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RAPAPORT... The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) expressed its sadness in learning of the passing of Bob Mandelkern who died at the age of 87 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Mandelkern was described as a leader among the generation of so many current members' fathers who not only led the DMIA, but who also served as role models and mentors. Mandelkern rightfully takes his place among DMIA's esteemed leadership who took an active interest in the group and showed the way. (Participate in an online guest book.) In his obituary, Mandelkern was described as a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a member of Congregation Beth Israel of West Hartford, Connecticut and owner of a wholesale diamond firm in New York City until his retirement in 1985. He then returned to school and earned a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and led exercise classes for seniors in nursing homes and residences. Mandelkern was very active in the American Parkinson Disease Association and participated in the successful effort to secure the passage of the bill funding stem cell research in Connecticut. From 2006 to 2011, he served as a member of the CT Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee. He was also the Connecticut state coordinator of the Parkinsons Action Network. He was survived by his wife June; three sons, Nick and his wife Carol of Fairfield, Michael and his wife Myrna Rasmussen of Irvine, California, and Peter and his partner Pamela Adams of Clinton, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Talya, Carmi, Ronit, Neal, and Nora. The funeral was held today. Shiva will be observed at the Mandelkern home on February 26 and 27. Donations may be made to the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association at www.ctapda.org.
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