As we start a new year, 5784, I thought it important to look back at those who used to be a part of our lives, but have passed away and remain only in our memories. It seems to me important for them to know that they have not been forgotten (and yes, I know, that this makes no rational sense).

So I list my Facebook friends who are no longer able to post, to read posts, or even to consciously ignore Facebook altogether. Some of these people were very close to me, some I had little contact with. They played their roles in various periods of my life, from my childhood to the year 2023.

I post this list with gratitude and respect.

Alexander Goren

Aliza Ben-Tal

Arnold Hammer

Arthur Isack

Avi West

Billy Reed

Bob Dubinsky

Bob Hausman

Eva Rodriquez-Brana

Gary Gise

George Spreitzer

Irwin Lebow

Jim Crause

John Topping

Judith Heumann

Kim Fischer

Margaret Brill

Margit Meissner

Michael Greenberg

Murray Fromson

Nancy Lurie

Razi Yitzchak

Rhoda Baruch

Robert Keimowitz

Robert Rovinsky

Sandra Carlson

Sherry Sherman

Steve Protulis

Steven Lopata

Susan Hessel

Susan Sanford

Victor Cohn

I guess it is true that, in some respects, as you age, your circle grows smaller. It makes it that much more important that you continue to remember and enjoy those who remain. And, yes, this list – sadly long as it is – represents only 6% of my Facebook friends. Of course, with a little more work, I could make another list of those departed friends who never joined Facebook. Perhaps I will do this in 5785. We shall see.