Abraham Josef Mensch
Age 76, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Born April 22, 1948 in Heidenheim, Germany, he was the son of the late Henry and Yetta (nee Silberman) Mensch.
Abraham is survived by his wife, Sheila (nee Krautman); son, David; sister, Sharon Hart; step-children, Matthew Jabloner, Paula Jabloner, and Amy Oliver.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (www.hias.org) or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (www.ushmm.org).
Marlene April Ornston
Age 93, died peacefully at her home in Wilmington, Delaware on January 26, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Marlene was born on June 6, 1931 in Bridgeton, NJ and grew up in the very small town of Carmel, NJ. She was the youngest of four children born to Morris and Lillian April. She moved to New York City, where she met and married the love of her life, Lawrence Ornston; they enjoyed a very happy marriage for 67 years, until his death in 2022.
Marlene was a very active and enthusiastic participant in the life of her community, volunteering in many capacities throughout her life. She was a member of the Mount Holyoke Club of Delaware, the AAUW, the League of Women Voters, and the local Garden Club, and volunteer for Green Circle. Marlene belonged to Hadassah and was a devoted member of their monthly book group for many years. She was a long-time member of Congregation Beth Shalom and enjoyed the Friday afternoon Philadelphia Orchestra concerts (she never fell asleep) and the Delaware Symphony. And she was a lifelong Phillies fan.
Marlene is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, and her son, Lincoln; her nephews Frederick, Robert (Marilyn), Andrew (Karen), Gary (Vicki), and Richard (Clare); and her nieces Patricia (Bob), Margery, and Deedee (Chris); and her great nieces and nephews.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Miriam and Josephine; her brother, Leon April; and her husband, Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to either the Hanover Church Food Pantry or a charity of your choice.
Jack H. Vinokur
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack H. Vinokur.
Jack was born in Media, PA on March 22, 1938 to Anna Levin Vinokur and Leon Vinokur. Jack’s love of teaching and his connection with his students was boundless. He taught teenagers at Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth and Gratz Hebrew High School the importance of learning about the Holocaust and carried that education on to undergraduate and graduate students at Wilmington University. Jack taught a course about the Holocaust at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Center (OLLI) for over 10 years. Jack previously served on the Board of Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue. Jack was a great family man and a wonderful role model for all the students who had the privilege of being in one of his classes.
Jack and Iris were married for more than 56 years. Their children and grandchildren were Jack’s everything. Jack and Iris loved to travel, spend time at the beach where Jack always insisted that the whole family be there together, eat ice cream, and cheer on the Phillies and Eagles.
Jack is survived by his wife, Iris (nee Goldstein); daughter, Meredith (Daniel); son, Andrew (Erin); and son, Leon (Nisa). Jack is also survived by five grandchildren, Maxwell, Annie, Noa, Zev, and Matan; and his much-loved dog, Chase Harper. Jack was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Isaac and Gabriel; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Contributions in Jack’s memory can be made to the Auxiliary of the Kutz Senior Living Campus, Congregation Beth Shalom, Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education, or The Siegel Jewish Community Center.
Kalmar Zeppelin
Denver native Kalman “Kal” Zeppelin died on January 11, 2025. He was 85.
Born on January 15, 1939, Mr. Zeppelin grew up on Denver’s West Side and attended Colfax Elementary, Lake Jr. High, and North High School. He graduated from DU with a degree in accounting.
After college, Mr. Zeppelin was an entrepreneur, operating liquor stores and a restaurant, as a part-owner in Beryl’s. He later became a realtor.
“He was very well read,” said Mr. Zeppelin’s brother, Howard. “He would send out daily emails about what he read that day. “He was also very much into his Jewish religion.”
Survivors are Mr. Zeppelin’s wife Liz Marin Zeppelin; children Wendy (Michael), Jodi (Bryan), and Stephen; step-daughter Jennifer (Brian); grandchildren Jason, Max (Torie), Estella, Hunter, Boden, Gabi Elizabeth, Sophia Ann, and Zach Edward; great-grandchildren Miles and Levi; and brother Howard (Sherrie).
Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Services of Delaware or Temple Emanuel Shwayder Camp.
