Weekly Newsletter: Life Stories
This article is also available as a weekly newsletter, “Life Stories,” where we remember individuals who have made a significant impact in the Jewish world or have contributed to making their community a better or more intriguing place.
Liron and Naomi Petrushka: Tech Entrepreneurs Remembered
In a tragic incident, tech entrepreneurs Liron and Naomi Petrushka, the married co-founders of CommerceOne, an e-commerce platform, lost their lives in a private plane crash near their residence in Incline Village, Nevada. The couple, aged 57 and 58 respectively, were returning home after visiting one of their sons in Denver when the accident occurred. Liron, originally from Ramat Gan, Israel, had a previous career as a professional soccer player for Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim. Naomi, hailing from Illinois, served as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and managed Petrushka Investments. Their presence was deeply valued within the Israeli community in Silicon Valley, where they resided for over two decades.
“They were incredibly approachable. Despite their success, they remained grounded,” shared Ron Petel, a fellow Israeli tech investor in Silicon Valley. “Whenever I sought advice on business matters or personal issues, they were always there to lend a helping hand.”
The Petrushkas are survived by their three sons.
Norman A. Miller: A Hero’s Legacy
Norman A. Miller, aged 99, was not just a survivor of the Holocaust but also a courageous individual who played a pivotal role in history. As a member of the British Army, Miller was instrumental in apprehending Arthur Seyss-Inquart, a high-ranking Nazi involved in the deportation of Dutch Jews to labor camps. Despite the gravity of his actions and the justice served, Miller’s sentiments reflected a profound sense of loss for his own family during the Holocaust.
In 1999, during a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Miller revealed this lesser-known chapter of his life to his sons, shedding light on his remarkable past.
Frederick Golomb: A Medical Pioneer’s Legacy
A renowned figure in the medical field, Frederick Golomb, aged 99, dedicated his life to combating cancer through innovative chemoimmunotherapy approaches. Apart from his groundbreaking work in the medical domain, Golomb, a professor of surgery at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, was an avid mountaineer and an exceptional swimmer. His adventurous spirit extended to paragliding in his later years, exemplifying his zest for life.
Golomb’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Susan Golomb, a literary agent, and his son James, a neurologist at NYU.
Stanley L. Blumenstein: A Visionary Educator
The passing of Stanley L. Blumenstein, aged 77, marked the end of an era for the Bronx High School of Science, where he served as principal from 1994 to 2001. An alumnus of the prestigious institution, Blumenstein’s contributions as a physics teacher and later as principal were invaluable. His dedication to fostering open communication through initiatives like “Lunch with the Principal” sessions left a lasting impact on the school community.
Even after his tenure, Blumenstein continued to advocate for merit-based admissions, emphasizing the importance of foundational education in shaping students’ success.
May their memories be a blessing.