Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Melvin Siskind, beloved husband of Zelda Kolodner Siskind, passed away on April 15, 2014. Melvin, the son of Al and Mollie Siskind, was born April 2, 1925 in Lawrence, Mass. He graduated from Valdosta (Georgia) High School and attended the University of Georgia after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. 

Melvin and Zelda married Nov. 14, 1948, and moved to Sanford where they were the proprietors for 42 years of the Army-Navy Surplus Store on Sanford Avenue. Known as “Mr. Army-Navy,” Siskind was a common sight bicycling to and from work, to Silver Lake to swim, to the library, post office, and around town even after he retired.

Among other organizations, he was a long-standing member of the Sanford Jewish community, Temple Israel, Sanford Elks Club, Kiwanis, Sanford Historical Society, and a life-long supporter of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. With quick wit and a wide Southern smile, Siskind was a popular volunteer with several community organizations including the Boy Scouts, Central Florida Regional Hospital, the Sharing Center, Hillhaven Healthcare Center, and through the Jewish Pavilion at Atria at Lake Forrest.

In addition to his wife Zelda of 65 years, Siskind is survived by his children Teri Siskind of Folly Beach S.C., Jeff Siskind of Lake Mary, and Marcia (Alan) Leifer of Newton, Mass.; grandchildren, Bryan Carter (Adele), Jessica, Rebecca, Ben and Veronica Leifer; great-grandchildren, Max, Chloe, and Milly Carter, all of Massachusetts; his sister, Fayge (Fred) Cohen of Longwood; and nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hadassah, The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, Temple Israel, the Sanford Historical Society or another charity.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Temple Israel, 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs, 32708.