OBITS: Staten Island Advance 16 Oct 2005; Staten Island, Richmond co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Staten Island Advance Death Notices http://www.statenislandadvance.com/ Cahill, Helen Helen Cahill of Westerleigh on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Michael. Loving mother of Robert. Dear sister of Antoinette Tolas. Devoted grandmother of Robert, Kirk, Kevin and Kelly Dean. Also survived by twelve great-grandchildren. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Monday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Family R.C. Church 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. Conte, Georgette A. Georgette A. Conte of Port Richmond on October 14, 2005. Beloved daughter of Irene Kehahuna and the late Robert Conte. Dear mother of Joseph Conte. Fond sister of Richard, Robin Conte and Jeanne Forte and the late Robert and Paul Conte. A blessing will be conducted at the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, P.R., on Tuesday 10:30 A.M. Private cremation to follow. Friends will be received Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/17/2005. DeLuca, Antonio Joseph Antonio Joseph DeLuca of Mariners Harbor on October 13, 2005. Husband of Roberta (nee Balsan) DeLuca. Son of the late John and Rosa DeLuca. Father of Darlene Rand, Carl, Todd and Timothy DeLuca, Claire Murawski, and Tonia Vitacco. Brother of John , Salvatore, and Elinor DeLuca, Rose Sagaria, Margaret Martucci and Mary D'Esposito. Also survived by twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Scamardella Funeral Home, 322 Broadway, West Brighton, on Monday. Interment Ocean View Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Joann Scamardella Licensed Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Dieter, Walter W. Walter (Bill) W. Dieter of West Brigh ton on October 14, 2005. Cherished son of Kathleen Bell (nee Herbert) and stepson of the late Thedore Bell. Loving father of Diedra, Danielle. Adored grand-father of Rayanne, Nicole, Allison, Rebecca, and Caleb. Fond brother of the late Barbara Bell. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Wednesday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Sacred Heart Church 10:00 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to Project Hospitality in Walter's name would be greatly appreciated. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/18/2005. DiTonno, Alba Alba DiTonno on October 14, 2005. Beloved wife of 55 years to Danny. Loving sister to Mary Ficarra and Penny Lubecki. Also survived and loved by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Monday 8:15 A.M. Mass 9:15 A.M. St. Charles Church. Visiting 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Saturday and Sunday. Hanley Funeral Home, Inc Family Owned and Operated www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Hart, Eleanor A. Eleanor A. Hart of Brandon, Florida, formerly of Dongan Hills on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Elmer. Loving mother of David and mother-in-law of Linda. Dear sister of Margaret Goller. Cherished aunt of Michelle and Scott Buono. Cousin of Ed Donaghy. A Funeral service will be held at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Rd., Tuesday 10 A.M. Interment at Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may visit Sunday 7-9 P.M. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated since 1841 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/17/2005. Mancuso, James P. James P. Mancuso of Great Kills on October 15, 2005. Beloved husband of Grace (nee Fasullo). Dear brother of Frankie, Johnny and Michael Mancuso and the late Danny Mancuso. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral service from Casey McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Great Kills on Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Patrick's Church at 10 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Friends will be received Sunday and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The John J. Bruno Scholarship Fund or St. Francis Center For Spirituality, would be appreciated. Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/17/2005. Mastropasqua, Clara Clara Mastropasqua of Tompkinsville on October 14, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Rocco. Loving mother of Vito Mastropasqua, Marie G. McLaughlin, Clara Rafael and Deborah Morale and the late Anna Zasa and Assunta Ricca. Dear sister of Helen Sollazzo. Also survived by nineteen grandchildren and twenty six great-grandchildren. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Monday 8:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Our Lady Of Good Counsel Church 9:30 A.M. Interment Silver Mount Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday 2-4; 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society would be appreciated. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/16/2005. Merlino, Robert R. Robert R. Merlino of Richmondtown on October 14, 2005. Beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Decker). Dear brother of Gino Merlino, Dr. John Merlino, Ida Merlino, Elisa Iannacone, Rose Briganti, Dr. Lina Merlino, Viola Houston and Dr. Ann Merlino. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Tuesday 9:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Anthony of Padua Church 10 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday 7-9 and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to S.I. Alzheimer's Foundation Building Fund or St. Anthony of Padua Church would be appreciated. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/17/2005. Naglich, Marion Marion Naglich of Hillsborough, NJ (formerly of SI) on October 14, 2005. Beloved wife of the late William. Loving mother of Carol Cialone, Cindy Brennan and Claudia Malik. Fond mother-in-law of Fernando, Thomas and Stephen. Dear sister of Frances Christensen and the late August and Henry. Also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral from THE GUNDRUM SERVICE HOME FOR FUNERALS INC., 237 Bordentown Avenue, South Amboy. Tuesday 8:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Sacred Heart Church 9:30 A.M. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Monday from 2-4; 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/17/2005. Sheil, Edward SHEIL Members of the Kiwanis Club of Staten Island are requested to attend the Sunday, October 16, viewing at Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home, Nelson Ave, at 7 P.M. to honor our fallen friend, Edward Sheil. Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Sheil, Edward SHEIL Officers and Members of Division #4 Ancient Order Of Hibernians, will meet at The Casey McCallum -Rice Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Sunday, at 7:15, to pay our respects to our departed member Edward Sheil. Brian Nutley, President Division #4 Published in the Staten Island Advance on 10/16/2005. Sheil, Edward F. Edward F. Sheil on October 13, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Lorraine (nee Martin). Loving father of Martin Sheil and Betsy Dubovsky. Adored grandfather of Neal and Allison Dubovsky and Dylan Sheil. Funeral service from Casey McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Great Kills on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Child Church at 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers contributions to Kamp Kiwanis District Foundation c/o Marrazzo and Dollard 1265 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York, 10314 would be appreciated. Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. Shotwell, Enrica Angela (Frohn) Enrica Angela Shotwell (nee Frohn) on October 13, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Henry Shotwell, III. Dear mother of Henry P. Shotwell, IV and James D. Shotwell. Fond mother in law of Mary B. Etter. Also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral from Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, P.R., on Monday 9:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church 10:30 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Sunday 3-5, 7-9 P.M. Please join us in honoring Enrica by visiting our Memorial at www.mem.com Through this site we invite you to share your fond memories and thoughts with our family. Thank you. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005. Simone, Joseph Joseph Simone of Great Kills on October 12, 2005. Beloved husband of Eileen. Devoted father of Peter and Tina. Loving brother of Philip and Marie. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 9:45 A.M. St. Clare's Church. Interment Moravian Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Varvaro, Rosalie Rosalie Varvaro on October 14 2005. Beloved wife of the late Emanuel. Devoted mother Lisa and Ralph Panaro and Stephen and Kariane Varvaro. Cherished grandmother of Cassandra and Daniel Panaro and Michael Varvaro. Loving daughter of Pasquale LaSalle. Fond sister of Sally Groves. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Friends may call Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10:15 A.M. St Charles Church Interment Moravian Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/15/2005 - 10/16/2005. Vulpis, Joseph Joseph Vulpis of Rossville on October 15, 2005. Beloved husband of Ann. Devoted father of Alexander. Dear brother of Salvatore and Antonia Rossiello. Funeral from JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (AT ELTINGVILLE STATION), Tuesday 8:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Our Lady Star Of The Sea Church 9:45 A.M. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Sunday from 7-10 P.M. and Monday from 2-5 and 7-10 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 10/16/2005 - 10/17/2005. ROBERT MERLINO, 62 Business owner, active in Alzheimer's Foundation Sunday, October 16, 2005 Robert R. Merlino, a native Staten Islander whose passion for antique automobiles grew into a career as a metalsmith, died yesterday in Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, N.J. He was 62. The youngest of 12 children, the Port Richmond native graduated from Port Richmond High School, where his wife-to-be, the former Kathleen Decker, was in the same grade. The couple dated for seven years before they wed in St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, Travis, in November 1965. They moved to Westerleigh upon their marriage and settled in Richmond six years later. After attending Wagner College, Mr. Merlino worked for the New York University Electron Tube Group and the Palisades Institute for Research Services, Manhattan, where he served as a member of the Secretariat of the Department of Defense advisory group on electron devices. He began working with brass professionally in 1977, after restoring the brass lamps on his own antique automobile. In 1983, he opened Antique Brass Works in Port Richmond, where he sold, repaired, refinished and restored brass antiques and accessories. The creations of Antique Brass Works included tabernacles, candle stands, lighting fixtures, custom railings and more. Mr. Merlino was credited with overseeing the fabrication and restoration of many important pieces for museums, churches and private collections. "He was most proud of his work on the tabernacle, crucifix and the baptismal fount for Holy Rosary [R.C.] Church" in South Beach, said Mrs. Merlino. In 1988, Mr. Merlino told the Advance he was a "self-taught craftsman" who believed in the saying, "We do the unusual-- the impossible takes a little longer." In addition to his craft, Mr. Merlino enjoyed chatting with native Islanders who stopped into the store to talk about Staten Island's past. Along with his wife, Mr. Merlino had played a major role in fund-raisers for the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island (formerly the Staten Island chapter of the Alzheimer's Association), where he was a volunteer and board member for 15 years. Since 1989, the couple served as chairpeople for the foundation's antiques show and sale. Mr. Merlino also chaired the Endless Pastabilities event, which had been his brainchild, for more than 10 years. Mr. Merlino received the Forget-Me-Not award from the foundation in 1993, and the Alzheimer's Partnership Award in 2001. At this year's annual Valentine's Party, he and his wife were honored as a couple for their longtime service to the foundation. Mr. Merlino was a trustee and past secretary of the Richmond Engine Co. No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department, former vice president of the Northfield Local Development Corp., and past vice president of the Port Richmond Board of Trade. He was also a past president of the South Shore Veterans and Exempt Firemen's Association. A proud collector, Mr. Merlino kept an assortment of telephones, fire-fighting memorabilia, pinball and slot machines and jukeboxes in his home. He enjoyed antiquing and "loved showing people his toys," his wife said. Mr. Merlino also bought a 1950s soda fountain that he restored and put to use for parties and gatherings in his basement. He manned the barbecue at the Labor Day celebrations that he and his wife hosted annually, and on New Year's Eve, had relished the company of his family at his home for more than 20 years. Mr. Merlino also liked to travel with his wife. They took cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, and most recently sailed the Queen Mary 2 to the Caribbean with a group of friends. Mr. Merlino was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. "He was kind, fun and thoughtful of everyone," said his sister-in-law, Marie Merlino. "He loved his family. He was a wonderful person." Mr. Merlino had been close to his three late brothers, Mario, Aldo and Rudolph. Surviving are Mr. Merlino's wife, Kathleen; two brothers, Gino and John; six sisters, Ida Merlino, Elisa Iannacone, Rose Briganti, Lina Merlino, Viola Houston and Ann Merlino, 26 nieces and nephews, and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews. The funeral will be Tuesday from the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook, with a mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains. RALPH BENKE, 78 Retired Coast Guard machinist saw action in 3 wars Sunday, October 16, 2005 Ralph Benke, 78, a retired Coast Guard machinist and former Staten Islander, died Oct. 9 in the Alterra Sterling House in San Antonio, Texas, where he had resided for a year. Born in Culebra, Texas, he left home in the summer of 1943 to enlist in the Navy during World War II. Mr. Benke 1995 was stationed aboard an aircraft carrier at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His carrier was part of the fleet accepting the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. In 1946, Mr. Benke transferred to the Coast Guard to work as a machinist. His career took him to Korea and Alaska's mainland and its Aleutian Islands before he was transferred to New York for duty in the Atlantic. While in New York, he settled in Westerleigh, where he met his wife of 42 years, the former Regina Kosanke. After more than 20 years of duty, Mr. Benke retired from the Coast Guard, attaining the rank of chief petty officer. In the late 1960s, he became a civilian employee of the Coast Guard. He was in charge of the Coast Guard Depot machine shop in Brooklyn, where he worked for another 20 years. Mr. Benke built equipment used in Vietnam and installed it in Da Nang, where he came under fire. He therefore saw action in three wars, including the Korean War. In the mid-1980s, he was commander of the Five-Star Post, American Legion, Graniteville. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. An outdoorsman, Mr. Benke hunted and fished around the world. He also enjoyed trapping and skeet shooting. "He was a sweet, easy-going personality that everyone liked, male and female," said his brother, James. Ralph was quite popular in his assisted-living facility, said James. "The ladies that lived there just doted on him," said his brother. "He had blue eyes and kind of a twinkle smile. He knew how to be nice and polite to the ladies. Everyone gravitated to him, including the men. The men liked him too because he was a man's man." Mrs. Benke died in 2004. In addition to his brother, James, surviving are two daughters, Pearl Stollar and Rolena Redner; another brother, Lloyd, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. in Sunset Northwest Funeral Home Chapel, San Antonio. Interment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Helotes, Texas. JOSEPH SIMONE, 65 Limousine driver enjoyed outdoor activities Sunday, October 16, 2005 Joseph Simone, 65, of Great Kills, a native of Ethiopia who was a limousine driver, died Wednesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. Mr. Simone was born to Sicilian parents while his father was stationed in Ethiopia with the Italian army. He moved to Union City, N.J., in 1954, and relocated to Grant City in 1966. He settled in Great Kills 29 years ago. Mr. Simone worked as a limo driver for Robert's Big Apple Limousine Co. in Baldwin, L.I. Mr. Simone enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, camping and gardening. A sports fan, he rooted for the New York Mets and Giants. He also enjoyed keeping canaries as pets. In his leisure time, he liked to play Sand Box Soldiers, a computer game. Mr. Simone served as a private first class in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. Surviving are his wife of 32 years, the former Eileen Norris; his son, Peter; his daughter, Tina Simone; a brother, Philip, and a sister, Marie Chilelli. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. JAMES MANCUSO, 55 Excellent cook had a green thumb Sunday, October 16, 2005 James P. Mancuso, 55, of Great Kills, a sheet-metal mechanic and Vietnam War veteran, died yesterday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, after a long illness. Born in Manhattan, at age 2 he was taken to Rosebank, where he grew up. He moved to Great Kills in 2002. Mr. Mancuso worked as a sheet-metal mechanic, or tinsmith, for Community II, a Stapleton-based firm, for 17 years. He installed heating and air conditioning units. Mr. Mancuso was a graduate of Curtis High School. A fitness and nutrition enthusiast, he enjoyed exercising, especially lifting weights and riding his bicycle. He was an excellent cook, said his wife of three years, the former Grace Fasullo. "He was a pro at improvising meals," she said. "They always came out great. He followed some of his mother-in-law's recipes to a tee." He was also a wine connoisseur. Mr. Mancuso had a green thumb and enjoyed tending his garden. "Everybody knew if you gave a plant to Jimmy, he would do wonders with it," said his wife. "If somebody needed something, he was there for them. He never forgot the memory of his brother, Danny, who died in his 30s." Mr. Mancuso liked to travel and saw many parts of the country. Germany and Quebec were his favorite international destinations. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant. Mr. Mancuso received several commendations. He was a parishioner of St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Richmond, where he served as an usher at the 8 a.m. mass every Sunday. In addition to his wife, surviving are three brothers, Frank, John and Michael. The funeral will be Tuesday from the Casey-McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home in Great Kills, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains. GEORGETTE CONTE, 43 Lifelong Islander enjoyed traveling Sunday, October 16, 2005 Georgette A. Conte, 43, of Port Richmond, a lifelong Islander and home health aide, died Friday in St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton, after 1980 a long illness. Born in Tompkinsville, she lived in West Brighton for 13 years before settling in Port Richmond 27 years ago. A graduate of Curtis High School, she studied nursing at the College of Staten Island and earned a phlebotomy license. She worked as a home health aide on Staten Island for three years. Ms. Conte was a parishioner of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton. She enjoyed traveling to Hawaii to visit relatives. Surviving are her son, Joseph; her mother, Irene Kekahuna; a brother, Richard Conte, and two sisters, Robin Conte and Jeanne Forte. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. Cremation will at the Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J. Burial of ashes will be in Oahu, Hawaii. CLARA MASTROPASQUA, 93 Accomplished cook, lifelong Tompkinsville resident Sunday, October 16, 2005 Clara Mastropasqua, 93, a homemaker and accomplished cook who was a longtime Tompkinsville resident, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, after a one-week stay. The woman remembered by her family as the life of a 1999 close-knit, Italian neighborhood was born Clara Trifoglio in Tompkinsville. She remained in the home of her childhood throughout her life, until moving to the Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Dongan Hills, five years ago. Mrs. Mastropasqua attended PS 16, Tompkinsville. After settling down with her husband of more than 60 years, Rocco, Mrs. Mastropasqua enjoyed cooking for her family, socializing with neighbors and crocheting blankets, hats and other gifts. "She was very warm," said her daughter, Marie G. McLaughlin. "Everything was always held at her house -- all the family functions." Mrs. Mastropasqua enjoyed cooking so much that she would spend hours in the kitchen trying new recipes. Although she was accomplished at making the specialties of her Italian heritage, she could cook practically anything, her daughter said. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville. In addition to her daughter Marie, surviving are a son, Vito; daughters Clara Rafael and Deborah Morale, 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Rocco, died in 1987. Her daughter Anna Zasa died in 1988, and Assunta Ricca, another daughter, died in 1973. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Burial will follow at Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake. BERL TENNENBAUM, 90 Lumber company foreman for 40 years Sunday, October 16, 2005 Berl Tennenbaum, 90, of New Springville and Boca Raton, Fla., a member of the Jewish Brigade during World War II and a retired lumber company foreman, died yesterday in Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck, N.J., after a brief illness. He and his wife, Kiek, had been visiting their children in Teaneck when he became ill. Born in Shereshov, Belarus, formerly a republic of the USSR, he immigrated to Israel as a teen-ager to live and work on a kibbutz. After immigrating to Brooklyn following World War II, he was a foreman with M&M Lumber in that borough for 40 years, retiring around 1990. He moved to New Springville and Boca Raton in the 1990s. Prior to World War II, Mr. Tennenbaum was an active member of a Zionist organization, often returning to his Belarus hometown in the years before the Holocaust to recruit new settlers for the Jewish homeland. This was dangerous work, as it involved forging documents and smuggling individuals across the borders of Eastern Europe and into the Middle East, his family said. During World War II, Mr. Tennenbaum joined the famed Jewish Brigade, a branch of the British Army made up entirely of young Jews from Palestine. After seeing combat in Italy, he was stationed in The Netherlands where he met Kiek den Hartogh, a young woman who had spent the war years in hiding to escape capture by the Nazis. They married in 1946 and two years later, moved to the United States, settling in Brooklyn with their newborn son, Michael, joining a brother who had established a home and business there before the war. Most of the other members of his family, including his parents and a brother and sister, were killed in the Holocaust. In the years following the war, Mr. Tennenbaum was active in one of the many organizations that sprang up in the U.S. to aid the Holocaust survivors of Eastern Europe. He gained some acclaim as a speaker at social functions and was especially known for his stirring eulogies at funeral services for friends and relatives. He was an avid reader with a lifelong interest in history and politics. But he also enjoyed the theater, preferring dramas to the musicals his wife loved. He was an ardent supporter of charitable organizations and arts institutions, most recently as a patron of Staten Island's NeverLand Theatre Company. "He was a great fan of serious theater," said his son, Michael, artistic director of NeverLand. "It's not surprising that both my sister and I created careers from this influence, and it's how we met our spouses. Both of our parents instilled this love of theater in us, and those family trips to Broadway matinees are some of my best memories of growing up." In addition to his wife, Kiek, and son, Michael, Mr. Tennenbaum is survived by his daughter, Cindy Tennenbaum Ferguson; five grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. A service is scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. in the Wien & Wien Funeral Home, Hackensack, N.J. Burial will follow in Beth Moses Cemetery, Farmingdale, L.I.