Benjamin David Entine

Benjamin D. Entine, JD, PhD
Benjamin D. Entine, a Lexington, Missouri native and former Kansas City public defender, who later practiced law in Boston, died on July 30, 2011 in his sleep at his home in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was 59. Entine, who grew up in Lexington, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. He received his law degree from Northeastern University in Boston, and his PhD. from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. Entine also became a psychoanalyst, after the completion of his studies at the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. At the time of his death, in addition to his law practice, Entine was a professor at Salem State University and had just completed a manuscript based on his experiences defending criminal cases. Those who knew him described Ben as an amazing raconteur and as a man with a brilliant mind. He had a generous heart and a tremendous soul. Entine was an active participant in the Jewish community throughout his life. As a youth, he was a member of B’nei Akiva, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and AEII fraternity. He formerly served as the pastoral chaplain for the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged in New York City. He was the former president of Congregation Ahabat Shalom in Lynn, and most recently he attended Chabad of the North Shore in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Entine was predeceased by his parents, Ike B. and Rebecca W. Entine of Lexington Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas, his brother, Allen S. Entine of Overland Park, Kansas and his father-in-law, Louis Gadon of Miami, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rebecca Gadon and mother-in-law Lillian Gadon both of Lynn, Massachusetts, his sister and brother-in-law, Sonia and Monte Cotton of Olathe, Kansas, his sister, Debra Entine, of Overland Park, Kansas, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Benjamin and Alisa Gadon of New York City, New York and Sara and Bruce Zenlea of Boynton Beach, Florida and lifelong dear family friend, R. Thomas Day of Edwardsville, Illinois. He was the uncle of Sarah and Steven DeBruin and the great uncle of Alexandra all of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by nephew and nieces, David and Samantha Zenlea, and Allison and Lauren Gadon, as well as many loving cousins and treasured friends. Funeral services will be held on August 2, 2011 at 12 noon, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Interment will follow at the Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery. Shiva will be held beginning on August 2, at the home of Debra Entine in Overland Park, Kansas. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Chabad of the North Shore, 44 Burrill Street, Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907 or Camp Moshava of Wild Rose, 3740 West Dempster, Skokie, Illinois, 60076.