Michael Stanley Izenstein
Springfield
Michael Stanley Izenstein passed away May 11, 2023 at the age of 84. Known affectionately by family and friends as “Uncle Mike”, he was just that, the proud and loving uncle of his three nephews, Gary Goodman (Abby), Glenn Goodman (Benedicta), Steven Goodman (Tracy); four great nephews, Pearson, Alec, Kane and Chase and three great nieces, Hadley, Yasmin and Charlotte. A lifelong resident of Springfield and Longmeadow, Uncle Mike graduated from AIC and worked as the retail manager for a family-owned pharmacy and liquor store in Southwick, MA. He has been a lifelong member of the Southwick Lions Club and twice served as President. Uncle Mike was a humble and quiet servant at that. He volunteered at Rachel’s Table until the pandemic and then at the Longmeadow Adult Center until he became ill, where he diligently went about his business gathering friends and colleagues along the way. Loyal, trustworthy, reliable and consistent are some of the words used to best describe Uncle Mike. He was a lifelong congregant at Kodimoh Synagogue until its merger with B’nai Torah, where he was a regular attendee at minchah services and served on the Board. Some of his joys beyond volunteering were gardening and watching his favorite collection of shows including Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and never would he miss an episode of Perry Mason. An avid sports fan, Uncle Mike has a wonderful “love-hate” relationship with many Boston teams and particularly the Red Sox. He also developed an appreciation of cheesecake and ice cream. Other than his nephews, great nieces and great nephews, he leaves his sister Diane Goodman and many loving cousins. The funeral will be at the Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home Monday May 15 @ 1:00 P.M with graveside service afterwards at Kodimoh Cemetery on Kings Highway in West Springfield, MA. Visiting hours will be from 6:00 – 8:45 P.M. with Shiva held from 7:00-7:45 P.M. on Monday and Tuesday evenings at the home of Gary and Abby Goodman 30 Brookside Drive, Longmeadow, MA. Donations may be made to Rachel’s Table, B’nai Torah, The Down Syndrome Association of Massachusetts, or the Jimmy Fund. For further information or directions, please visit ascherzimmerman.com.
Published by The Republican from May 13 to May 14, 2023.