Sheldon Sandmel, December 29, 2024
Sheldon Sandmel passed peacefully during the early hours of December 29, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Michele “Mickey” Sandmel; dear father of Ben Sandmel, Karin Sandmel and Joshua Sandmel; son of the late Jean and the late Abraham Sandmel; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Zelda Glazer (late Herb) and the late Harold Sandmel (Barbara); dear brother-in-law of Vicki Butery (Rick); loving uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Sheldon, or “Shelley” to his loving wife and many close friends, held a special bond growing up with his twin brother Harold. Although not identical, they were always close and married women who were best friends since childhood. He graduated from Washington University with an Accounting Degree and served in the army during Vietnam. After spending the bulk of 1968 overseas, he returned to St. Louis, and to his young wife, beginning his accounting career.
Sheldon became a devoted family man, loving husband and friend to many. He could often be found tinkering around the house or working on his latest accounting project. However, being with his family was his love and passion. He was a truly engaging father to all his children, whether helping with homework, attending dance recitals, ball games, Boy Scouts trips, or any of a thousand other events. He could also be found behind a grill perfecting steaks or chicken for summer holiday parties or just yummy family dinners.
Encouraged by his wife, he became a spirited reader and furthered his appreciation of the arts. Mickey and Shelley, as they were known, frequently enjoyed date nights at Book Festivals, the Fox, the Muny or Loretto Hilton year-round taking in musicals and plays, author talks and concerts, enriching their love of the arts. They would also take road trips, both near and far, expanding their minds, while delighting in showing their kids all this country has to offer. He remained connected to his U City graduating class of 1959 and continued to be a part of a monthly breakfast with several classmates through his final months. Other interests included bowling, mastering the Rubik’s Cube and other puzzles and games and his love of cats.
While he was known to offer up some real kooky dad jokes, he had a wicked sense of humor and loved to laugh. His family made a pastime of seeing how hard they could make “dad” laugh at dinner – often to the point of turning beet red. He loved it. He grew up during the time of classic radio comedians and they never left his system. He could recite Abbot & Costello or Sid Caesar, and watch Don Adams, Bob Newhart or Dick Van Dyke until the sun came up.
Professionally, Sheldon earned his CPA and began his career with Tiger, Fireside & Company. He would work his way up and move to Worth’s/Networks retail becoming their Treasurer during his tenure. He continued his CPA work until his retirement in 2018. He also maintained a long list of clients and friends who depended on him to complete their taxes annually with a caring and personable touch.
He was a lifelong member and supporter of Congregation Shaare Emeth and served on their board.
Funeral Service Thursday, January 2 at 10:30 AM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Visitation begins at 10 AM. Interment follows the funeral service at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and Shiva information. Memorial contributions preferred to The Humane Society of St. Louis, the Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish War Veterans or the charity of your choice.
