Welcome to The Quest Tribute Page, a space dedicated to honoring the memory of our members who have recently passed away. Each of these members contributed to our community by embodying the spirit of curiosity, growth, and knowledge that defines our organization. Here, we remember and celebrate them through pictures and personal stories, capturing the essence of their journeys and the lasting impact they’ve had on us all. We invite you to explore these tributes, reflect on the memories, and join us in celebrating the extraordinary lives of our departed friends. John Speigel
At Harpur, John developed his life-long passion for theater. He played Big Jule in his senior-year production of Guys and Dolls and in later years was quite active in community theater. John joined Quest in 2016, and one of his greatest passions was participating in Quest’s Great Plays course, most recently as Uncle Benjamin in a series of “Apple Family” plays produced at Quest. John enjoyed a 49-year career at Nassau Community College (NCC) culminating in founding and directing the school’s Academic Advisement Program. John loved learning environments so it should be no surprise that he ended up spending his entire career working with college students, while spending his post-retirement years learning and socializing at Quest. John often urged his NCC students to strive to challenge themselves both academically and intellectually—a piece of advice John followed throughout his life. Contributed by Wayne Cotter Lois Cardillo
She was irrepressible in spirit, be it through her presentations, such as the one about Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, topped off with Cat in The Hat cookies, or her impeccably organized Social Committee activities, filled with elegant deserts and drinks and fun. She always wore bright colors! Plus, her colorful, upbeat personality exuded joy and warmth. She was a bright star in my personal firmament, and I will miss her dearly. May we all smile when we think about and remember Lois. Contributed by Ellie Schaffer Stuart Eisler
But his biggest passion by far was his wife Jan, the love of his life, who converted him from a confirmed bachelor at age 75 into a devoted husband. His heart was broken when she died of cancer three years before he passed away, but he fought hard to create a life without his best friend. He was a regular fixture at Quest, focusing on classes that discussed the law, politics and current events. Much like the city he loved, Stuart was complex — eccentric and endearing, independent and loyal, difficult and charming. He was famous for his determination, fierce intellect, toughness, and for having the same simple dinner nearly every night — salmon, spinach, and a sweet potato! We miss him at Quest. Contributed by Michael Wellner Marcia Friedland
Second to her family, Marcia had a passion for travel. Along with her favorite and devoted sidekick, husband Gary, Marcia traveled the world… more than once. This was facilitated by her connection with British Airways, her employer for almost 20 years, where she dealt with lawsuits from difficult customers. With this connection, Marcia took advantage of extraordinary travel deals, fulfilling every travel whim. Her daughter Lauren said, “Marcia was never so happy as when she was on the way to the airport for a trip.” Marcia was a great source of referrals — the best doctor, baker, colorist, jeweler — just call Marcia. She had strong opinions about food, theatre, film, clothing, hair, all of which she expressed, but never expressed negative opinions about others. In the last couple of years, Marcia was involved in helping to innovate and then served on Quest’s social committee. To describe Marcia as a positive person is inadequate. Despite a devastating illness Marcia was bent on getting the most out of each day. She explored every treatment option but never focused on her illness. Marcia was determined to do whatever she could and even sometimes what she couldn’t. Marcia, we miss you, but we carry you in our hearts. Contributed by Martha Drezin Phil Gisser
During the “Mad Men” era, Phil served as a partner in the advertising firm Warner, Bicking & Fenwick, and Director of Marketing Services at U.S. Industrial Chemicals Corporation. His book, Launching the New Industrial Product, was published in 1972 and translated into several languages. In his early working years he was a chemical engineer at the legendary General Electric plant in Pittsfield, MA. Phil leveraged his developing expertise in cutting edge technologies as a Senior Director at Booz Allen & Hamilton, where he advised clients around the world on such projects as those supercomputers and laser weapons that were being repurposed for civilian use. After retiring from Booz Allen in 1991, Phil continued to consult via his own firm, and also served as a board member of Cecilia Health, a leading remote advisor to patients with chronic care needs. He continued to work as a business consultant until age 97 and was active until his final days. He will be sorely missed at Quest. Contributed by Michael Wellner Bobbie Gold
At Quest, she made so many friends, while participating in so many activities, both in class and outside. She was a regular in the film classes, contributing her insights and well cultured reviews. Bobbie had so many interests and activities, including movies, the theatre, reading, family, and, of course, all her courses and classes at Quest. She was such a vibrant, positive thinking and delightful person, it’s so hard to believe that she is gone. We will all miss her terribly. Contributed by Michael Wellner Loretta Menger
Loretta was an avid bridge player, active hiker, expert skier, and frequently attended the theater and ballet. She especially enjoyed ushering at ballet performances of The Nutcracker. She traveled widely to many exotic destinations, including a photo safari in Zimbabwe. Loretta volunteered at the New York Public Library, was a major donor to Planned Parenthood, and attended many leadership events. She received a full tuition scholarship for her last two years at Pace University, and decided to give back by establishing the Loretta M. Menger Scholarship Fund for a deserving, hardworking Pace student. Loretta joined Quest in 2009, made numerous presentations, was a member of the Emergency Response Team, and enjoyed Adventures in Dining events. Different colored streaks in her hair (the latest were blue) framed her happy face. Loretta will be missed. Contributed by Barbara Gelber Eva Shatkin
I came to Quest because of Eva Shatkin- or rather Eva’s poetry course. Eva brought so much enthusiasm to the class and her love of poetry was palpable. Thanks to Eva, I developed a passion for poetry and even began writing some of my own. Again, Eva was there to help as a member of the Poet’s Workshop. Her encouragement enabled me to find a voice I didn’t know I had. Eva was the embodiment of Quest, and I am so thankful for the time I had with her. Her memory continues to inspire me with her enthusiasm for life – always seeking- always wanting to learn. I only wish all the new members could have had the privilege of being in her presence. Contributed by Mary Ann Donnelly Caroline Thompson
She was devoted to her husband, her children, and grandchildren, and her friends. She dedicated herself to learning, to her Quest family, and to music: from singing to working on her latest piano or recorder piece. She took great joy from bicycling, theater, golf, reading and adventurous world travel. She will be sorely missed. Contributed by Anonymous |
Born in 1943, John Spiegel grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan with parents who emigrated from Austria after barely escaping the Nazis. John commuted to Stuyvesant High School during his mid-teens and in 1961 enrolled at Harpur College in Binghamton, NY (which later became Binghamton University). John’s per-semester tuition at Harpur at that time was a highly manageable $162.50! John went on to earn a PhD from St. John’s University.
Lois Cardillo was a dear friend. We met several years ago and bonded over Jewish jokes, Jewish comedians, and Bill Maher, and we shared a love of wordplay and just plain zaniness.
Our dear member Stu Eisler died peacefully at his longtime home in the city on August 4, 2022. Stu was the ultimate New Yorker; born in Brooklyn, raised in the Bronx, he lived his entire adult life on East 72nd Street in Manhattan. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School, practicing law until he retired to focus on managing his investments, one of his many passions.
If you wrote a book about Marcia Friedland, the title might be “How to Live Well.” Marcia lived with flair, style, courage, tenacity and, most of all, kindness. She was an amazing mother and grandmother, lucky to have her family a stone’s throw away, and always with one grand kid or another at the other end of the telephone line.
It is hard to believe that our beloved and respected Phil Gisser has actually passed away. He was 98, approaching 99, when he died, and many of us were sure he’d make it to 100! Almost to the very end he was a vibrant, intelligent, insightful contributing Quest member. He continued to impress all whom he met. In his working life Phil excelled in five distinct careers: as a chemical engineer, business executive, management consultant, writer, and teacher.
It is no exaggeration to say that Quest has lost a giant among its members. Although well under five feet tall, and certainly less than a hundred pounds, Bobbie Gold was truly an outsized member of our community. For the past eleven years, she endeared herself to nearly everyone she met, not only here at 25 Broadway but in her long association with Big Apple Greeters as well.
Loretta Menger, a Quest member for fifteen years and resident of nearby West New York, NJ, passed away on July 10th, at the age of 85.
Eva Shatkin was a founding member of Quest, editor in chief of Q Review as well as a contributor and an active member of the Poets and Writers Workshops. In addition, Eva was a passionate participant in a variety of classes asking salient questions and providing thoughtful comments.
Caroline Thompson was a treasured member of the Quest family. All who knew her will remember fondly her boundless energy, generous spirit, and insatiable curiosity about people and the world. To her close friends and family, she was a pillar of strength and integrity, who led a full and active life.