Abraham Kobren

KOBREN Abraham Kobren, M.S. D.D.S., age 88, of Bridgeport, died February 16, 2006. Beloved husband of 63 years to Ruth Spevack Kobren; loving father of Susan and Murray Morrison of Fairfield, Leonard and Barbara Kobren of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. and Roberta and Mark Simon of Scarsdale, N.Y.; devoted grandfather of Jennifer and Jordan Kanfer, Sarah and Aaron Kleinhandler, Adam and Benjamin Kobren and Lauren Simon; adored great-grandfather of Noah and Rebecca Kanfer; and beloved brother of Anne Berman of California. Born in Bayonne, N.J., son of Morris and Sophie Kobren (Berdich). A graduate of Wagner College, he received a MS degree from the University of Massachusetts and a D.D.S. degree from Georgetown University. He served as lieutenant senior grade in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a retired dentist of 36 years in White Plains, N.Y., past president and trustee of the American Dental Association, past president of the New York State Dental Association, past president of the Ninth District Dental Association and past president of the New York State Society of Dentistry for Children. He was assistant dean for admissions and financial aid, New York University College of Dentistry, professor and chair of the department of pediatric dentistry at UMDMJ formerly Seton Hall College of Medicine and Dentistry and had taught at the dental schools of New York University and Columbia University. He received numerous honors and awards, among them an honorary Doctor of Science Degree from Georgetown University, the Georgetown University School of Dentistry Distinguished Service Award, the Wagner College Alumni Achievement Award, the NYSDA Jarvie Burkhart Award and the Ninth District Dental Association D. Austin Sniffin Medal of Honor. He was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society, Fellow of the American College of Dentists, Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. He was the deputy commissioner of Health, Dental Division Westchester County Department of Health and Chief-Dental Section White Plains Hospital. He was a past president of the Brotherhood of Temple Israel, White Plains, N.Y. Dr. Kobren truly loved his profession. He spent his adult life dedicated to his practice of general dentistry, organized dentistry and dental education. He held numerous positions in each of these areas. He was a noted lecturer, writer and innovator. He was a respected mentor to his students and colleagues. He died after an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was predeceased by a son, Robert Martin Kobren; brothers, William, Samuel and Benjamin; and sister, Mollie Goldklang. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Services will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. from The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road in Fairfield, with interment following at Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. Shiva will be observed at the Kobren residence 3200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with minyan at 7:30 p.m.