Iosif Elinson

Iosif (Joseph) Zalman Elinson passed away peacefully on Wed, January 15, 2025 at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale.  Joseph is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dina Shangina; daughter, Irina Klebanova; son-in-law, Serge Graff; grandsons, Leon and Alex; grand grandsons, Ethan and Dylan and Archer.

Joseph was born in Moscow in 1931, where he grew up with his brother (and life-long friend) Grisha, and graduated in 1954 from the Moscow Technological University with a degree in engineering.  At university he met Dina, who became the love of his life.

After graduating, Joseph and Dina settled in St. Petersburg, where Joseph got a job at a shoe company, where he spent his entire career.  During that time, Joseph went from a mechanical engineer to a VP and top leader of the biggest shoe company in Russia. 

Everyone loved working with Joseph!  He had a stellar reputation as a true ‘team-player’, known for his engineering expertise, professionalism, ethics and natural leadership qualities.  Joseph was also a man of high integrity and worked hard for the greater good of the company, without seeking recognition or rewards in return. 

But above all – Joseph loved his family and friends!  His #1 focus was to be a great husband, father, friend and later, grandfather.  He took so much joy and pride in always helping people around him – however he could.  And with his smile and words of encouragement, you could always count on Joseph to lift you up.  There is no one that would ever say a bad word about Joseph – as anyone that has been fortunate enough to meet Joseph felt nothing but affection and respect for him.

And a little-known fact about Joseph is that he was a Master Chess player.  He would be proud to know that his great-grandsons Ethan and Dylan are talented chess players, following in Joseph’s footsteps.

Joseph has made the world a better place, and his loving family will miss him dearly – and carry him on forever in their hearts.

To view service via live stream click the link below.