MATTHEW BORNSTEIN's Obituary
We are saddened to announce the passing of Matthew Bornstein (86) of Boca Raton, FL on July 23, 2020. He leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret (Peg) De Palma Bornstein, his 2 sons Jeffrey (Kathi) and Russell (Patricia) Bornstein and a daughter Melissa Pottorff; grandchildren: Whitne Keenan, Dustin Bornstein, Brandon Dill, Quinn Pottorff and Logan Pottorff; great grandchildren Pearl Keenan, Jet Keenan and Eleanor Dill; a brother Barton (Jane) Bornstein and a sister Deborah (Bill) Hummer. In addition, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Benjamin and Mary Bornstein and his sister, Judy Frankel.
Matt met Peggie DePalma when he was 15...and it was lifetime love at first sight. She would be the one and only for him for the next 72 years. He loved his lifelong friends, family and (especially) his grandkids with all of his heart. He was very proud of the three children that he and Peggie raised.
Matt was born in 1933 and was the first one in his family to graduate college (Fairleigh Dickinson University) at night school while working a fulltime job to support Peggie and their 2 infant sons.
Shortly after college graduation, Matt moved to upstate (Corning) NY as a sales representative for Lederle Laboratories, covering all of upstate NY and parts of PA.
He later became a residential real estate broker with Callahan and Hooey in Corning prior to moving to Boca Raton, Florida in 1977.
Once in Florida, Matt quickly became one of the top salespeople at Arvida and then Sales Manager at such Arvida communities as Estancia South, Estancia West, The Addison, Mizner Towers and The Long Boat Key Club. He later became Sales Manager at Boca Grove Plantation, Fisher Island and most recently, Rosedale Country Club in Bradenton where he worked until just 3 years ago. He truly loved selling real estate and left his mark all over South Florida. Matt recognized, trained and promoted many a receptionist into salespeople starting in the mid 1970s...long before it was common for women to be real estate salespeople. He elevated many salespeople to their highest level with his guidance, knowledge, and advice. He had a work ethic second to none, which he thankfully passed down to his three children.
Matt was kind and generous... helping many, many people throughout his life. It was commonplace for him (and Peggie) to welcome family members and friends to live with them when circumstances required it, regardless of the reason. He gave to friends in need in upstate NY for years, even after moving to Florida, without ever telling anyone. He just felt that was the right thing to do.
Matt was a principled and sometimes tough man, but he was best known for his quick wit and outstanding sense of humor and he always loved a good time. He loved his NY Giants, golf (he had 2 holes in one), Keuka Lake, and in his earlier years, skiing, baseball, basketball, football and horseback riding.
Job well done Matt. You will be missed. May you Rest In Peace.
Due to Current travel restrictions, a celebration of Matt’s life will be held at a date to be announced.
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