Obituary: Alfred Stracher, Ph.D.

Dr. Alfred Stracher, a pioneer in the role of contractile proteins in biological processes, died on May 8 at the age of 82. The cause was complications from leukemia. 

Over five decades, Dr. Stracher’s research on neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases shed new light on the structure of contractile proteins in muscle and platelets. Along with Dr. Paul Dreizen, he elucidated the two-chain structure of the molecule known as “myosin,” and defined the presence of the light chains in the molecule, which are now known to be an integral part of the structure. His investigation of the presence of contractile proteins in cells other than muscle, led to the coining of the phrase “non-muscle motility” which is in use today to describe the movement of all cell types using structural proteins similar to those present in muscle. 

Obituary: Michael L. Greenberg

Michael L. Greenberg, 58, of Chapel Hill, NC died unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 10. He was a prominent research scientist who helped develop life-saving drugs. He is survived by his beloved wife, Robin; his adored daughter, Rachel; his sister, Sharon (Margolin); his brother, Richard; his aunt and uncle, and many beloved in-laws, nephews, a niece, cousins and friends. Michael was born in Brooklyn and was raised in Roslyn. He graduated from Roslyn High School in 1972, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. He had a special passion for the Duke Blue Devils basketball team and the Boston Red Sox.

Obituary: Dr. Stuart L. Yunis

Dr. Stuart L. Yunis, a pioneer in the field of nephrology, passed away on March 16. He was 79 years old.

Dr. Yunis was a well-respected physician – and a beloved family man. He left Dartmouth following his third year, receiving early admission to SUNY Syracuse medical school. After graduation, he became chief resident at LIJ and later became double board certified in both internal medicine and nephrology. Dr. Yunis founded a very successful medical practice in Lake Success with specialists in every field. He also created the first in-house dialysis department at LIJ and later moved to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, where he launched the in-house dialysis unit.  

Obituary: Morris Welte

Morris Welte died at his home in Southampton on Feb. 27, surrounded by family. Born on a day of the year now assured a place in the history books, Sept. 11, 1912, Welte enjoyed two careers in his lifetime after traveling the world as a radio operator aboard ships and planes.

The youngest of three boys, Welte emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe and grew up in New York City. His parents split up when he was just three years old, after which he went to live with foster families. He ended up living at an orphanage starting at age 9 and credits his upbringing there with teaching him right from wrong and how to be responsible.

Obituary: Ronnie Corliss

Ronnie Corliss, wife of William (Bill) Corliss. Daughter of Joyce Lewin and the late Armand Lewin. Stepdaughter of Robert (Bob) Schwartz, WWII veteran. She was confirmed at Temple Sinai. She graduated from Roslyn High School and NYU. Sister of Harley Lewin. Mother of two wonderful sons, Dustin Ross and Evan Ross. She had many friends in Aspen, Carbondale, Roslyn and New York.

Obituary: Irwin Grossman

Irwin Grossman, a Roslyn resident for 65 years, a founder of local Jewish and recreational institutions, and a prominent men’s clothing manufacturer, died on March 1. He was 96 years old.

Grossman was born in Manhattan in 1915. In 1948, he, his wife Sylvia and their infant son Bill, moved from the city into a small newly constructed house in Roslyn’s East Park development, joining the wave of returning World War II veterans who were settling the suburbs across the country.  Grossman had served five years in the Army, including a stint in Germany, attaining the rank of captain at discharge. His younger brother William, an Air Force veteran, his wife and young daughter moved nearby. Over the following six years, Irwin and Sylvia had two more sons, Edward and Richard.

Obituary: Anna M. Sondovitz

Anna M. Sondovitz, of Albertson, died on Jan. 9, 2012 at age 94. Wife of the late Jack. Mother of Raymond (Heather and the late Annette), Stephanie (the late Bob) and Kenneth (Jeannette). Sister of Stephanie. Grandmother of nine. Great-grandmother of four. Also survived by two nieces. Visitation held at the Funeral Home of Dodge-Thomas, Glen Cove. Interment service held at St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.

Obituary: Rudolf H. Hertz

Rudolf H. Hertz, 94, of Floral Park, died on Dec. 23, 2011. Son of the late Paul and Helene Hertz. Husband of the late Margaret S. Hertz. Father of Michael F. Hertz (Ronnie L. Edelman) and Shelley Hertz Kempner (Robert A. Kempner). Grandfather of Rachel G. Hertz, Jonathan H. Hertz, Jeremy P. Kempner and Daniel J. Kempner. Arrangements under the direction of Riverside-Nassau North Chapels, Great Neck. Services will be performed Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, and will be announced at a later date.

Obituary: Deanna Morton

Deanna Morton of Great Neck passed away in her sleep on Saturday, November 28, 2011 at the age of 69. She is survived by her loving husband Joel, and by her children; son and daughter-in-law Evan and Adele Morton, and son and daughter-in-law Leonard and Dara Morton. Cherished grandmother of Samantha and Lyndsey, dear sister of Cheryl and her husband Alan.

Obituary: Leo Battista

Leo Battista, who resided in Port Washington for more than 40 years, passed away on Nov. 28, in Sunrise, FL. He was 85 years old and died of complications related to kidney failure.

A familiar face for decades at Port Washington’s Manorhaven Park and Bar Beach Park, where he played competitive paddleball well into his 70s, Battista is survived by his wife of 59 years, Clara; their eight children and seven grandchildren, who knew him as ‘Poppy’; as well three-dozen nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Raffael and Nunziata Battista; his brothers Louie, Raffael, Pasquale, Frank, and his sister, Carmella.