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Sam Pessaroff Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sam Pessaroff
August 8, 2016
Thinking about you right now, at this very moment. Big smile.
Marisa Henry
August 27, 2009
I just learned of Cantor Pessaroff's passing, and was so saddened. My deepest condolences go out to the entire family, especially Nicky, who was a good friend for so many years, and is always in my heart.
Stephen Schwartz
August 18, 2009
I am saddened to have just learned tonight of Cantor Peseroff's passing. He performed all three of our son's brit-milahs; they are now 17, 16, and 13. As a mohel, Cantor Peseroff was knowledgeable, talented, safe, musical, and humerous. He was a mensch. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Brian Kern
March 7, 2009
I was saddened to hear about Cantor Pessaroff's passing. He performed Hatafat Dam Brit as I prepared for my conversion on 20 Iyar 5765. Sam was a delightful and warm person, whom I know is dearly missed by his friends and family.
Jeff Barry
January 23, 2009
Here I sit in the hospital ready to contact Cantor Pessaroff to perform our third sons brit-milah.
It is with great sadness that my wife and I just learned of his passing.
As an inter-faith couple, Cantor Pessaroff's brit-milah ceremony was educational as well as highly entertaining! The non-Jewish family members appreciated the time and care, Cantor Pessaroff took to make the ceremony meaningful, inclusive and memorable.
Our deepest condolences.
E Ritter
January 16, 2009
I did not realize Cantor Pessaroff had passed until I was verifying his information in order to recommend him (again!) to friends. I am very sad to hear he is no longer with us; the bris ceremonies for Zachariah and Ephraim were everything I could have wanted for my sons. My deepest condolences.
Jennifer and Jeff Rubin/Walker
November 7, 2008
We just found out about Cantor Pessaroff's passing and are deeply saddened. He performed our son Benjamin's bris in January 2007, and it was a beautiful ceremony. He was kind and extremely haymish. We were honored to have Cantor Pessaroff as our son's Mohel. He will be sorely missed by the New England Jewish Community. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.
Susan Ainbinder Kagan
November 3, 2008
I wish to add my deepest condolences to Cantor Pessaroff's family and to the congregants of Temple Ner Tamid. As an occasional visitor to temple services with my parents, and for family Bar Mitzvot, I truly enjoyed hearing his wonderful voice. I hope these words of sympathy will offer comfort to his wife, children and the Temple family as a whole.
Terry Smily
November 2, 2008
Cantor Sam was a wonderful man. Twice he traveled to Cape Cod during the busy summer to perform a bris for our son's Matthew and Daniel. He was a true mensch and will be greatly missed.
Julie and Terry Smily
David Lobron
October 31, 2008
Cantor Pessaroff performed the bris for our son and the sons of my best friend from high school. He was incredibly warm and friendly, and easy to work with. He will be greatly missed.
Emily Pick
October 30, 2008
Jonah, Eva, Ari and Emily will be forever grateful for Cantor Pessaroff's beautiful bris and naming ceremony in April 2008. Such a loss to your family and the community.
Lori and Steve Gans
October 30, 2008
Sam was the only mohel we would consider when our boys were born. His wit, his expertise, his gentle nature and his warm embrace of all in attendance put even the most squeamish at ease and taught us all a thing or two in the process. Our warmest condolences go out to the entire Pessaroff family, and to the congregation and larger community that cherished him.
Stephen, Tracy, Daniel(14), Craig(10) & Adam(7) Webb
October 27, 2008
We just heard about Cantor Pessaroff's passing. Our deepest condolences.
He preformed our 3 boys Bris'. He was even willing to travel to RI to preform the first of the 3. My husband's family is not Jewish and he was wonderful at having my husbands family be involved as much as they were comfortable with. They all commented at how wonderfully he explained everything as well. I'm glad to know that I have my last sons Bris on tape and wish I had done all three.Unfortunately he had laryngitis that day, so it is a little hard to hear him.
I work as a RN on a marternity floor and whole heartedly have recommend Cantor Pessaroff whenever a Jewish couple has a boy.
May his memory be a blessing.
Ira Fader
October 25, 2008
Saddened to hear that Cantor Pessaroff has passed away. He entered my family's life only twice and only briefly. He performed my first son's bris 21 years ago and my second son's bris 18 years ago. He was most memorable -- warm, funny, reassuring, a delightful man to all of us who gathered those days. Deepest sympathies to the Pessaroff family
Linda Borghesani
October 21, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss. Canto Pessaroff was a wonderful man. He performed the brit on my three sons and many others I know. He was so warm and helpful.
Mervat Hefez
October 21, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I sympathize with you and feel your pain. It is the most difficult thing to loose a spouse.
I have attended so many brits preformed by Cantor Pessaroff.
May God give you strenth and comfort you during this hard times.
Merv Hefez
Garry Wetstein
October 19, 2008
Sam was a very good friend when we were students at Plainfield High School (NJ). Our class was celebrating its 40th reunion last Saturday when we heard the news of his death the day before. I haven't seen Sam for 40 years and have hoped to see him at the reunions over the years or some sort of inter-congregational event. I wasn't alone with this desire. I also wasn't alone expecting to see him at this most recent reunion. I'd even imagined what I'd say when I saw him again. Despite years of separation, my fondness for him and the happy memories of our "adventures" have never diminished. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Rita and Barry Linda
October 18, 2008
We moved out of Peabody 11+ years ago but before we left, Cantor Sam had been a big part of our lives. He was their for my children for their Bat and B'nai Mitzvah's. He was with our family when all four of our parents passed away -- spending each night at our home during Shivah to conduct the Minyan. We will always be grateful for his support and guidance throughout the years. Our sincere condolences to the entire Pessaroff family.
Rob, Sasha, Samara and Alan Worsham
October 16, 2008
We are so shocked and sad to hear of Cantor Pessaroff's death. He performed our son's bris in August and lent so much beauty to an event we had worried about for months. We will always be grateful and remember him always. Our thoughts are with your family.
Alison vogel
October 16, 2008
Cantor Pessaroff did my son's bris. I am honored that his (My son's) first religious experience was with such a wonderful man. He will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhoda and Bob Goldstein
October 14, 2008
Dear Mona and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Sam's passing. It was a pleasure to have known him and you and your family.
Sam was not only important to Temple Ner Tamid, but also played an important role in our lives - preparing Susan and David for their Bat and Bar Mitzvah, and officiating , with Rabbi Morhaim when Bob and I were married.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Rhoda (Sosnow) and Bob Goldstein
Wendy savoie
October 14, 2008
Cantor Pessaroff was a great man.
He did both of my boys bris. Sam (15) and Matthew Greil (18).
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Craig Poires
October 14, 2008
Mona,my condolences to you and the kids during this difficult time. Growing up just one street over you were more family than friends. May God bless you and surround you with love and kindness.
Craig Poires
Francine & Sydney K.
October 14, 2008
Alyssa & Family ~ Our deepest thoughts of sympathy and prayer are extended to you at this most difficult time. We are so truly disheartened to hear of your loss.
May you find strength in the memories that you shared.
Marla & David Freedman
October 14, 2008
Sorry To Hear About The Loss Of Cantor Pessaroff. He has done the briss on my three grandsons. He was a great man.
Susan (Goldberg) Rooker
October 13, 2008
Our sincerest condolences to The Pessaroff Family. We will always cherish his participation in our sons' early lives...and especially his
"Haircut" humor.
Gloria Kuris
October 13, 2008
Cantor Pessaroff performed a beautiful bris for our twin boys in August. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Steve Obelsky
October 13, 2008
We had the honor of meeting Cantor in 1980 while he was preparing our twins for their bat mitzvah. He was helpful, kind and
very patient with all his students.
We'll always remember Cantor Sam
with fond memories.
Steve & Ronda Obelsky
Carlos Becerra
October 13, 2008
I found out a few minutes ago about Sam. I missed the service on Sunday. At this moment, I just want to leave my deep respect, consideration and condolence to his wife and children. Alyssa, my son David partners in USY extends his sincere expression of sympathies as well. We knew your father by his cantorship which I love his sephardic flair, and his leadeship. His human magnitude will ever be the best legacy for all of us.
Love and sympathy.
Carlos Becerra
Maria Becerra
David Becerra
Joshua Dietch
October 13, 2008
My wife and I were saddened to hear that Cantor Pessaroff passed away. The Cantor performed the Brit for each of our sons. Ours is a mixed family and he was so kind to make sure my wife’s family understood the significance of the ceremony and gave them each a role in it. We did not know the Cantor personally. However, we can plainly see from the numerous comments that what we experienced was simply in his nature and shared with all.
With deepest sympathy,
Joshua Dietch and Magda Hernandez
Martha Morse Donovan
October 13, 2008
Mona,
To all of us with roots at Temple Ner Tamid, Sam will always hold a very special place. When I told my son of Sam's passing his first words where "I still remember listening to the tape he made for my bar mitzvah". Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Cookie Abramson
October 13, 2008
Dear Mona & Family.
We were so saddened to hear of Sam's passing.I can't say anything you don't already know about Sam. He was a wonderful and talented man, who was cherished by his parents and mine. He had an enormous heart and soul. He is truly missed by us all.
Alice Stockhamer
October 13, 2008
Dear Mona and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. Our community has lost our beloved Cantor Sam. I remember when all the synagogues on the North Shore were asked to support Cantor's journey to Israel to learn how to become a moyel. Who knew then what a wonderful outcome would result from this? His memory will be for a blessing, and he will live on in his deeds and the sound of his beautiful davening in our hearts and minds.
Sincerely,
Alice and Sam Stockhamer
Jodi Coburn
October 13, 2008
My most sincere sympathies to Cantor Sam's family and to the entire TNT community. Sam has been such a huge part of Jewish life in Peabody and on the North Shore. He was a very special man, and will be sorely missed by all of us.
Sara Geller
October 12, 2008
I was deeply saddened to learn of Sam's passing. I first met Cantor Pessaroff when he was performing a bris (where else). I was starting out as a cantor on the South Shore, and Sam encouraged me to join the Jewish Ministers Cantors Association. What a great group of people he introduced me to. When I moved to the North Shore, Sam gave me a lot of professional support and general advice. It was wonderful to be in his presence. It was an honor to consider myself one of his colleagues. He set a beautiful example in his devotion to Cantor Morton Shanok (z"l). I so enjoyed catching up with Sam at some Cantors Assembly conventions since I've moved to Maryland. What a loss to his family and to the entire New England Jewish community.
Amy Sliva
October 12, 2008
Your friends at Temple Beth Shalom extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of Cantor Pessaroff.
Sincerely,
The Board of Trustees and Officers of Temple Beth Shalom
Randi (Portnoy) Zeff
October 12, 2008
I am so sad, as is everyone about Sam's passing, the world was a much better and funnier place with him in it, not so long ago he did my grandson's briss and we were recently watching the tape, when he handed the baby to the father and asked him if he would like to circumcise his son himself, well you can imagine what was going through the father's head. Not only did he do my grandson, he did my son, one of his first, I still remember his words, I have never seen a baby bleed so much, Sam made sure to come back the next day to check on the baby. He was also there to teach my daughter. He touched everyone's lives in one way or another and will be truly missed by all. I am so sorry, my heart goes out to all of you.
Cheryl fox
October 12, 2008
It was heavy hearts that we offer our deepest condolences to the Pessaroff family. From the Bris of my now 15 year old nephew to the naming of my daughter and through the hebrew school years, Cantor Sam has touched our lives in an undescribable way. We will miss you Cantor Sam- more than words can say.
Cheryl Fox, Leah Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan
David Kaufman
October 12, 2008
I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cantor Sam.
He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the community.
Lolly Michelson
October 12, 2008
Dear Mona, Alyssa, Nick & Suzanne,
So sorry about the loss of Sam. I wanted to be with you all today. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.He was so kind, funny, informative, and always put everyone at ease. He was the best Mohel in town! I really never knew one personally!! Sam is at peace now. So fortunate & glad that Sam was able to make it to Evan's wedding!
Hope to see you all someday soon.
It was a pleasure to grow-up with Sam & to have him bless my life all these years.
May time help heal the pain of your loss, however such wonderful memories of all his accomplishments will always bring a smile to all of your faces.
All my thoughts, love & prayers are with you.
Love, Cousin Lolly
Maynard Gerber
October 12, 2008
I was chocked to hear about Sam's passing on Friday. I had corresponded with him about a year ago. I had saved one email, where he writes about his illness, but that he gotten a clean bill of health.
Sam and I went to cantorial school together. Years later we trained to be mohalim with the same teacher, although Sam trained about 3 years before me in Jerusalem. We would compare bris experiences when we met at the cantors' conventions. Probably back in the early 90's, I was in the Boston area, and came along with him to see him do a bris.
Last year I bought a DVD machine that converts CD's into DVD format. I had filmed our mohel teacher doing britot while I trained back in 88'-89'. I wrote to Sam asking if he would like a DVD copy of the film. It was then he told me about his illness and that he would love to have a copy. I sent it off to him, and he wrote back expressing his appreciation.
Even though we didn't have much contact over the years, I can't help but feel that both the cantorial and mohel professions are a little more impovershed without Sam.
I send my deepest condolences to the family.
Stacey (Goldbaum) and Matt Lieberman
October 11, 2008
Our sincere condoleces to the Pesseroff family. Cantor Sam will be sorely missed. He helped our family celebrate so many mitzvot, we will cherish those memories; my Bat Mitzvah 25 years ago, our wedding in 2001, the naming of our daughter in 2004 and of course the numerous circumcisions we have had the pleasure of his expertise and humor, in our extended families. A huge loss to TNT and the Jewish community.
Rabbi Carolyn Braun
October 11, 2008
Temple Beth El in Portland Maine extends our deepest condolences to Cantor Pessaroff's family and community in Massachusetts. He was an important part of our community, bringing many of our boys into the covenant with skill, humor, and love. We are shocked and saddened, and will miss him. Ha makom yinachem etchem.
Ellen Nessen
October 11, 2008
I had the blessing and pleasure of having the Cantor perform all three of my sons Brits (the first was almost right after his return from Israel in 1987). He was a wonderful man will be greatly missed.
Michael (and Susan) Smith
October 11, 2008
I will always cherish the special relationship I had with Cantor Sam as he was truly a mentor in many ways for me. He also officiated at my wedding and my son's b'ris and after 30 years of knowing Sam, his wit and wisdom and marvelous voice will never be forgotten. Our most sincere condolences to Mona, Nicky and Allyssa.
Adrienne Spiro
October 11, 2008
Our family was blessed to have Cantor Pessaroff perform the Birt Milah for our 3 sons. We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. we have wonderful memores of a wonderful man. Adam and Adrienne Spiro
Rich Hill
October 11, 2008
I am saddened to hear of the loss of the Cantor. The Cantor Bar Mitzvah me as well as Bat Mitzvah my sister nearly 25 years ago.
My family were members of the temple when the Cantor first arrived in Peabody and although having moved out of Massachusetts 12 years ago, I can still recall his incredible voice and his warmth. He will be missed but never forgotten.
The Hills
(Richard, Lisa, Ben, Eleanor and David)
Herb Goldberg
October 11, 2008
I have wonderful memories of Cantor Sam helping me with the many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs I photographed at Ner Tamid. Also, his wonderful Shofar sounds at The Great Shofar Blowouts. And the special way he made my grandchildren's Brises so memborable. I will miss him as will the entire community.
Steve Toltz
October 11, 2008
The Jewish Community lost a giant of a man in Cantor Sam. He will be missed.
Gerald and Brenda Less
October 11, 2008
Dearest Mona: Please accept our deepest sympathys for your loss of Sam.
We remember the wonderful ceremonies he conducted for his service to infants, making this simcha a warm and enjoyable day for the parents and guests.
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Brenda and Jerry
Neil Trainor
October 11, 2008
I always thought of Sam as a friend,any time i saw him i got the warmest greeting. I will certainly miss him.
Larry Nelson
October 11, 2008
We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Hazzan Sam Pessaroff. Hazzan Pessaroff performed the Brit Milah of our two sons Bradley and Matthew as well as the sons of some friends of ours. He served Temple Ner Tamid and the Jewish Community at large for over thirty years officiating at hundreds of b'nai mitzvot, weddings, funerals and other life cycle events. His passing leaves a large void in the Temple Ner Tamid community and the Jewish community at large. May comfort and warm memories sustain his family during this difficult time and may his memory serve as an everlasting and eternal blessing.
Lauren Iozza
October 11, 2008
We are truly sorry to hear of Cantor Sam's passing. He performed our son's Bris just a short year ago and make it a very special day. His kindness and the beautiful ceremony he performed will never be forgotten.
With Sympathy,
Lauren and Steven Iozza
Debbie Zellin-Phillips
October 11, 2008
I will always have a cherished memory close to my heart when I remember Cantor Sam. I have known him since I was a young child. I grew up close to the temple.When I was in Isreal, He along with Rabbi Morheim met our group and took us for kosher Chinese food. He trained me for my Bat Mitzvah and preformed the Brit Milah on both of my boys. When my father was ill, he visited us in the hospital and called to follow up as to how his progress was. He was all about his congregation. I will remember him fondly.
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