Sheldon Gendzier

1928-2024

Sheldon Gendzier, a pillar of the Jacksonville Jewish Community, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at River Garden, an institution he helped shape with more than six decades of service to the city’s nationally recognized nursing home. He was 96.

His status as a lifetime Honorary Trustee of River Garden was the continuation of a family legacy. His father, Harry Gendzier was an original founder of the River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged in 1946. Harry Gendzier, Sheldon Gendzier, and Sheldon’s father-in-law, Sam Thier, all served as Presidents of River Garden.

Even given his lifelong commitments to River Garden, the Jacksonville Jewish Center and other Jewish causes, Sheldon was, above all else, a family man. He leaves behind 11 children, 15 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Sheldon was born in Tampa, Florida on September 19, 1928. He moved to Jacksonville at an early age and grew up in Riverside where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. He attended the University of Florida before joining the family business, Florida Rag Company. The recycling business was started by Sheldon’s father, Harry Gendzier in 1938. Sheldon’ s son, Gary joined the business in 1978.

Sheldon met his wife, Horty Thier, after originally having a date with her sister, Toby. Horty and Sheldon were married in 1952 and together they raised a family of four in the Arlington neighborhood. He was the consummate father, who could solve any problem with his pragmatic, well thought out solutions. If you needed your dining room table expanded or lights for your Sukkah, Sheldon had a plan.

After a family tragedy in 1972, the Gendzier family went from four to eight children literally overnight with the addition of four nieces and nephews into the family home.

The responsibilities of raising eight children in a new family dynamic did not deter Sheldon from his community commitments. Other than family, his passion was River Garden where he continued the legacy of his father, Harry, a founding member. He served as President of River Garden from 1969-1972. Of most significance, Sheldon chaired the Master Planning Committee that resulted in the move from the original four-acre site on Stockton Street to it’s current 33-acre location in Mandarin just off of St. Augustine Road. After serving for 60 years as a board member, Sheldon was conferred the honor of Lifetime Honorary Trustee. When learning of his death, River Garden lowered its flags to half-staff.

Sheldon’s other passion was the Jacksonville Jewish Center where he served as President from 1976-1978. He and his wife, Horty, were among those instrumental in establishing the synagogue’s Jewish Day School.

At family celebrations, Sheldon was often the life of the party. At weddings and Bar Mitzvahs people always looked forward to Sheldon and his lifelong friend Lew Meisel dancing the kazotsky kick dance after a few drinks.

Sheldon’s wife, Horty died in 2000, after a long battle with cancer. Until the very end, Sheldon was by her side, tending to her every need with compassion and grace.

In 2003, Sheldon met and married the second love of his life, Estelle Kritz. Together they built a life filled with joy and loving companionship. Sheldon quickly established himself as the family patriarch and was adored by Estelle’s three children and their spouses. He developed a special, loving relationship with the grandchildren. They all marveled, as did so many others, at Sheldon’s mastery of world history and classical music.

Sheldon and Estelle enjoyed playing bridge and doing crossword puzzles as they eventually settled into the Coves, the independent living facility on the River Garden Campus. Estelle passed away in June 2018 after 15 years of marriage.

Until his death, Sheldon remained actively interested in the activities of all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and reveled in their many accomplishments. He cherished their frequent visits. The family would like to express its gratitude to the entire staff of River Garden and care givers at Concierge Care for their compassionate and tender care.

Sheldon is survived by his children, Mark (Ginny) Gendzier, Gary (Susan) Gendzier, Edith (Bruce) Horovitz, Nathan Gendzier, Ruthe (Larry) Heimel, Seth Lazarus, Manya (Tal) Osher, David Lazarus, Cindy (Dan) Wohl, Pamela (Alan) Kosansky, and David (Randi) Kritz; his grandchildren, Sam (Heather) Horovitz, Max (Mindy) Horovitz, Jonathan (Kristin) Gendzier, Meghan Gendzier, Hannah (Ryan) Lockenbach, Elisa Heimel, Matt Heimel, Levana Osher, Hannah Lazarus, Michael (Alura) Wohl, Mitchell Wohl, Aviva (AJ) Kosansky, Rachel Kosansky, Jeremy (Sherry) Kritz, and Benjamin Kritz; as well as his 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 22,at the New Center Cemetery, 200 E. 43rd St, Jacksonville. the Livestream link is https://youtube.com/live/0ZJNzKO4nnI?feature=share

Contributions in Sheldon’s memory may be made to the Edith & Bruce Horovitz Scholarship Fund or the Mitzvah Fund at the Jacksonville Jewish Center or to River Garden Senior Services. May his name be for a blessing.