William Harvey Fenberg, April 18, 1948 – April 7, 2026. William Harvey Fenberg, known as Bill to many, passed away at the age of 77 in Dayton. Born on April 18, 1948, in Findlay, Ohio, he grew up in northwest Ohio and spent much of his life in Toledo and Dayton. Bill devoted his professional life to caring for others as a family practice physician. Patients knew him as a thoughtful and compassionate doctor who took the time to listen. Caring for people — whether family, friends, or patients — was central to who he was. He is remembered fondly as a classic family doctor in the truest sense, with his traditional black bag in hand, available for house calls, and caring for families across generations. He grew to appreciate traveling and seeing the American West while attending the University of Arizona for his undergraduate studies. Afterward, he returned to Ohio to earn his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at St. Elizabeth in Covington, Ky. Bill was the youngest of four children born to Max Fenberg and Dora (Sax) Fenberg. Although the youngest sibling, “Billy” often took on the quiet responsibility of looking after the rest of the family — a role that reflected his deep instinct for caretaking that defined both his family life and his career as a physician. Although he suffered from a lifelong respiratory disease, he rarely complained and always prioritized the needs and well-being of others. He was known to diligently adhere to a healthy lifestyle that allowed him to enjoy a full life of activities with family and friends. He shared a lifelong bond with his wife, Harriet. The two first met as children in Sunday school in Toledo, though they did not exchange many words until they began dating years later, after Bill’s mother and Harriet’s father conspired to set them up. After three weeks of dating, they concluded they “made a good team” and got engaged. Their partnership became the center of his life and family for nearly 52 years. Above all, Bill loved his family deeply. He found joy in simple things: tending to his cherry tomato plants, making popcorn and homemade pizza for movie nights, cheering on Ohio State football, and relaxing with a dog sleeping next to him. Those everyday rituals reflected his warmth and the care he put into creating a home for the people he loved. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Schwartz Fenberg; his children, Michele Greenberg (Jared), Phillip Fenberg (Christina), and Stephen Fenberg (Lindsay); his grandchildren, Ava, Benny, Sasha, Isa, Marlow, and Reuben; his sister, Susan Barrett; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Fenberg and sister Bonnie Witas. Bill was a dependable and calm man whose life was defined by kindness, devotion to family, and a sense of responsibility to care for those around him. His family, friends, and patients will remember him for his generosity of spirit and the quiet, steady kindness he shared with everyone in his life. Charitable donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Temple Beth Or or a charity of your choice.

Beth Harlan, 75, of Sheffield, Mass. and Salisbury, Conn., passed away on March 2 in New York City. Her son, Zachariah Harlan Warner, and daughter-in-law, Olivia Baribeau, were by her side. Born on July 22, 1950, in Dayton, Beth brought a wonderful combination of energy, intellect, and humor to those around her. She earned her associate’s degree from Stephens College in Missouri in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Emerson College in Boston in 1972, and a Master in Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 1993. After college, her travels and life experiences included time in Ohio, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City before ultimately setting roots in the Salisbury, Conn. area in 1980. During these travels, Beth explored her creative side, dabbling as a television personality with on-air appearances in Ohio and Atlanta and pursuing stand-up comedy in Los Angeles where she took acting classes alongside Robin Williams. While at Emerson College, she was a member of a comedy group that included Jay Leno, and her comedic nature stayed with her throughout her life. Beth ultimately settled professionally as a social worker, demonstrating her empathy for others and her ability to listen, but her most treasured and defining role was that of a mother to her beloved son, Zach. Her love for him was constant and unwavering, and she took immense pride in her time as a mother to Zach and all that life brought to them along the way. As Beth was fighting pancreatic cancer, the dedication and spirit that she demonstrated to ultimately be a part of Zach’s wedding this past September were remarkable and demonstrated her grit and spirit. Beth is also survived by Zachariah’s wife, Olivia Baribeau of New York City; as well as her brother, Dr. Stephen H. Harlan, DDS of Dayton; her nephews, Chad Harlan of New York City and Paula and Seth Harlan of Cleveland; her stepchildren, Silas Warner of West Hartford, Conn., Ian and Beth Warner of West Barnstable, Mass., and Eugenie Warner of Lakeville, Conn.; her ex-husband, Scott Warner of Southern Pines, N.C.; and other extended family, all of whom she held close to her heart. Beth will be remembered for her energy, intellect, and her sense of humor. Please consider a contribution in Beth’s memory to the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health Center, which graciously assisted Beth with her cancer treatment this past year. A celebration of life will be held in Salisbury, Conn. at a later, yet to be determined, date.

To read the complete May 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.