael, Karen, Jennifer, Hara, Jeanie and Laura.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 10 AM at Homestead Hebrew Cemetery, 107 Bellwood Avenue, West Mifflin, PA 15122. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

06/03/2026

TOBY EXTER: The one and only Toby Exter died June 1st, immediately after saying goodbye to each of her three daughters, Rachel (David), Elizabeth (Steve) and Laura (Jack). She was predeceased by her husband Allen who passed in 2003.

Toby was born in Brooklyn to Jewish immigrant parents, Ada Balabanov and Naphtali Gisser. She met her husband Allen Exter when they were students at The City College of New York. They married and moved to Boston where they had two daughters. Rachel (made in New York and born in Boston) is the eldest, then sixteen months later, Elizabeth was born. The family moved to Bowie, MD where Toby birthed a third daughter, Laura. Family complete and after receiving a job offer from Westinghouse, Toby and Allen trekked west to Pittsburgh, with three young girls.

Toby raised her family in Whitehall and became involved with activities most meaningful to her. She loved to cook, listen to music, dance, garden, support women's rights and advocate for her favorite political issues. She worked at an office manager/bookkeeper at Ideal Specialty Shoe Company.

In addition to her daughters, Toby is survived by four grandchildren, Max, Lauren, Sophie and Zoe. Her love and legacy will live on in the next generation.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 12 Noon at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4720 Perry Highway Road, Ross Township, PA 15229.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/donate ) or the ACLU (https://action.aclu.org/give/tribute-aclu-pa).

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

06/01/2026

JEFFREY LEDERER: On Friday, May 29, 2026, Beloved Husband of Ilene Winn-Lederer. Loving father of Joshua Benjamin (Lisa) Lederer and Ira Stephan Lederer. Predeceased by cherished brother, the late Dr. William Lederer. Devoted Grandfather of Jonah Martin Lederer. Jeffrey is also survived by Nieces and Nephews: Pamela (Michael) Helman, Dr. David (Serena) Lederer, Joel Lederer (Claudia Rincon), the late Dr. Howard (Lisa) Lederer, and Gabriel (Robin Malkus) Davis. Jeffrey is also survived by many great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jeffrey was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Taylor Alderdice High School, before moving to Chicago and receiving his diploma from South Shore High School. Attending The University of Chicago, he received his undergraduate degree in physics before attending the University of Pittsburgh for his Master's degree in Computer Science. In the early 1980s, Jeffrey wrote the software for the Jarvik-7 artificial heart, pioneering a new field of healthcare solutions, and wrote the software that allows the Cathedral of Learning's organ to play on its own, earning him a spot on the front cover of Byte Magazine. Jeffrey had an entrepreneurial spirit, founding Calyx Systems, a software consultancy, and working with several technology start-ups as well as the Gulf Oil Company. At Penn State New Kensington, Jeffrey taught the next generations of computer scientists. Jeffrey finished his career at UPMC, where he spent many years working and consulting as a software architect.

Along with his passion for technology, Jeffrey was an involved member of the Frick Park Lawn Bowling Club, and attended many tournaments around the United States. Jeffrey's greatest passion, however, was his family. Jeff and Ilene married in Chicago, beginning their 55 year long marriage. The two traveled to Europe, Israel and the UK together. Jeff adored spending time with his kids and grandson. He would attend juggling conventions around the United States and Canada with his son, Ira, and would take his other son, Josh, to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. He also loved going to Pittsburgh Pirates games with his kids. Later in life, he cherished playing chess and poker with his grandson, Jonah.

Jeffrey's family would like to thank the Staff at Carla's Caring Heart, particularly Angela, Heather, and Kenya, the staff at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, the Home Health and Your Care teams, Nina Butler, Bikur Cholim, and all of the wonderful volunteers who were so helpful during this difficult time.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 1 PM at Homewood Cemetery, 1599 S. Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Contributions in Jeffrey's memory may be made to the Frick Park Lawn Bowling Club, 7300 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, Congregation Beth Shalom (https://bethshalompgh.org/donate/), or Bikur Cholim of Pittsburgh (www.bikurcholimofpittsburgh.org). Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

05/22/2026

Betty Klein: On Wednesday, May 20, 2026; Beloved wife of the late Donald Klein. Loving mother of Diane Klein and Susie (Larry) Mondry. Sister of the late Shirley Mikita. Grandmother of Drew, Emily, and Carly Mondry. Betty was a real estate agent for 45 years with Kellywood and Northwood Realty. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (2 pm - 3 pm). Interment Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard, POB 1829, 1 Pennywise Path, Edgartown, MA 02539, animalshelterofmv.org. www.schugar.com

05/18/2026

MICHAEL NORMAN BERGER: We are saddened to announce that Michael Norman Berger, a visionary and generous man, born June 21, 1935, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. He was the devoted son of Merle and Meyer Berger, thriving in their culturally and politically stimulating environment. Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Sherle Berger and her children and grandchildren; and by his first wife, Marsha Berger and their children, Mark Berger and Susan Berger-Jones and his grandson Milo ; and by his sister Susan Berger Smerd and his brother-in- law Peter Smerd and their children and grandchildren .

Having graduated from Shady Side Academy and Harvard University, Michael joined his father at M. Berger Company, which sold government surplus and industrial supplies. By the early 1960s, with Michael as sales manager, the business took off with hundreds of customers around the country. During this time, his father added to the company several pieces of real estate that Michael helped to manage at a later date. Meanwhile , Michael also earned an MFA in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh embarking on a lifelong quest to bring global art to the Pittsburgh area through his exhibits and art galleries located in several Pittsburgh neighborhoods. At the time of his passing, Michael was working to develop the Diversity Museum of Art and Culture to further his commitment to cultural, societal and artistic pluralism. He deeply believed that art is not a luxury but a necessity for creating a better world where all voices may be considered, seen and heard.

Michael also applied his creative energies and leadership ability to an extensive range of philanthropies. Among many beneficiaries of his generosity were the Israel Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning as well as the display of artwork at the former Greater Pittsburgh Airport. Michael’s numerous undertakings enjoyed the support of beloved friends, family, and associates too numerous to mention.

A gathering to celebrate Michael’s life will take place on Friday, May 29 at 2 o’clock at Rodef Shalom Congregation followed by tea and conversation. Please rsvp to [email protected]. All are welcome.
A Ralph Schugar Chapel Service

05/11/2026

PHYLLIS DREYFUSS: Phyllis Dreyfuss passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 91. She was the beloved wife of Lester Dreyfuss and devoted mother of Michelle (John), Stephanie (William), and Dan (Karen). She was the cherished grandmother of Sam (Sammie), Ellis, Max, Lydia, Gadi, Eli, Charle, Zohi (Darren), Cami, Gadi, and Neshama and proud great-grandmother of Finley and Rowan. Phyllis and Les treasured their years living in France and shared a lifelong love of travel, exploring the world together. She devoted herself to causes she cared deeply about including the League of Women Voters, Daughters of Abraham, refugee support and public education. Her compassion and generosity impacted the lives of many of those in need. Above all, she wished for a world rooted in equality, compassion, and justice. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Lester Dreyfuss, and her brother, Moe Coleman (Greta). Services will be held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Visitation one hour prior to services (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment private. Donations in her memory may be made to Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh. www.schugar.com

05/09/2026

Sandy Zell: A True Menche

Sandor "Sandy" (Zell) Zelekovitz moved through the world like water.

When he entered a room, his presence arrived all at once, filling every corner and quiet space effortlessly, the way water rushes in after a dam breaks. Powerful but never overwhelming. Gentle but impossible to ignore. People naturally drifted toward him, pulled into his current by warmth, humor, kindness, and an unmistakable sense of safety. He had that rare ability to make people feel immediately known. A stranger became a friend in ten minutes. A friend became family soon after that. And once Sandy loved you, you stayed loved for life.

Born to Lou and Sylvia (Zell) Zelekovitz, Sandy was raised in a home shaped by both survival and joy. Together, they taught Sandy perhaps the most important lesson of all: the greatest response to hatred and suffering was not bitterness, but joy. To live fully. To love deeply. To build a beautiful life anyway.

And Sandy carried that lesson forward relentlessly in everything he did and in everyone he touched. As the eldest brother to Jeff and Marc, Sandy understood early that strength was not about commanding attention. Like water, Sandy found every crack where somebody needed something, anything, and gently filled it no matter what. He found joy in places others overlooked entirely.

He could turn an ordinary moment into a story people would repeat for years. In speaking about nothing, he somehow taught you everything you needed to know about life.

Sandy carried a deep devotion to his Jewish faith, to the Jewish people, and to the State of Israel.

Together with his beloved wife Barbara, his true partner in every sense, Sandy co-chaired 412 Friends of Zahal, helping bring wounded Israeli Defense Forces veterans to Pittsburgh each year for healing, support, and connection.

He also proudly served on the board of Beth Samuel Jewish Center in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, strengthening the Jewish community he loved so deeply.

If you knew him, you knew this truth: taking care of people was not simply something Sandy did. It was who he was.

Sandy died on May 7, 2026, and it felt as though the tide itself had receded. But every now and then, when the trees begin to rustle, when a robin lingers a little too long on the windowsill, or when a squirrel stops and looks at you sideways for no reason at all, it becomes a little easier to believe that Sandy never really left.

Sandy is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Williams Zelekovitz, his loving children Mitchell (Ashley) Levine, Benjamin (Rivka) Levine, Rena (Adam) Fasone, Traci Levine, Justin (Courteney) Zelekovitz, Doogie (Emily) Levine, his brothers Jeff (Sue) Zell and Marc (Janet) Zelkovitz. He was a proud and adoring grandfather of Lily, Eli, Emma, Mila, Charlie, Sloane, and Nico. Sandy was also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Services and interment were private. Contributions in Sandy's memory may be made to 412 Friends of Zahal, 6820 Juniata Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

05/02/2026

Howard Lang: On Friday, May 1, 2026, Beloved husband of Carol (Eckstein), loving father of Joannie Lang Bezner, Naji (Ricky) Lang (Marcie Venter-Lang), proud grandfather of Eli, Anna, and Saul Bezner. Howard was the son of the late Ann (Hershenson) Lang and Leonard Lang. He was born in Troy, NY in 1935. He was a graduate of Cornell University and University of Pittsburgh Medical School. After graduation, he married Carol Eckstein and they enjoyed a wonderful life of family, careers, and retirement for over 64 years. During his career, Howard spent two years as a Captain in the US Air Force, stationed in Plattsburgh, NY. Afterward, Howard practiced primary care medicine and allergy at the Brentwood Medical Group. He was the Senior Partner at the time of his retirement in 2002. During his career he was on the staff of Montefiore Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, and Jefferson Hospital. He served as Director of Medicine at Jefferson Hospital, and later as Director of Staff. He also served 12 years on the Board at Jefferson Hospital. Howard was a wonderful photographer, capturing life's best moments; his extensive travels with Carol and his family and friends, that will last forever. Graveside services and interment will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Please call funeral home for shiva information (412-621-8282). Donations in Howard's memory may be made to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Feeding America, 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601, or Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, 1900 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.,

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

05/01/2026

MELVIN BERKOVITZ: Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on April 30, 2026 in Delray Florida, where he recently relocated. Mel was a month shy of his 97th birthday. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 29,1929 to Sadie (nee Lookman) Berkovitz and Samuel Berkovitz, both immigrants from Russia and Hungary respectively. Mel was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Morris, Ben, Albert and William Berkovitz, Gertrude Berkovitz Hollander, Blanche Berkovitz Hoffman and Edith Berkovitz. Survivors include the love of his life, Carolyn Girson, to whom he was married two days shy of 73 years. Mel and Carolyn were married May 3, 1953 , at the Margaretta Street Shul. He was the dearly loved father of Sam (Deborah) Berkovitz, Sandra Tepper, and Cynthia (James) Goldstein. He was the proudest grandfather of Shaina (John) Anderson, Molly (Nick) Blicha, Eli Berkovitz, Noah Berkovitz, Lindsey (Steven) Shafer, Jordana Goldstein and Max Goldstein. Precious great-grandfather to Angelo Berkovitz, Norah Berkovitz, Quinn Anderson, and many grand-dogs. Mel served as a Corporal in the US Marine Corps, then went to business school. He worked at Gordon's Furniture for several years until he decided to branch out on his own to open an art and frame gallery which he started in 1972, in the basement of his Shady Avenue home. His idea of providing artwork to compliment the furniture in people's homes was ignited while at Gordon's, but then Mel took a leap of faith that became Concept Art Gallery; first on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, then relocating to the current Regent Square Gallery. Mel was owner and CEO of Concept until his retirement. Mel loved the Squirrel Hill JCC where he swam regularly for several years, and started an informal Friday Lunch group with his swimming friends. When he couldn't swim, he exercised in the gym with weights up until October when he moved. He was disciplined in his exercise, diet and lifestyle, and we are all certain that it led to this incredibly long and active life. Friends will be received at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 12 Noon to 1 PM. Interment Private. The family suggests donations in Mel's memory be made to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh with the designation of either JCC Age Well or JCC Aquatics. www.schugar.com

04/29/2026

MARILYN FRANCES BECK: It is with deep sadness; we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Marilyn Frances Beck. Marilyn was born in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 1932 to the late Philip and Celia Solomon of Squirrel Hill and passed away peacefully, on the morning of April 27, 2026, surrounded by family, in her home in Delray Beach, Florida.

In her journey of 93 years, Marilyn touched many people's lives through her love, humor, understanding, her ability to listen and remember everything. She enjoyed reading, cooking and most of all, spending time with her family and beloved husband Irv. Early alarm clocks to be at work at Daniels' Discount as the owners there for over 50 years, traveling to New Philadelphia on weekends, family dinners with all the kids and as snowbirds where they finally settled in Delray Beach, Florida.

Marilyn's legacy will be carried on by those closest to her, who will miss her dearly and remember her forever with loving memories. Survived by her brother Henry "Hank" Solomon (Janet) of Miami, Florida, her late sister Sondra Coller. Children, Bill Beck (Darlene), Steve Beck (Randi), Ken Beck (Tara), Randi Whaley (Marty) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment Ahavath Achim Cemetery in Kennedy Township.