Malvin "Mal" Englander's Obituary
ENGLANDER, Malvin “Mal” 94, patriarch and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 6, 2015. He left an indelible impression through his works and teachings. Throughout a life dedicated to his family and the law, "Poppa" served as a Dade County Justice of the Peace, a Miami Beach Vice Mayor and Councilman, Honorary Consul to Haiti by appointment of President Eisenhower and at his death a member of the Florida Bar Association for 71 years, one of the longest serving members of the Bar. "I began my law career during World War II and I think lawyers believed then and now that it is the law that sets us apart from other countries", he said in an interview in 2013.
Well known for his sense of humor and joy of life, Mal was the youngest Worshipful Master of Hibiscus Masonic Lodge #275, a lifetime member of the Miami Beach Elks, Kiwanis, Knights of Pythias and the American Legion, as well as having served as a Past President of the Miami Beach Jaycees. He and the family were members of Temple Menorah in Miami Beach and Temple Sinai in Hollywood.
A true South Floridian and resident since 1928. He graduated from Miami Beach High School in 1938 and from the University of Miami and Miami Law School. He was an avid sportsman, as in he loved to bet on any sport, and he was proud of his stable of race horses. A world traveler, he met royalty and Presidents, joining President John F. Kennedy in the Orange Bowl in 1963. He shared a birthday, December 12th, and a birthday party in Las Vegas, with Frank Sinatra.
Our Dad was a proud member of the Greatest Generation, serving in World War II in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. We thank him and all veterans for their service to this country. He raised us to believe in the honor of public service and to be proud of that service.
Most important to him, he married the love of his life, Sophia Tendrich Englander, 71 years ago and their love has been an inspiration to all who met and knew them. He referred to Mom as "My Wife, My Life".
A consummate politician, he told his six children that each was his favorite, and each of the six of us believed him. He is survived by his wife Sophia, daughters Nicki Grossman (Judge Mel Grossman) of Hollywood, FL; Donna Fleishman (Mark) of Atlanta, GA; Judge Patti Henning of Plantation, FL.; Tobie Bagliebter (Gary) of Hollywood, FL; Marla Carroll (Dr. John) of Plantation, and son Joe Englander (Chantal) of Hollywood, as well as ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who adored him.
The family is very grateful for the care and compassion shown to Dad by Nilsa Sequiera, Anthony Bannister, Antoinette Quintyne and Pauline Brown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, honoring MAL ENGLANDER, or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 2pm at Temple Sinai, 1400 N. 46th Avenue in Hollywood, with burial to follow at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Avenue in Hollywood.
ARRANGEMENTS BY BLASBERG-RUBIN-ZILBERT (305) 538-6371
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