Kurt Kohr: Holocaust Survivor, Independence Fighter, Business Owner, Volunteer

Services were held May 2 at Montefiore Home in Beachwood.

Kurt Kohr was a Holocaust survivor, fought in Israel's War of Independence, owned a successful business in Beachwood and was one of the founders of Kerem Maharal moshav. Kurt Kohr of Beachwood died on Tuesday, April 30. He was 87, according to his obituary published on the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz funeral home website. Kohr and his surviving wife, Rita, were honored for their work as foster parents and both volunteered for 10 years at the Montefiore Home.  According to a death notice published on cleveland.com: In addition to his wife, Kohr is survived by his brother Max; his children Howard (Sherri) Kohr, Ronald (Irene) Kohr, Deborah Kohr, and Carl (Kathleen) Kohr; his stepchildren Garry Swirsky, Daniel (Naava) Swirsky, and Lisa Swirsky (…

• Photos (1)

Don Hisaka, Prominent Shaker Heights Architect, Dies

Hisaka's work on display now at Shaker Historical Society

Don Hisaka, a prominent Cleveland architect who designed Beachwood's Signature Square, has died, a friend of his confirmed to Patch. Hisaka lived in Berkeley, Cali. when he died last week. An obituary has not been located yet, but Patch will update this article when one is published. Retired architect Jim Gibans was friends with Hisaka and worked with him on a project locally. The president of the Cleveland Artists Foundation, Gibans and his wife Nina curated an exhibit showcasing Hisaka's work at the Shaker Historical Museum that runs through March 23. "We were always friends," Gibans said. "He was a very engaging sort of guy but very uncompromising in his beliefs in his design and personal integrity, and how you treat others. He was a …

• Photos (1)

Mildred Saddle Goodman, 96, Great Grandmother

Services will be held today and Thursday.

From Lane Family Funeral Home: Mildred Saddle Goodman 96, peacefully passed away from natural causes, Feb. 11, 2013. She was a lifelong resident of Warren before moving to Cleveland. She lived in the Beachwood area. She was predeceased by her husband, David Goodman. Mildred is survived by a daughter, Phyllis Goodman of Beachwood, a son, Barney (Ellen) of Vienna, VA, loving grandmother of Mark, Brian (Nicole), Josh (Maria) and Adam (Kendra) who affectionately called her Mimi, and three great grandchildren, Eva, Asher and Samuel, beloved sister of Bill Saddle. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at noon at Roberts Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, Ohio. The family will receive friends and observe Shiva at the home …

• Photos (1)

Obituary: Renee B. LaFrance-Samac, Former Beachwood City Employee

LaFrance-Samac moved to California in 2004 after 30 years in Beachwood and Mayfield Heights' Building Departments.

RENEE B. LaFRANCE-SAMAC age 61 of Rancho Cucamonga, CA passed away peacefully in Mayfield Hts. on Monday, August 27, 2012. Beloved wife of Bernie Samac; stepmother of Tracy of California, Erik (wife Jennifer) of Kirtland; loving grandmother of Nikolena, Niko and Max; dearest sister of Robert (wife Holly) and Tim (wife Jennifer) LaFrance of California dear aunt and friend of many. Renee worked in the Building Departments of Mayfield Heights and Beachwood for over 30 years and retired in 2004 to enjoy the sun of California.  Contributions may be made in Renee’s memory to Hattie Larlham Foundation, 9772 Diagonal Rd., Mantua, OH 44255.  A Celebration of Life Service in memory of Renee will be Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11:30 AM at at THE …

• Photos (1)

Obituary: Mr. Coffee Owner Samuel Glazer Dies at 89

Glazer started developing Mr. Coffee appliances in Beachwood in 1979

Robert M. Namen, 80, retired chairman of Osborn Engineering Co.

Led engineering designs for Cleveland's professional baseball and football venues

Robert M. Namen, retired chairman of Osborn Engineering Co., guided the Cleveland firm through the engineering of the designs for Progressive Field, when it was called Jacobs Field, and Cleveland Browns Stadium. The 80-year-old Beachwood resident, who died April 16, also was in charge during the expansion and renovation of Ohio Stadium in Columbus and the engineering of lighting for Wrigley Field in Chicago. Namen joined Osborn in the early 1950s. He was named president in 1985 and chairman and director of operations in 1995. Some comments on Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel’s online guestbook indicate that Osborn employees regarded Namen as a father figure and positive role model. “Our fondest memories are of the company picnics at…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Nikki Ferrell

1:30 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Thanks, Kenneth, for your kind words. I'm sure his family can draw comfort in knowing he was such a respected member of our community.   more ›

Daniel Tobin, 82, and his wife, Marilyn, 78, die two days apart

Daniel Tobin owned lighting company; Marilyn was a receptionist for the Cleveland Jewish News

Daniel Tobin, 82, of Beachwood, died March 14, two days after the death of his wife, Marilyn, who died March 12. Daniel owned the K-Line lighting fixtures company. Marilyn, whose maiden name was Eskins, worked as a receptionist for the Cleveland Jewish News. Both were born in Cleveland. The Tobins are survived by their sons, David and Michael; three grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Daniel’s brother, Bernard, and Marilyn’s sister, Marjorie Paller, also survive. Services for the Tobins will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights. The family will receive friends following services until 8 p.m. and from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Tobin …

• Photos (1)