Obituary: Robert A. Garfinkel, Veteran and Saxophone Player

Robert A. Garfinkel, age 79 years, of Swampscott, formerly of Brighton, entered into rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Spaulding Hospital in Salem. He was the beloved & devoted husband of Marion (Germain) Garfinkel. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Leonard & Ida (Crystal) Garfinkel. Robert was a graduate of Brighton High School and Suffolk University with the class of 1960.

An honorably discharged veteran, he was a member of the United States Army during the Korean War and played the saxophone in the army's band.

Mr. Garfinkel had been employed and was known nationally as a sales representative for several liquor & wine wholesale distributors for many years.

Robert was an active member of Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore (formerly Temple Beth El) and was the former temple's vice president. He was also president of the Fellowship and on the board of directors. He was named "Man of the Year" by the former Temple Beth El and a member of its brotherhood. Robert was the chairman of the Russian Resettlement Committee and vice president of Jewish Family Services. Mr. Garfinkel was extremely proud of his family and all their accomplishments. He adored his grandchildren and was very devoted to his wife and children. Robert was an avid Boston sports fan. 

In addition to his wife, with whom he shared fifty-two years of marriage, he is survived by two devoted children, Beth Adams & her husband David of Swampscott and Mark Garfinkel & his wife Laura Crimaldi of Winthrop; two cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Jacob Adams; his dear brother-in-law, Sumner Germain & his wife Rita and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also the loving brother of the late Barbara Freedman. 

Funeral services at Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore, 55 Atlantic Avenue, Swampscott on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Interment at Pride of Lynn Cemetery, Lynn. Memorial observance will be held at his late residence following the interment on Friday until 4PM and on Saturday from 7-10PM and Sunday 3-8PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Spaulding Hospital North Shore, 1 Dove Avenue, Salem, MA 01970 or to Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore, 55 Atlantic Ave Swampscott, MA 01907.

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