Sisskind Funeral Service

06/05/2026

Peggy Bertram, 70, passed away on June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive meningioma brain tumor.

Born on February 18, 1956, to Joy and Mike Moss, Peggy spent most of her life in the Syracuse area, while also spending meaningful years in San Diego, where she met the love of her life, Harold. She and Harold raised their daughters, Rachel and Amy, in Fayetteville.

Peggy was a graduate of Nottingham High School and Ithaca College. She spent cherished summers at Camp Woodmere, where she formed lasting friendships and memories she treasured always. She spent nearly 40 years as a physical therapist, with most of her time at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she blended her love of movement and science with her deep desire to help others. Outside of work, she enjoyed making memories with her family, exploring nature, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and volunteering at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue.

Her family includes her husband, Harold Bertram; daughters Rachel (Brandon) Wooten and Amy (Brittany Ellenberg) Bertram; grandchildren Ryder, Brinley, and Rowen Smith, and Mac, Stone, and Quinn Wooten; sister Jacqueline (Scott) Ayres; and nephews Richard (Mekea Larson) and Christopher Ayres. She also cherished a nearly 60-year friendship with her best friend, Anne Kemper. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Anita.

One of Peggy’s final acts of generosity was participating in Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Last Wish Program, through which she donated her organs and tissue to help advance cancer research after her passing. Her gift will help researchers better understand how cancers like hers grow and spread, with the hope of supporting the search for better treatments for families facing similar diagnoses.

In lieu of a formal memorial service, we invite those who knew and loved Peggy to share photos, memories, and stories. If you have a favorite memory, photo, story, or anything that captures who Peggy was, please email [email protected]. These memories will mean so much to our family and will help us hold on to all the ways she was loved.

We are also raising funds for a picnic table dedication in Peggy’s honor. Peggy was active, vibrant, caring, and had a zest for life. She loved swimming, biking, hiking, and being near lakes, waterfalls, and nature. The picnic table will be placed near a waterfront walking path, creating a peaceful place where our family can gather in the years ahead to remember her. If you would like to contribute, please email [email protected] for donation information. Any contribution, in any amount, is deeply appreciated.

06/02/2026

Martin (Marty) F Lipsitt died on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in his apartment at The Nottingham. He was one week shy of his 92nd birthday.

Marty Lipsitt was born on May 9,1934 in Detroit Michigan. From early on in his life, he was a highly social, creative person, who impressed others with his energy, charm and humor. He had close childhood friends who remained connected to him until the end of their lives. Marty did very well in school, and was noticed by his teachers. They looked out for him, letting his family know about opportunities for him to express himself and learn. He was chosen in elementary school to sing a solo on a radio program, and later was placed in a gifted artist program. Marty attended Cass Tech High School where he excelled across the board, but also further developed his fine art. From there Marty left for NYC to attend Pratt Institute, where he focused on illustration and advertising.

Marty loved NYC. He lived there for more than 70 years, before moving upstate to live near one of his daughters. Marty met Judy Melnikoff shortly after moving to NYC, when they were both camp counselors in Upstate NY. Marty and Judy married in 1958, and lived in Brooklyn near Pratt initially, and then in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill. They were married for nearly 60 years, and enjoyed a rich cultural life in NYC. Marty was very proud of the house in Cobble Hill that he bought in 1967 and designed, working closely with the architect. Marty and Judy lived in the Cobble Hill house for 40 plus years, raising two daughters and caring for a cat and five dogs over time.

Marty had a successful career as a creative director of the advertising agency, Calet, Hirsch and Spector. He also enjoyed fame designing furniture as well as illustrating for magazines. Marty found his work very gratifying, but was also always very interested in the lives of his daughters, and later also in their families. He was a very generous friend and mentor to those he worked with, always listening and responding with warmth and interest.

A few years after Judy’s death, and at a time when friends in NYC were aging and passing away, Marty moved to The Nottingham to live close to his older daughter and her family. Marty spent his last three years enjoying his two daughters, their families, and spending hours drawing and painting for pleasure. He particularly loved his 90th birthday celebration when he received a video from many friends in which they talked about what he meant to them. He also really enjoyed the company of his sixth dog, Teddy, who he shared with his daughter, Nancy .

Marty’s sudden death on May 2 has been a huge loss for those who loved him, but he has left a deep impression on friends and family. They will keep him close through their wonderful memories of him.

Marty is survived by his brother, Harry, two daughters, Nancy (Len) and Katie (Mark) and four grandchildren, Emily and Max and Ben and Lucy, as well as Teddy, the dog he shared with Nancy and Len.

If you wish to contact Marty’s daughters, you can do so at [email protected] (Katie) and [email protected] (Nancy).

05/26/2026

Ms. Roberta Braen, 96 of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24th, 2026, at Iroquois Nursing Home, Jamesville, NY.
Roberta Braen was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and was an Artist and an Art Teacher at several public schools in the Syracuse City School District for 30 years and taught art at her home during her free time. She inspired many students to take up careers in art and that they remained in close contact with her after graduating. She created many art pieces, primarily paintings which were exhibited at art shows and galleries. She was recognized for her work as an art teacher by organizations who identify contributors to aspiring artists and the work they created.
She is survived by her two sons, Eric and Philip, her three grandchildren, Mollie, Alexander and Ashley, one great grandson Owen, and her sister Marilyn Goodman-Galbraith.
She loved her family, her lifelong friends and friends she met through her love of art. A phrase that summed up her passion for art was – “Art is Life and Life is Art”. Her son, Eric, would spell her name “RobARTa” and since she had no middle name, he chose the name “Wonderful” as she used that word so often when talking with family and friends. Cards, photos and memories of Roberta can be sent to honor and remember her by her family to Sisskind Funeral Service LLC , 3175 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY, 13224 315-663-4200, [email protected]. Shalom - Peace.

05/18/2026

Michael A. Wolfson, M.D.

February 28, 1949 - May 11, 2026

Michael A. Wolfson, M.D., of Syracuse, New York, passed away surrounded by his family on May 11, 2026, after a brief illness. Michael devoted his life to medicine, public health, environmental justice, and his family. As a physician specializing in family practice and occupational and environmental medicine, he spent decades advocating against environmental hazards and injustices long before many recognized their impact on communities and public health. He was deeply committed to helping others and was known among family, friends, and patients for his willingness to offer guidance, solve difficult medical problems, and care for those in need.

Michael completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester, where he met his wife Carolyn. He attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University, completed a family medicine residency and addictions fellowship at Brown University, and earned an MPH in public health at Harvard University. He loved reading, photography, music, traveling, trying new hot sauces, and discovering new interests throughout his life. A lover of the blues and jazz, he took up guitar lessons later in life. Michael was also an avid sports fan who faithfully participated in a football pool with his daughter Kate for more than 20 years and looked forward to March Madness each spring.

Above all, Michael was a devoted husband and father. He cherished time with family, quiet evenings doing crossword puzzles and listening to jazz with his wife, Carolyn, and encouraging his daughters, Becca and Kate, to pursue excellence in everything they did. Thoughtful, protective, and endlessly curious, he found joy in small moments, meaningful conversation, and time spent with the people he loved most.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, and daughters, Becca and Kate.

A memorial service celebrating Michael’s life will be held at Sisskind Funeral Chapel on October 10, 2026, with additional details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders or another charitable organization of your choice.

05/06/2026

Robert Thomas Johnson, 71, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Bob was born in Syracuse, NY, son of the late Robert Melville Johnson and Mary Beryl Reynolds Johnson.

Growing up, Bob loved summers with his family on Oneida Lake, where he developed a love for fishing, sailing, and most water/ice sports. It was also during this time that golf grew from a hobby to his passion, playing in leagues across Central New York and later in Aiken, culminating in his proudest athletic achievement: a hole in one at LaFayette Country Club in Syracuse. When not outside, Bob most enjoyed watching the Bills and Eagles (Go Birds!), and in support of his wife, he never missed a televised UCLA men’s and women’s basketball game. At home, he was known as the family’s “chief cook,” especially for his signature breakfast sandwiches and savory chicken squares.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent playing, exploring, and laughing with them. Bob loved being at the playground with Elliott, holding him in his lap on the slide and chasing him up and down narrow passageways at the indoor playground, making sure he didn’t lose pieces of clothing in the process.

He shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and 2 incorrect marriage certificates with the love of his life, Margie Markson Johnson. Together, they built a life full of travel and memories, with family trips to Cape Cod and the Adirondacks, and later Boston, Dallas, Florida, California, Hilton Head, Israel and, most recently, England. After a lifetime living in Syracuse, the ice and snow finally drove them south to Aiken, SC, where Bob reconnected with old friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margie Markson Johnson; his sons, Joshua Johnson of Boston, MA, and Kyle (Ashley) Johnson of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Elliott Troy Johnson and Sophie Claire Johnson; his sister, Barbara (Thomas) Statkewicz of Larkspur, CO; sisters-in-law, Melissa Ellsworth and Dr. Samia Markson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dr. Jonathan Markson.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Shellhouse Funeral Home. A reception will follow.

The service will be livestreamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/585055

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (www.christopherreeve.org).

04/16/2026

Deborah Waterman Zausmer, 72, passed away gracefully with her husband and son by her side at home Wednesday morning. Born on January 12, 1954 in New London, CT she had been a resident of Syracuse for more than 50 years.
During her professional career she was an assistant manager for Rite Aid Drugs in Cicero, and also was an independent director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Debbie was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was a trusted and caring friend who will be missed by family and many friends.
Her family includes her husband Gary, children Jennifer (Jeff) Terry, Chad (Kristina) Waterman; grandchildren Caden, Colin, and Jayde; her brother Karl Edgren; and her sister Karen Lumb. She was pre deceased by her parents, and her sisters Judy, Barbara, and Susan; and her brother Edward Edgren.
A visitation will be Monday, April 20th from 10AM to 11:30AM at Sisskind Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street; with a service to follow at 11:30 Burial will follow after the service in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay.
Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to the ASPCA, or Helping Hounds www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

04/13/2026

Elliot Jay Scornick passed away at his home. He along with his brother Richard, and sister Ruth were born to Irving and Frieda Shapero Scornick. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, and brother. He was a native of Syracuse and was raised here until career opportunities brought him to the Philadelphia area. He returned to Syracuse in 1990.

He was a graduate of Nottingham High School class of 1965; a graduate of the University of Buffalo class of 1970; and earned his MBA at the University of Pennsylvania class of 1976. During his professional career “Jay” a VP of marketing for CIGNA in Philadelphia, a director of outreach education for Niagara Mohawk in Syracuse, and then a director of advertising communications for Agway. For the past several years he was president of JS Communications and Marketing.

He is survived by his niece Mindy Calderon, nephew Dana Masel, and cousin Ava Raphael.

A graveside service will be at 11AM on Friday, April 17 in Frumah Packard Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on the Sisskind Funeral Service page beginning at 11AM on Friday the 17th.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

03/06/2026

James Jay Rothfeld
May 3, 1948 – March 4, 2026

James “Jimmy” Rothfeld, 77, of Syracuse, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Born on May 3, 1948, Jimmy spent his entire life in Syracuse, a community he loved and where he became a familiar face to many. As the second-generation owner and operator of Harrison Bakery, he proudly continued the family business, which has been handed down to the third Rothfeld generation.

Jimmy was a devoted father who believed the best way to love his kids was to be there. He spent countless hours coaching youth sports: girls softball, baseball, and Pop Warner football and rarely missed a chance to be on a field, a sideline, or in the stands. He instilled the passion of sport and sportsmanship.

He was also a lifelong, and often long-suffering, fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Braves, standing by “his” teams through every heartbreaking loss and rare triumph with unwavering loyalty.

Jimmy had a gift for humor and was known for his quick wit and constant playful barbs. If he teased you, it meant you were one of his people.

“Blackjack Jimmy,” as he was called, had a deep love for Las Vegas, a place he returned to often and insisted was “better than Maine.”

Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Rothfeld, and his parents, Arthur and Eve Rothfeld.

He is survived by his children, Suzanne Steven (John), Michelle Rothfeld, and Michael Rothfeld (Melissa); his sister, Karen Freel (David); his cherished grandchildren, Arthur, Sophia, Madison, and Jacqueline; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jimmy will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty to the people and teams he loved, and the many memories he created with family, friends, and customers throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in Jimmy’s memory be made to the CNY SPCA

Funeral services will be at 11:00AM on Monday at Sisskind Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Monday from 10:00 - 11:00 at The Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse. Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 63 of Woodlawn Cemetery.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

03/03/2026

Merle Maloff Trogman, 76, passed away early Tuesday morning at Upstate University Hospital. Born on June 13, 1949 to Dr. Harding and Beatrice Maloff, she had been a life resident of Syracuse.
Merle was a graduate of Nottingham High School, earned both a Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, and then an additional Masters degree from Syracuse University.
She established The Accredited Electrolysis Studio in 1979. It continues today as Smart Choice Electrolysis. She was a trusted and caring person to many hundreds of customers. Her early detection of skin cancers saved countless lives.
She will be remembered for how she put her patients at ease. Her skill at her profession and her subtle counseling were invaluable.
Her family includes her husband Marco of 42 years, and her brother Dr. Perry (Gail) Maloff. She was pre-deceased by her parents, and her brother Jan.
Funeral services will be at 11AM on Friday the 6th at Sisskind Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Friday from 10-11 at the funeral chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street. Burial will be in the Beth Sholom section of Oakwood Cemetery. Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

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