Sarita Dizik Gantz, 94, passed away May 19, 2018, in Denver, where she had been living with her daughter Elaine and son-in-law Steve Berman for the past five years. The May 22 service was held at KTI Synagogue in Port Chester, NY. Feldman made the local arrangements.
“A lifelong philanthropist and supporter of Israel, the federation and Jewish causes, Sarita was always cheerful, kind, caring, stylish and beautiful,” the family said. “The world is a better place because of the person she was and the life she led.”
Sarita’s parents, the late Benzion and Anna Dizik, escaped the pogroms in Ukraine in 1919. Once they arrived in Eastern Europe, the JA put them on a ship bound for Cuba because there was a quota on Jews allowed to enter the US.
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where her father was a leader in the Jewish community, she left to attend Goucher College in Baltimore at age 16.
Sarita married Jack Gantz when she was 21. The couple was married for 44 years, until Mr. Gantz passed away in 1990.
Proud of her Cuban heritage, she was known for her annual parties complete with Latin musicians and culinary specialties.
Sarita, who had a beautiful voice, sang in Spanish, English and Yiddish. She also was an accomplished dancer.
The Gantzes were among the first American tourists to visit Russia in 1959.
Involved in her community, Sarita served on several boards, worked in the hospital gift shop, hosted young conductors in her home and pursued charitable endeavors.
Sarita Dizik Gantz is survived by her children Joe (Paula Blumenfeld) Gantz and Elaine Gantz Berman (Steve Berman); grandchildren Seth Berman, Ben (Katherine) Berman, Alesa Gantz (Brian) DiPersia, Ilana Blumenfeld Gantz and Cobi Blumenfeld Gantz; and great-grandchildren Isa, Sebastian and Luca.
Contributions may be made to Project C.U.R.E. or the Sarita Gantz Scholarship Fund at The Hebrew University.
Copyright © 2018 by the Intermountain Jewish News
