Melvin Jenks' Obituary
Melvin Davis Jenks, 92, passed away on Sunday June 23rd 2019, in Atlanta, GA. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 28th, 1927 to Michael Jankelevitch and Rebecca “Bruchka” Sirota.
Melvin married Florence Ovrutsky in 1952, graduated from Brooklyn College in 1954, and they moved to Philadelphia in 1956. Melvin and Florence raised four children: Belinda, Michael, Isaiah, and Rachel in Philadelphia.
Melvin served in the United State Army from 1945 until 1979, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel, as a reservist after 30 years of service. He was a dedicated public servant within the Social Security Administration until retirement in 1979.
Melvin married a second time to Anita Selditch and, post-retirement, worked for the City of Philadelphia Bridge Department. Melvin traveled extensively with Anita until she passed away.
In 2005, he moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida and then joined his daughter, Belinda, and his granddaughter, Emily, in Los Angeles, California in 2012. In 2018, Melvin joined his daughter, Rachel, and grandchildren, Hannah and Joseph, in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Melvin was a lifelong Mason, attaining the Past Master status.
Melvin is survived by his four children, Belinda, Michael, Isaiah, and Rachel, and his grandchildren Emily, Hannah, and Joseph.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to his family and friends who helped him throughout his life, and especially throughout his later years.
Pursuant to his wishes, he will be buried at Beth David Levitt Weinstein Memorial Gardens.
The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. this Wednesday, June 26, at the chapel on the cemetery grounds located at 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024; 954-963-2400.
Interment will follow.
We will be sitting Shiva for one night following the funeral commencing at 4:00 p.m. at the hotel where Melvin’s children will be staying:
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
505 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(The front desk will direct you to Rachel’s suite number for the Shiva.)
What’s your fondest memory of Melvin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melvin?
Share a story where Melvin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melvin you’ll never forget.
How did Melvin make you smile?

