Virginia Beach – Ralph R. Futterman, DDS., passed away on December 25, 2011 at Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia from complications of vascular dementia. Born on June 20th, 1927 to Louis and Rebecca Futterman of Brooklyn, NY, Ralph was predeceased by his wife Mindy and his son Robert. He is survived by his sister Toby Reed of Long Island, NY, daughter Marcia Futterman Brodie, her husband Steven and their daughter Jemma of Norfolk, son Craig and his wife Judy and their sons Michael and Sam of Bethesda, MD, his son Eric and Eric’s daughter Sophia of Richmond, and Ralph’s daughter-in-law Bonnie and her sons Justin and Evan of Costa Rica. Ralph also enjoyed a life with a great many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and cherished friends.
A Navy veteran and graduate of New York University and Medical College of Virginia Dental School, Ralph ran a successful dental practice for more than 40 years, serving the Tidewater Community.
Ralph and his wife Mindy were founding members of Temple Israel and Ralph served as the synagogue’s President. He was the local chairman of Israel Bonds and was honored by former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir for his efforts to raise funds for Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Ralph and Mindy were also part of the founding group of Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia where Ralph also served as the Home’s President.
Ralph and Mindy were married for 58 years before her passing and shared a magnificent life together, full of world travel, successful careers and extensive volunteer service that helped to tie together the Tidewater Jewish Community. Most importantly, they shared a lifelong devotion to their entire family.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1PM on Tuesday December 27, 2011 at Temple Israel located at 7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA with Rabbi Michael Panitz and Cantor Elihu Flax officiating. Interment will follow at Gomley Chesed Cemetery at 3603 George Washington Highway in Portsmouth .
The family will be sitting shiva from 6-8 PM on Tuesday 12/27 and from 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Wednesday 12/28 at Beth Sholom Home, 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Futterman’s family asks that donations be made to Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia or Temple Israel.
Love to Craig, Marcia and Ricky for all that they have been doing for Ralph. Ralph was a very special man- warm, loving, intelligent, charming, funny, giving, athletic, and more. He will be very much missed by all of us.