Obituaries: Arthur Friedman, Florence Kent, Morton Braver, Donna Maron

Arthur Friedman

Denver native Arthur Friedman died on June 19, 2023, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 89. A service is pending at Fairmount Cemetery.

Born on April 10, 1934, Mr. Friedman attended East High School and the University of Texas at Austin. He spent his career as a developer and restaurant owner, operating Boston Halfshell in Denver and Arby’s in Denver and Phoenix, Ariz.

In 1973 Mr. Friedman married Frances Kinney; they were a couple for 48 years until Mrs. Kinney passed away in August, 2021. Mr. Friedman was previously married to Litamae Hirschfeld Sher.

“Those who knew Art would always remember his infectious sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye,” his family said. “He possessed an easygoing nature and made everyone around him feel comfortable in his presence.

“Art had a genuine love for laughter, and his joyous spirit lifted the spirits of those fortunate enough to share moments with him. He cherished music and could often be found singing along to his favorite tunes.”

Survivors are son Daryl Scott Friedman and daughters-in-law Amanda Elderkin and Greta Polcaro; and grandchildren Erik Elderkin and Jason Elderkin.

He was predeceased by children Alan Brett Friedman and Wendy Friedman Billingsley.

Contributions may be made to Together We Can Change the World.

Florence Kent

Longtime teacher Florence Kent died on June 23, 2023. She was 94. A private service was held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on July 17. Shalom Funeral Service handled the arrangements.

Born on December 8, 1928 in Newark, NJ, Mrs. Kent earned her master’s degree in economics at Rutgers University. She then embarked on her career as a high school teacher.

In 1957, she met US Army Capt. Irvin Kent; they were engaged a month later and married on Dec. 19, 1957.They lived in France, where Capt. Kent was stationed. They remained a couple until Capt. Kent’s passing in March, 2005.

“She was a global traveler, enthusiastic teacher, talented musician, wonderful cook, lucky gambler and devoted mother,” Mrs. Kent’s family said.

“She was a mother who insisted on standards of behavior, pursuit of education, exposure to culture, and provided unabashed energy and support to fill goals, dreams, desires and duties.”

Survivors are children Howard Kent of Denver, Lonnie Kent-Stacy of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Rahel Kent of Los Angeles; and grandchildren Isabella Kent of Seattle and Lillian Kent or Portland, Ore.

Morton Braver

Morton “Morty” Braver passed away on June 8, 2023, at the age of 79. A service was held on June 10 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald and Eitan Kantor. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Braver was born on October 16, 1943 and grew up in the Catskills. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from Farleigh Dickinson University, and then embarked on a 43-year career as a commercial loan officer and bank vice president.

“He never met a bank he didn’t like,” his family said, referring to the 34 banks at which Mr. Braver was employed during his career.

Mr. Braver married Sara Beth Shapiro in 1969; they remained a couple until Mr. Braver’s passing.

Longtime residents of Anaheim, Calif., they moved to Denver in 2020.

Mr. Braver was elected to the presidency of two different Jewish congregations in Orange County, Calif.

“He enjoyed chatting with old friends on the phone and playing movie and sports trivia,” his family said.
“Morty also had a minor obsession with talking about Jewish delis!”

Survivors are Mr. Braver’s wife Sara; son Jason Braver and daughter Rachel (Andrew) Markowitz; grandchildren Aria Markowitz and Jack Markowitz; and nephews Eric Feldman and Kenneth (Kim) Braver.

Contributions may be made to PJ Library Colorado or Save the Aurora Reservoir.

Donna Maron

Denver native Donna Maron passed away on July 4, 2023, at the age of 78. A service was held on July 19 at Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, officiated by Rabbi Caryn Broitman. Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel of Salem, Mass. handled the arrangements.

Mrs. Maron was born on Feb. 12, 1945. She attended George Washington High School, San Francisco State College and received her master’s in social work from the University of Maryland.

“Donna was kind and warm throughout her life, and became a reminder to those around her of what is good in the human spirit,” her family said. “Her impact on others in that regard could never be properly depicted in words.

“She was truly selfless, dedicating her life to supporting and nurturing her family. She was flawless in her dedication to their wellness, success and happiness.”

Mrs. Maron and her husband, Dr. Barry Maron, spent summers in Martha’s Vineyard-Chappaquiddick, and spent considerable time in Palm Springs, Calif.

Survivors are husband Dr. Maron; children Martin (Alexandra) Maron and Bradley (Jill) Maron; grandchildren Alexis Maron, Jack Maron, Willow Maron and Bodhi Maron; and siblings David Rest and Lynne Rest.

Contributions may be made to Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation.

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