Obituary of Iola Ribyat Brustein

Iola R. Brustein, 99, of Syracuse, New York, passed away at Menorah Park, with her family by her side, on Friday, September 28, 2018 after a brief illness. She was cared for by her dedicated and loving son and daughter-in-law, family and compassionate care-givers. Thank you to CNY Family Care, Crouse Hospital and Menorah Park for the excellent care she was given.

She was born in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Morris and Sarah Ribyat. Iola grew up helping her dad at his business, Ribyat’s Army Navy Store on North Salina Street. She always spoke of how much she loved working alongside her dad and her brother, Marvin. She retired from Onondaga County Department of Social Services.

Iola enjoyed traveling the world with her brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Phyllis, her sister, Bernice, and friends. In her 70’s, she took up skiing and golf, along with her passion of gardening, playing cards and scrabble. She loved spending time with family, friends and her cat. Winters were spent in Florida with her sister, Bernice, walking the beach collecting shells and swimming.

She is survived by her daughter, Arlene of Syracuse, New York; sons, Arthur (Rosanne Suskin) Brustein of Syracuse, New York and Steven (Janice) Brustein of Florida; brother, Marvin Ribyat of Alexandria, Virginia; grandchildren, Joshua and Stephanie Brustein; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Meyer “Mike” Brustein; sister, Bernice Russell; brother-in-law, Samuel Russell; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Ribyat.

Services will be private.

Contributions may be made to The Foundation at Menorah Park, 4101 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13214.

Services are entrusted to Ginsburg-Maloff Funeral Home

Please visit the online memorial at www.adewittmemorial.com