North Woodmere resident Sylvia Kaminetsky, 87

Sylvia Kaminetsky, 87, of North Woodmere and New York City, died Nov. 12, peacefully in her sleep at her home with her beloved and devoted husband of 67 years, Irving, at her side.  

Sylvia was born in New York City to Abraham and Dora Berkowitz on Oct. 28, 1933 and grew up in Cleveland with two older sisters, Ruth Hausman and Shirley Tutens (both deceased) and three brothers, Martin Berkowitz (married to Doris), Dr. Jerry Berkowitz (married to Dr. Sharon Berkowitz) and Dr. Robert Berkowitz (married to Arlene).  

She came to New York at the age of 17 to live and work at the urging of her then suitor, and soon to-be husband, Irving Kaminetsky, to whom she was introduced by her future sister-in-law at the St. Moritz Hotel while visiting New York.  

Sylvia, with Irving ever by her side, lived life to its fullest. She was a wonderful mother to her two children, Dr. Jed Kaminetsky (married to Terri) and Lynn Samuels (married to Dr. Mark Samuels) and an extraordinary grandmother to Jared, Alexandra and Jacob Kaminetsky and Aaron and Amanda Samuels. 

She was philanthropic and civic oriented. She volunteered for many years at Franklin General Hospital in Valley Stream where she served as the president of coordinating council of the auxiliaries.

Also active in local politics, she served as the president of the Republican Club of North Woodmere, an election coordinator for the Town of Hempstead, and the biggest supporter of her husband, Irving’s, campaigns for commissioner of Sanitary District 1, an elected post he has held for eight consecutive five year terms.  

Sylvia was also actively engaged at her temples. She was a member of Temple Hillel in North Woodmere for than 50 years and served on the board for the past 20 years and also at Sutton Place Synagogue in Manhattan, where she enjoyed a large and loving circle of friends with whom she and Irv travelled and socialized.  

She was an avid golfer and member of Inwood Country Club, and an excellent bridge and mah jong player. A lover of the arts and culture, a voracious reader and a regular attendant at the theater, symphony and opera, which Sylvia especially enjoyed with her grandson Aaron, who is an amateur opera singer and actor.

Her greatest love was enjoying the company of her children, grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family. She partook in their activities with a special joy, warmth and devotion, rarely missing a tournament, performance, recital, graduation or other special event.  

Sylvia was a beautiful woman of rare intelligence and her constant presence and the love she gave to her family and friends truly will be missed. A graveside funeral service is going to be held at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

To observe, use the link
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Shiva will be observed at the Kaminetsky home, outdoors, weather permitting on  
Friday, 3:30 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Services at the residence will be held, outdoors, weather permitting, on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Services will also be held Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.. All services may be observed via zoom: 
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