Sheldon Brecher's Obituary
Sheldon Dana Brecher, 93, of Delray Beach, Florida—formerly of Newton, MA and Quechee Lakes, Vermont—a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle, passed away on December 19th, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn Brecher, and his children Donald Brecher of Delray Beach, Laurie Brecher and her husband Robert Greenzeig of Chappaqua, NY, Kenneth Brecher and his wife Susan Brecher of Boca Raton, and his grandchildren Alexander and Joshua Greenzeig, and Jamie and Haley Brecher. He is the brother of Sandra Sklar, and brother-in-law of Linda Rosenthal and the late Marc Rosenthal, the late Robert Beineke, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. “Shelly” was born in Boston, MA, and was a devoted son to his late parents Ida and Saul Brecher. He was a proud graduate of the famed Boston Latin School and attended Boston University until he left college to help run his ailing father’s cleaning business. He served in the Navy during the Korean War, returning to Boston to marry and start his own commercial cleaning business. Building upon his father and grandfather’s early 1900’s window cleaning company, he was a successful businessman who eventually founded in 1977 Janitronics Building Services—a commercial building maintenance services company located in Boston. Possessed of a huge heart, radiant smile and an undivided devotion to family and friends, he was always surrounded by many. In his world, everything was upbeat and “out-of-sight.” Throughout the years and without demanding attention, he helped others; he touched strangers and friends alike with his infectious humor and unbridled joy. Shelly was a passionate skier into his early seventies, an enthusiastic golfer, and a superb tennis player. He and Marilyn were avid and curious world travelers, always ready for the next larger-than-life adventure. He generously shared vacation homes and trips with a large circle of family members. He also shared his love for travel by exposing each of his grandchildren to the joy of global exploration. Shelly was known for his lightening-speed recollection of events, people, and movies. He was abundantly proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was always a fighter, having survived many challenging medical conditions. Above all, his wife Marilyn was the love of his life, and his partner in living life large with purpose and adventure. Together, they nurtured profound ties with so many family members and friends. Shelly was blessed with a long, well-lived life and will be deeply missed by many. He will be remembered for his oversized heart, laugh and devotion to family and friends. A chapel service will be held on Thursday, December 22nd, 12:00 p.m. at The Gardens of Boca Raton, 4103 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Donations in his memory can be made to Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, or to a charity of your choice.
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