Lawrence Samuel Goldstein
Lawrence S. Goldstein, age 74, passed away July 4, 2025. He was born in Wilmington, DE, January 15, 1951. Larry graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1969, and was a 1973 alumnus of Hartwick College. He was a small business owner and real estate investor for many years in Wilmington.
Larry had a big heart, and over the years, he rescued and adopted a number of cats and was devoted to them. He enjoyed riding his bicycle on the backroads of Delaware, and he was never happier than when he was driving his red sports car. He found great joy in giving presents and sending cards to loved ones. He cherished spending Thanksgiving and Passover with friends and family who adored him. Larry especially enjoyed classic films and the NY Post. He was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom where he attended morning minyan and Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth.
He is survived by his cousins, Ron and Lucy (Neil), and many more. He will be particularly missed by his oldest and closest friends Dan and Theresa Zoller, along with their daughter Lacey and her children to whom Larry was always their beloved “Uncle,” and Steve. The Zollers were with him at the end of his courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Jean in, his sister, Barbara, and his rescue cats, Raleigh, Sabrina, and Candice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720 www.faithfulfriends.us.
Penny S. First
Age 71, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Originally from Delaware, she was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Delaware Law School.
Penny worked as an attorney in West Chester, PA and spent many years working for the Orphans Court. She was a fierce advocate for her friends, family, and clients. Penny participated in the start-up family business known as the First Stop in Wilmington’s Financial District. She loved her mysteries and her nephews, and was a long time Yankees Fan.
Preceded in death by her father, Joseph First and step-father, Howard M. Handelman; she is survived by her mother, Shirley First Handelman; her brother, Daniel (Cynthia); nephews, David and Joseph; step-brother, David Handelman (Jacqui Hall-Handelman); sister-in-law, Susan Malzone; nephew, Andrew Handelman; niece, Juliet Handelman; and her companion, Elliot Pottock.
Richard F. Gordon, MD
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard F. Gordon, MD. He was, first and foremost, a man fully devoted to his family, friends, and patients. Beyond this, he was, in the truest sense, a Renaissance man—an avid traveler, adventurer, scholar, and teacher with a boundless curiosity about the world. He thought little of material things, instead cherishing a life of the mind and the heart.
After completing his service in the U.S. Air Force, Rich, his wife, Helaine, and their son, David, moved to Wilmington, DE, where he established his medical practice. Later that year, their son, Brett, was born, followed 11 years later by their daughter, Stefanie.
His professional career spanned more than 45 years, during which he was known as a doctor’s doctor—committed to providing the best possible care for every patient.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helaine; his sons, David and Brett (Laura); his daughter, Stefanie (Yoni); and his grandchildren, Eleanor, Isla, Atlas, Spencer, and Amelie.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Wilmington Hospital and their hospice unit for their exceptional care and kindness. We will be forever grateful to them and to all who have extended their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory may be made to Magen David Adom, the American Heart Association, the Kutz Senior Living Campus Auxiliary, or a charity of one’s choice.
Jay Leon Halio
Age 97, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2025.
Dr. Halio is survived by his wife, Dr. Diane Isaacs; daughter, Dr. Amy Halio; and son, Brian Halio.
Larry A. Kaufman
Age 88, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 after a brief illness, which followed a long battle with leukemia.
Throughout his illnesses, he was continually accompanied by his loving and devoted wife, Lynda M. G. Kaufman. A graduate of P. S. duPont High School, he was a member of the Delaware Air National Guard. Larry attended Temple University, but dropped out after his younger sister died of bone cancer and he needed to help support the family. He worked in his father’s business, Kaufman Electric Supply for several years before entering the insurance and financial field. Larry ran his own business for 68 years.
His involvement helped Steven Spielberg launch “DreamWorks,” and he was one of the few people in the United States to be qualified to deal with Lloyds of London. Larry’s love of art, music, and especially the theater was evident to all who knew him. He performed at the Wilmington Drama League, the Delaware Theater, Old Academy Players, and the Everett. Larry dreamed of Broadway, until he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 20 years ago.
Larry chaired the 1969 Wilmington Jaycees’ Annual Concert, was a member of the Jewish Community Center, and Congregation Beth Shalom.
Preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Dorothy; in addition to his wife, Lynda, he is survived by his son, Douglas; daughter, Harriet; sister, Susan, and her children, Hillary and David.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Congregation Beth Shalom.
Shirley Chapnitsky Karfunkle
Age 90, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, with her loved ones by her side. She was a much loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and guidance counselor, as well as an active participant in civic affairs. In her later years, she was an avid and accomplished gardener and became a remarkably talented painter.
Born September 15, 1934 in Appleton, WI to Louis and Freda Chapnitsky, and third in a line of four children, Shirley attended the University of Wisconsin and was awarded a bachelors of arts in Education in 1955. She married Richard Karfunkle of Philadelphia in June 1955.
Shirley was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She provided wise guidance to her family, friends and many students, she nurtured beautiful flowers, trees and landscapes. Shirley was a great listener and was always able to provide, in very few words, insights to those she conversed with. In this way, she helped people understand themselves and make their own decisions. She never scolded or raised her voice; a kinder person would be hard to find.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Esther; a son, Jeffrey (Galina); a daughter, Sharon (Frank); a daughter-in-law, Paula; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 1992.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Brandywine Living and Holistic Hospice for their compassionate care and also her longtime companion Sandi Hampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hadassah or the Brandywine SPCA.
Jeffry I. Komins, MD
Jeff was born on May 12, 1945 to his adoring parents, Hedda and David Komins. He and his younger sister, Jill, had a beautiful childhood in the Philadelphia area, spending summers on the Jersey Shore.
In June of 1967, during his third year of medical school, Jeff and Sue were married in Philadelphia. In the fall of the following year, they were blessed with a daughter, Elisa. In 1970, he joined the Medical Corps of the US Army Reserves, proudly serving as a Major for seven years. In 1971, Jeff and Sue were blessed with another daughter, Deborah.
In 1975, the Komins family moved to Wilmington, where Jeff would practice as an obstetrician and gynecologist for more than 20 years. During that time, Jeff brought more than 7,000 babies into the world. He was adored for his compassionate care, brilliant mind, thoughtful patience and gentle bedside manner.
Beyond his professional success, Jeff’s most cherished accomplishment was his family. Some of his fondest family memories included spending time on the Eastern Shore, shooting hoops and fishing with his grandsons, gathering with family on Thanksgiving—which included the Komins Cup flag football game—and taking family trips.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Hedda and David. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 58 years, Sue; his daughters Elisa (Brett) and Deborah (David); his four grandsons, Jake, Cole, Bennett, and Carter; his sister Jill (Norman); his sister-in-law Joyce; his brother-in-law Steven and sister-in-law; his niece Betsy (Marc and son Hunter), and nephews Doug, Stuart (Sarah), and Gregory (Lesley); and a close-knit extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jeffry I. Komins Fund for Education and Care for the Delaware Community at the Medical Society of Delaware (https://www.medicalsocietyofdelaware.org/delaware/CMMSD/Nav_Items/Jeffry_I_Komins.aspx) or to a charity of your choosing.
George Norris Levine
Age 96, passed away August 6, 2025.
A kind and generous man, George was deeply loved by his family and many friends.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula and grandson, Kevin; he is survived by his children, Irv (Mary), Layne (Shawn), Brian, Bruce (Dan), and Allen (Kelli); grandchildren, Tiffany (David), Ashley (Jessica), Paul (Alyssa), Suzanne (Matt), Adam (Alexa), Shane (Julianne), and Jake (Carli); 11 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
George was devoted to his family and especially adored his grandchildren—never missing a game or special occasion. He spent countless hours volunteering in the community and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and steady presence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kutz Home, 704 River Road, Wilmington, DE 19809.
Adele Ross
Adele Ross, beloved wife of Stanley Ross, and daughter of Hyman and Dorothy Chudnofsky, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, in West Chester, PA, after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Adele was a devoted mother to Jeffrey (Sylvia), Howard (Lisia), and Sharon (Rick); and a cherished grandmother to Alexandra, Brooke, Noah, Miranda, McKenzie, Tucker, Brandon, and Jordan. She was sister to Elaine (George). Her strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and missed by all.
Adele grew up in Boston, MA where she attended high school at Girls Latin School and graduated from Simmons College with a degree in Chemistry. She and Stan met in High School, married after college, and settled in the Delaware Valley where they raised their family, eventually moving to the Maris Grove retirement community where she was active in many committees and social groups.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Maris Grove Resident Care Fund in Adele’s memory, a cause about which she was very passionate. Please make your check payable to Maris Grove Resident Care Fund and mail it to: Maris Grove Resident Care Fund, Attn: Sarah Golden/Philanthropy, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342.
Adele’s legacy of love, friendship, community, resilience and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May her memory be a blessing.
James Edward Szymanski
It is with great sadness that we share that James Edward Szymanski died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and closest friends. He was a loving, talented, devoted husband and father.
He was born September 20, 1956, the oldest son of nine children to Ed and Mary Szymanski. James grew up in Wilmington, DE, graduated from Salesianum High School in 1974, and owned a successful contracting business.
He was a diehard Eagles fan and was loyal to a fault. Every weekend during football seasons were spent laser-focused on the game, never fearing to express his joy, frustration, or anger with the players or coaches.
James was unbelievably generous to friend and stranger alike, genuine and compassionate, and was a very sensitive man with a gentle demeanor.
Beloved husband of Gael; father of Karla and Jessica Senior; brother to Annmarie, John (Christine), Kevin (Mary), Karen, Timothy (Marci), Christopher (Magda), and Matthew (Trish); son-in-law to Toekie and Sonya Rudaizky of South Africa; brother-in-law Robin and Peter (Ilana) of Australia; uncle to his extended family, and friend to many. He was preceded in death by “Grams”, his maternal grandmother; his uncle Fr. Jack; his mother and father, Mary and Ed; his brother, Joseph; his sister-in-law, Elaine Rudaizky; and his friend, Ed Vigil—all of blessed memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James Szymanski at https://www.navysealmuseum.org/donate or https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate or call 757.744.5326; Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center at https://www.PennMedicine.org/Abramson/Donate or call Penn Medicine Development at 215.898.0578; Jewish Federation of Delaware at https://www.shalomdelaware.org/ways-to-give/donate.html or call 302.427.2100.
