Ben Harrison Bader, Sept. 22, 2000 – Oct. 23, 2025. From the moment he entered this world — tiny and determined at just two pounds — Ben Harrison Bader showed the strength, courage, and grace that would come to define him. Born a fighter, he grew into a young man whose light seemed to shine from within: a beautiful smile, long eyelashes, and unruly hair framing a spirit that was unstoppable, creative, and full of life. Ben had a way of making the world feel warmer. He filled rooms with laughter, mischief, and kindness in equal measure. He was generous, athletic, and competitive, with a love for basketball, long walks, running, and the games of tennis and padel. Whether he was playing, talking, or simply listening, Ben lived with his whole heart — curious, determined, and entirely himself. He had an extraordinary gift for connection. Ben remembered names, noticed the overlooked, and had an instinct for seeing people as they truly were. He believed in others before they believed in themselves. His encouragement gave people courage; his faith in them became their own. To be known by Ben was to feel understood, valued, and loved. Creative and introspective, Ben lived by a simple yet powerful motto: “If not now, when?” — words he carried with him, even tattooed on his arm, as a daily reminder to embrace life with courage and presence. He dreamed boldly and inspired others to do the same. His kindness, sincerity, and humor lifted those around him, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others continues to ripple outward — a quiet, enduring legacy of love. Those who knew Ben will forever carry his laughter, his generosity, and the spark of his spirit in their hearts. Though his time on earth was far too short, the depth of his impact was immeasurable. He reminded us all to live fully, to love deeply, and to see the light in one another. Ben is survived by his loving mother, Wendy Upham, and his father, Jon Bader; his stepmother, Karen Bader, and stepfather, Todd Upham; his brother, Justin Bader (Makenna Hack); his stepbrothers, Brad Upham and the late Zachary Aronoff; his stepsisters, Ellen Upham (Moises Gomez), Maddie Upham (Sam Young), Allison Upham, and Toria (Brian) Aronoff Schottenstein. He is further survived by his grandparents, Mari Garfield and the late James Garfield, M.D., Rochelle and Gerald Bader, D.D.S.; his aunts and uncles, Monica and Bill Woeste, Susan and Jeff Schoeny, Lisa and Jeff Samuelson, David and Michelle Bader, and B. Tupper Upham; and by his beloved cousins, Maggie and Molly Schoeny, Trey and Mac Woeste, Jenna and Benji Frydman, Zach Samuelson, Alexa and Kyle Bader; nieces Juliette and Scarlette Schottenstein; and his loving girlfriend, Reem Atallah — along with many other family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory. Ben’s life was a reminder that joy and kindness are powerful acts of faith — that one person’s belief in others can echo across countless lives. His light will continue to shine through all who loved him. Ben reached the community through his writing and daily posts on social media, where he shared reflections that encouraged others to live with gratitude, clarity, and self-belief. His tweets were deeply meaningful and often gave his followers comfort, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose. Two of his most powerful messages read: “Life is beautiful. Do not miss it. Do not take it for granted. Do not tell yourself something is missing, as you will always find something to look for. The thing you are looking for is you.” “You find gratitude for the pain when you know there’s light on the other side. You’re one of the lucky ones who gets to experience the depth of polarity. Withstand the storm and you’ll be prepared for the sun.” These messages capture the essence of who Ben was — someone who led with light, sought truth, and reminded others to find peace and purpose within themselves. Though our hearts are broken, we will carry on Ben’s legacy in everything we do. We will keep his memory alive by leading with love, living with purpose, and carrying forward his passions that made the world brighter. Please consider a memorial contribution to: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, 1210 S. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, FL 33458. May we honor him by living as he did — with courage, presence, and love, asking always: “If not now, when?” Keep his memory alive.

Stanley Morris Chesley died in Cincinnati on Nov. 2 at age 89. Stanley was born in Cincinnati on March 26, 1936 to Frank and Rachel (Kinsberg) Chesley, who had emigrated from the former Russian Empire (now Ukraine). He built a prominent career as an attorney in Cincinnati and was known for his philanthropy. Stanley graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1954 and earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati in 1958 and 1960, respectively. He worked odd jobs, including selling shoes, to put himself through law school. Stanley rose to prominence as a trial attorney in 1977, when he represented victims of the horrific Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Northern Kentucky and negotiated millions of dollars in settlements for the victims. He successfully advanced a then-novel theory of liability and became known as the originator of mass tort lawsuits. Stanley was a founding member of the law firm Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley and was a remarkable trial attorney and skilled negotiator. Over his more than 50-year legal career, he represented thousands of victims of hotel fires, airplane crashes, industrial explosions, and other catastrophes. Stanley’s commitment went well beyond his clients, as he also served as pro bono counsel for the World Jewish Congress and World Jewish Restitution Organization by representing the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany to help secure significant restitution payments for Holocaust survivors. Over the course of his life, Stanley was deeply philanthropic. He served on the boards of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee; the Cincinnati Human Rights Foundation; Hebrew Union College; Isaac M. Wise Temple; the NAACP (life board member); the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (chair); and Jewish National Fund (chair). For many years, he ensured the City of Cincinnati pools had adequate funding to stay open in the summer. Stanley was civically and politically active, donating to the Democratic Senatorial National Commission and frequently hosting President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in the 1990s. In 2008, he was honored to be invited by President George W. Bush to serve on the honorary delegation accompanying him to Jerusalem for the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. Stanley married U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott on Dec. 7, 1991. They enjoyed traveling together and shared a great love of the law and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years; two children: Richard (Dee Dee) Chesley and Lauren Miller; six grandchildren: Andrew (Rachel) Chesley, Nathan (Julia) Chesley, Amanda (John) Zessen, Liza (Jon) Hieder, Lily (Thomas) Vanasse William Cohen; and six great-grandchildren: Jason and Reuben Chesley, Zoe and Margot Zessen, and Nora and Sadie Vanasse. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcia Chesley. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery in Dayton. Donations may be made to the Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati.

Gary P. Friedberg, age 71 of Canonsburg, Pa., beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly, Sept. 26 after enduring the challenges of Parkinson’s disease over the past three years. Gary was born and raised in Dayton and was a graduate of Fairview High School Class of 1972. Gary was an avid Ohio State University Football and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Beyond sports, Gary carried a quieter talent: he knew how to play the piano from a very young age, a gift that surprised and delighted those who were lucky enough to hear him play. Gary had a long career and successful profession in the automobile industry in the Greater Pittsburgh Area as a transportation consultant (car salesman). Gary will always be remembered for his friendliness, genuine empathy, and sense of humor. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Mardelle (Levin) Friedberg; brother Stephen; nephew, David; uncles, Dave, Sam, Lou, and Al Levin; aunts, Barbara and Leah Levin, Bea (Harry) Kruger, Gertrude Friedberg, Dorothy (Samuel) Segelin, and Belle (Leon) Simon. Gary is survived and will be dearly missed by his brother Howard; his devoted partner, Georgette Bly; his children, Michael (Lauren) Friedberg, Christina (Brian Filler), Carolyn (Joshua Horton); nieces, Lauren and Lisa Michaels; seven grandchildren; aunt, Karen Levin; cousins, Malcolm (Marsha) Segelin, Diane, Elaine, Bobby, and Mikey Levin, Jeff and Robbie Handler, Danielle Young, and Ryan Levin; and close childhood Dayton friends Mike Weprin and Joel Frydman. A private family remembrance in Pittsburgh was held to honor Gary’s life.

To read the complete December 2025 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.