Stephen Lubofsky
(1958 - 2010)

"Stephen was brilliant at the barmiztvah and it is incomprehensible that he is no longer around. I miss and mourn for him.

Words can not describe my appreciation for Yael. A true Eshet Chayil"

" Over the years we meet so many people but how many friends do we have that we can say 100% that they will always be there for us no matter what .
Steve--was one of a kind and Yael and the family are a reflection of the special man Stephen was and always will be. "

"Stephen - through your most difficult times you found a way to be an inspiration to us all. We'll always love you and miss you. "

"It has been an honor having spent so much time with Stephen this last year. He had such strength, such courage, such dignity. Keren and I feel especially honored to have spent what was, for me, the most inspirational of Shabbatot I can recall.
Yehi Zichro Baruch
"

"Stephen your years were too few and you will be sorely missed. You expanded my music repetoire many years ago. Now when I hear these songs they will serve as a reminder of You. A true Mensch who made a difference on so many levels."

"Your smirk and laugh and general positive attitude will be missed..but luckily memories live on."

"I am an "old" school friend of Stephen's and I often think of Stephen and the happy times we shared at school. I remember his cheeky, wide grin, his big laugh. I remember how proud he was when he first took me to his home and showed me his father's incredible library. Stephen always seemed happy and he was just lovely to be around!

I have not been in touch with Stephen for many years but have often wondered what he was doing on the other side of the world. I wish his wife and family a long life, much strength and want them to know that their wonderful Stephen is thought of with much love down under.

Love Debra Korman (affectionately known by Stephen as Pink)"

"While I knew Stephen in Australia, we became very friendly in the early '80's when we both lived in NY and before he was married. Even in a place like NY, he stood out. He always showed great compassion for others and gave everything he did maximum effort. HaMakom yinachem otchem b'toch sha'ar ovlei Tzion v'Yerushalayim. "

"I was a friend of Stephen's back not long after his accident in the grades. I remeber going over to his house many times around the corner from the shule.
How sad to hear that he has passed away. I have many fond memeories of him and he was always happy to see me.
Thanks to Sam and Rick Friedman for letting me know.
Howard"

"Its been years since we actually spoke, but ive been keeping tabs about Stephen from my friend and Stephens brother, Anthony.
I thank G-d for only good recollections and memories about Stephen from morning service and Bnei Akiva.
No doubt he is orchestrating many functions and programs in Gan Eden.
His presence was felt years ago in many circles for the best, and his physical presence will no doubt, be sorely missed today by many.

May the family be comforted by Hashem along with the other mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.

Daniel Luria"

"Stephen was one of the friendliest and warmest people in our year at Scopus. When he laughed you heard it a mile away.
I hadn't seen him for ages after we left school, but in 1984 when I, and my husband Steven were moving to NY for a few years, we needed to send boxes of our stuff ahead of our arrival. The problem was that we didn't really know anyone in NY to whom we could send these boxes. So, feeling somewhat ridiculous, I called Stephen and asked him if he would mind if we sent them to his address. There was no hesitation. He was more than pleased to give an old friend a helping hand. Months later upon our arrival in NY and our collection of those all-important boxes, did we actually think about the great inconvenience we had caused him. He had schlepped these heavy boxes himself from the post office to his apartment (making multiple trips) and somehow stored them in his not-so-large apartment for a few months awaiting our arrival. Upon our mixture of attempting to thank him and apologise all at the same time, Stephen just laughed it off as no big deal. That was Stephen!
I saw him a few times when he visited Melbourne since he would come out to Scopus (where I have worked for ages) to reminisce about the good ol' days and see what was new around the place. It was on one of those visits that Stephen introduced me to Yael (though she probably won't remember me). He wanted to show her around Scopus to be able to share with her some of his youthful memories. I remember being really thrilled for Stephen that he found someone so lovely to share his life with and to build a family with. I am just so sad that it has all been cut off so very prematurely.
To Yael, Noam, Daniel and Eliana- HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avlei Tzion ve'Yerushalayim.

Love,
Frances Prince
"

"I too will always remember Stephen as a friendly and caring bloke. Active in Bnei, a regular at the Morning Service minyan. He was also one of those people who wouldn't hesitate to give us "youngsters" ( two Forms down) the time of day, and an attentive ear.

May his memory be blessed.

May Hashem grant you Yael, and the kids, consolation , long life, and strength during this difficult time. "

"Stephen always had a smile on his face and made people laugh. Jonathan( my husband) and I remember him singing beautiful chazoonis(which he learnt from his father)in our shule only a couple of years ago. It was lovely to catch up with thim then after so many years. We both remember him from BA as well. To all his family, 'HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avle Tzion ve'Yerushalayim.

Sincerely, Shelley and Jonathan Cohen"

"We were so sorry to hear the sad news. My memories go back to BA days and recall the BA camps where there was never a dull moment with Stephen around. He was somehow always in the middle of what ever was going on. I recall the many hours spent in the Library in Monash Uni 1st floor.
To Yael, Noam, Daniel and Eliana- HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avlei Tzion ve'Yerushalayim.

Sharon Finkel(Bachrach)
Efrat, Israel"

"Stephen was always the larger than life older brother of my dear fried Anthony. Like so many other, I remember him for his warm humor and his love of family. Like so many other, shen I arrived in NY in 1991 he and Yael extended me so much hospitality.. and, when needed word of wise councilMay his leagcy live on in the hearts of all who know him aand, edspecially in the hearts of his treasured children. My thoughts are with you all. Nathan."

"I last saw Stephen about 25 years ago, and am sad to hear of his passing. I have just read some of the other postings about how hard life was for him at the end, but for me, what defines him is the old memories I have, all fun, illustrating areas in which he excelled.

Showing the Commies that the free world also knows something about discipline: No need to elaborate, just read Paul Leiba's "Rubbish to rubbish".

Striving for excellence in education: Standing up in form 2 and announcing, "Mr Adin, I demand to see your teaching certificate".

Demonstrating actual ability to influence the education system: Persuading Mr Adin to turn back before reaching the principal's office after making the above declaration.

Early signs of affinity for America: Within minutes of arriving at Counterpoint, the American giving the Orientation session referred to him as a "precocious kid".

Devotion to friends: Stephen studied at Dvar Yerushalayim Yeshiva while I was at BMT. One of my visits to him coincided with a visit by (I hope I get all 3 right) Sam Gliksman, Maurice Kalkopf and Paul Leiba, who had one toothbrush between them. The Madrich came to his room to tell Stephen it was time to do whatever, but Stephen wasn't about to give up time with his friends. He and his roommate overpowered the Madrich, sat on him, and then placed him in the wardrobe.

With sympathy to the family, and hoping we can all remember him with a smile."

"Stephen was a very happy individual.
I cannot remember seeing him with a frown on his face.
Stephen always got in touch with the Best family whenever he came to visit his family in Australia.

We met Stephen Yael and the kids on a Pesach program in Hawaii some years ago and he befriended my children.

We wish Yael and children, Shirley and Anthony Andrew & Jonathan a long life.

HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avley Zion ve'Yerushalayim"

"I have known Stephen since he was very young. It has been a pleasure to see him grow and mature into the wonderful husband, father and son, that we all recognise and admire. He will be sorely missed. Kay and I wish the family "long life" May you know no more sorrows."

"At the front of the 30 year reunion book, there is a section devoted to memories of those classmates who have died since school. It’s a difficult read. There is a lovely and very moving piece written by Stephen in which he celebrates the life of his dear friend Georgina Wilheim. In a way, it is also a record of his own life and his rich, warm and generous personality is very evident in his description of shared events. Poignantly, he farewells “a beautiful soul, missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her”. Sadly, those same sentiments now apply equally well to you Stephen."

"I know of Stephen more through his brother Andrew and was deeply sadden to hear of his passing. To have heard of all the good achievements and deeds that Stephen had performed in his life is a true reflection that a person's life should not be measured in the time spent but on how that time was used. In Stephen's life his time was spent on creating mitzvahs and what could be more important than that. May his family only know simchas.

MHDSRIP. Greg"

"So very sorry to hear of the passing of an old classmate for 10 years
May his memory be a blessing with sympathy to his family at this time
"

"I don't actually remember when I first met Stephen.
It sort of just feels like I've always known him; for as long as I can remember there was this man in my family's life with a large head and bigger laugh! I have flashes of memories from my early childhood of Stephen telling me how my parents used to make out in the back of his car...as an 11 year old, this is not the sort of thing you want to be hearing (truth be told, as a 25 year old it's still not really the sort of thing you want to be hearing)...but the way Stephen told stories, I was always so intrigued and filled with laughter!
As the years went on and I grew older, I started to understand how important this man was in my parents' lives. An extremely old friend of both my parents, Stephen was a major player in their lives. He met my Dad in Israel whilst my Dad was visiting my Auntie and Uncle on Hachshara and their bond was immediately sealed; he attended Mount Scopus College with my mother and they became close friends whilst studying (or more accurately, shmoozing in the library) at Monash University. They all shared so many personal jokes and had endless stories of their times together...Stephen even recited Birkat Hamazon at their wedding, a responsibility I have no doubt he took very seriously! They loved him so so dearly and valued his friendship beyond words and beyond distance! Although Stephen lived on (literally) the other side of the world, there was a closeness that bound them together and a love for one another that was entirely tangible.
Initially, that was the reason why I loved Stephen so much...I saw how important he was to my parents and what a huge part of their lives he had come to occupy over the many years of their friendship! It was only in more recent years when I started to mature and began to contribute to their conversations that I discovered exactly why my parents had such an affinity for this Australian/American...Stephen had the warmest heart of anyone I have ever known. He valued friendship and family above all else in his life and the more time I spent with him, the more I learnt from him!
His memory was unmatchable...he would tell me stories of things that happened 30 years ago and could recount the setting perfectly, quote word for word what people said, their full names and what they were wearing! Every few years that I would see Stephen (whether he was visiting us or we were visiting him) he would ask me about my love life and proceed to comment "So who is she now? I can't keep up!!" His sense of humour was what made him such a pleasure to be around; watching he and my parents sit and laugh and reminisce about the "old days" gave me as much pleasure as appreciating one of Stephen's jokes or stories myself!
And it is precisely such a scene that forms one of my final memories of Stephen...an occurrence that I did not actually witness myself but feel as if I was there in entirety:
We were fortunate enough to come visit Stephen, Yael and the kids several weeks ago for Daniel's Bar Mitzvah! This was a weekend unlike any other; the happiness and love in the room was literally visible and we did not stop laughing the entire time! I had been travelling for 6 months around the world, but when I started planning my trip over a year ago I had one fixed date for the holiday...October 9th - Daniel's Bar Mitzvah. The rest of my trip and all my plans would revolve entirely around me being in New Rochelle on that date to celebrate this simcha with this amazing family. I was fortunate enough to have my parents feel the same way and so the three of us were able to attend the Bar Mitzvah together and be with Stephen and the family during this very special yet difficult time.
However the memory that I refer to occurred on the Saturday night, after all of the festivities had concluded...it involved Stephen, Yael, my parents, and the other awesome Aussies that had made the trip to New Rochelle. They all sat on the couch in the Lubofsky's living room and just told stories and laughed until all hours of the night. As I said, I was not there, but I feel like I witnessed every moment of that beautiful evening! I imagine Stephen's smile and the warmth he felt as he was surrounded by some of the people who meant the most to him in his life. It is a "memory" that makes me so happy as although Stephen left us at far far too young an age, at least he was able to share his final weeks with some of the people whom he loved the most and whom loved him equally in return!
Stephen will be so dearly missed by my entire family. Although he lived at the end of the earth, he always was and always will be cemented at the top of our hearts.
Ole Veshalom our dear Stephen,
love Josh xoxo
"

"May his deeds and memory be a guide to his family"

"I was very saddened to hear of Stephen's passing. He will always be remebered for his warmth, humour & love of life.
May his dear soul rest in peace."

"I can still hear Stephen's laughter and friendly banter even now, so many years after school life at Scopus and on the buses. Thanks for the memories Stephen. Wishing the family a long life. "

"So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. I remember him as a friendly kind person with respect for his elders. To his family sincere condolences.

Hamakom yenachem etchem bitoch shiar aveilei tsiyon veerushalayim."

"you will all remember me at school as Sue Wills - now Susie Davies-Splitter. i was very sorry to hear about Stephen's passing and will always remember him as a kindly and hard working student. I send my love and condolences to all of his family. Best Susie"

"I was very sad to hear of Stephen's passing. Although I haven't been in contact with him for many years, I can't think of my youth, especially Bnei Akiva camps, without thinking of Stephen. I wish all his family long life and may G-d give you strength through this very sad time. Best Wishes, Judy Makowski. "

"May Yael and the children together with Mrs Lubofsky and the extended family be comforted in the knowledge that Stephen was one of a kind.
His attitude to life despite adversity an example to us all.
With all our love ,always and forever in our memories
Mory and Malanie Kalkopf and Family."

"I was present when the now famous head was jammed and all the excitement that it caused at school . However it was a gift that Stephen inadvertantly gave me that i remember him for.
I had the honour to spend Shabbas lunch with his family as a young boy a number of times and learn what i still consider as my most profound
Jewish experience. A face of jewishness that is graceful, warm and loving.
It was always hard for me to reconcile this memory and experience with the one of Stephen standing in front of Mr Baker - the English Teacher - and telling him what he really thought of the " PINK HAIR "
I am very sorry to hear the news of the passing
of Stephen . To his family my sincerest condolences"

"I was very sad to hear about the passing of our classmate Stephen. Even though I was teased a lot for being the shortest in our year, Stephen was always kind and reassured me that one day they would grow up and that it is the person inside that really counts. I admired Stephen's personality, his honesty and fun loving manner. He will be sadly missed by friends and family. May we all be blessed with love, happiness and health.
Love Debbie (Zonc)"

"Unlike many people who have left moving tributes to Stephen on this site, Ada and I did not know Stephen in our childhood or schooldays – and yet we can hardly remember life before Stephen – such is the profound impact Stephen had on us and indeed on all who were fortunate enough to count him as a friend. In both our cases, Stephen’s larger than life personality stood out amongst the crowd and we were immediately drawn to him.
I met Stephen just prior to his leaving on his hachshara year which he was to spend with my brother and sister from New Zealand. He immediately endeared himself to me and we subsequently spent time together when I visited Israel at the tail end of their year there.
Ada met Stephen at Monash Uni where they studied Commerce together in between lengthy sessions schmoozing in the caf and library.
But it was as a couple that we both became closest to Stephen – as we both had independent friendships with Stephen, when I moved to Melbourne, Stephen became a focal point of our social lives. He was even at times almost our personal chauffeur as we shared the same circle of friends and most often he would provide the transport. How can we ever forget that bellowing voice as he would invariably jokingly say “NO KISSING!” to the two of us in the back seat.
Stephen was so important to us and such a central figure in our courtship and relationship that he danced me to the chuppah and was front and central at the head table at our wedding celebration as he sat next to Ada and led us in the benching with that beautiful melodic voice of his.
We stayed in touch with Stephen when he moved away from Melbourne whether to the Gold Coast or the States and he always remained a very special part of our lives as we would visit him there or he would visit us on his frequent trips home.
Our kids came to love Stephen just as much as us as they too saw in him a very special human being – someone who valued friendship above all else, who had incredible generosity of spirit and loved having a good time and making sure all who he came in contact with did too! Stephen genuinely cared about our kids as much as he cared about us.
We were privileged to be able to spend a very special time in all our lives together as we joined Stephen and Yael for Daniel’s barmitvah. We saw a metamorphosis take over Stephen as his spirits soared on the elixir of friendship and reliving old times – two things Stephen treasured above all else. When we said goodbye to Stephen that weekend he was full of positive thoughts about his future and only thinking about the good times we shared and still had to come.
And sadly he is no longer with us? We can’t believe it, but we are comforted in the knowledge that we in some small way enhanced his life as he did ours. We will miss Stephen and he will always have a huge and special place in all our lives.
All our love to Yael, Noam, Daniel and Eliana – may the incredible legacy that your dear husband and father, our dear friend, has left give you the inspiration to do as Stephen did – love life!
Ed and Ada Gurgiel.
"

"Like many others I was touched and fortunate to have known Stephen growing up . Unlike many others I was unfortunate to have lost touch with the unique , extroverted , warm hearted individual who certainly has left an indelible mark on all of us. My last conversation , long ago was jokingly telling him that he had the amazing knack to work for retailers just prior to their demise , but we certainly did not hold him responsible (but just in case I would never offer him a job).
I wish Yael , Mrs.Shirley Lubofsky and all the children , siblings a long life and only Simchas .
Thank you Stephen for the wonderful memories"

"I hadn't communicated with Stephen for more than 30 years since our days at Mount Scopus College. A year or so ago, Stephen found me over the internet, and was eager to get re-acquainted via email. His warmth and generosity of spirit shone through in our exchanges.

From the tributes of his friends, its evident that all who knew him were the better for it.

Whenever a Mount Scopus class of 1975 colleague is taken from us far too soon, and especially for Stephen I am deeply distressed, but also enlightened by his example."