Age 39. 37 Ferncroft Road, Waban (Newton), MA. Born (as Jake Seletsky) on 9/01/1903, in Boston. Died of burns (death certificate). Buyer and film booker, M. & P. Theatres Corp., 60 Scollay Square, Boston. In a gathering of 29 to honor western cowboy movie star Charles "Buck" Jones, age 50 (dead), at multiple tables on the prestigious main dining room raised rear terrace, 16 perished. Gathering was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Herman (injured) and Pauline Rifkin (dead), ages 58 and 56 respectively, of Newton. "The group had been attending a party at the home of the Rifkins and later in the evening all adjourned to the night club to continue the party" (Waltham News-Tribune, Waltham, MA, 11/30/1942). Wife Lillian, age 36 (Born 6/02/1906. Died 2/27/1973, age 66), survived, but suffered cerebral damage from oxygen deprivation termed "irreparable." The condition of Mrs. Rifkin was summarized in a landmark 1943 Mass General Hospital Grove burns study (Case #32 of 39: Burns 6% of body. "Burns were a minor problem." Restless, unresponsive and often had a "senseless grin" on her face. Occasionally spoke short sentences of little relation to the situation. During the next two weeks began speaking. Discharged 67th day). Visual confusion was diagnosed as "optic agnosia," sight and other impairments caused by legions of the brain due to carbon monoxide exposure. Wife later made a full recovery which required years. Married on 11/22/1931, in New York. Survived by two children, Thelma, age 6, and John, age 3. First name was misspelled "Phillip" (with double "l"s) on the final official November 1943 Boston Committee on Public Safety master list of casualties (correct spelling on his death certificate). Average build (WWII draft registration, February '42: 5' 7," 172 lbs.). One of two victims from the Newton "village" of Waban (also patron John Hope, age 46). With his wife was one of 25 married couples present where one member perished while the other survived. Parents Mr. and Mrs. Barnett and Lena (Kartzmer) Seletsky. Burial at Washington Street (Shari Jerusalem) Cemetery, Woburn, MA.

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