Richard David Sobel

Richard David Sobel died peacefully on May 20, 2025, surrounded by family. Dick was born on June 26, 1940, to Janet and Mitchell Sobel of Worcester, MA. He married Lois Silverman on November 13, 1965, and together they created a home rooted in family, community and Judaism.

Dick was born and lived in the Worcester area for 47 years (with a short stint in Queens for 4 years) before moving to North Carolina in 2018. Dick was a grocer for most of his professional life and then transitioned careers to be a synagogue Executive Director (13 years at Beth Israel in Worcester) and then returned to the food world, his true passion, for 10 years.

Dick was a man dedicated to family and community, a constant learner, and a voracious reader. He was charitable with his time and a loyal friend for life. He was an Army Reservist, a Boy Scout Troop Leader, and an active member and leader of Beth Israel Synagogue. Lois and Dick served as advisors to Beth Israel’s youth group for so many years they lost track, and Dick served as New England Region Youth Commission Chairman and National Kadima Chairman for USY. He was a member of B’nai B’rith and served as President of the Brotherhood. He was recognized for his service with the Keeper of the Flame award from New England Region Federation of Men’s Clubs.

Dick is survived by his sister, Phyllis Kaplan, wife Lois, children Eliot (Jennifer) Sobel and Rachel (Nathan) Bearman and grandchildren, Max Sobel and Noa, Dov and Lev Bearman. He is predeceased by his sister Ilene.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Beth El Synagogue. Officiating will be Rabbi Rachel Posner. Burial will follow at Durham Hebrew Cemetery.

Donations in Dick’s memory can be made to Congregation Beth Israel, Worcester MA, Beth El Synagogue, Durham, NC Education and Youth Director’s Discretionary Fund or Meals on Wheels Orange County, NC. Please include that donations are being made in memory of Dick Sobel