April 2, 1921 – February 12, 2018

Melvin H. Sandock, 96, passed away in his home February 12, 2018.

He was born in South Bend, IN to the late Sol and Mollie (Franklin) Sandock on April 2, 1921.

On January 20, 1946, he married Betty J. Katzenberg in Chicago and they lived their entire married life in the South Bend area. For over 30 years, they spent winters in their home in Tucson, enjoying family and the warm weather. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary shortly before she preceded him in death on February 13, 2015. He always referred to Betty as the Perfect Wife for him.

The center of Melvin’s life was family. He is survived by three children: Mark (Susan) Sandock of Mishawaka, Dale (Robert) Mayerfeld of Tucson AZ, and Paul (Debbie) of Carmel IN; his grandchildren: Aaron Sandock of Granger IN, Joel (Leslie) Sandock of Charlotte, NC, Sarah (Michael) Angiulo of Yarrow Point WA, Daniel (Kelly) Mayerfeld of Sugar Land TX, Melissa (Scott) Allen of Carmel IN, Gail Sandock of Grand Rapids MI, Jeremy (Yaara) Sandock of Cleveland Heights, OH, and Jennifer (Michael) Weinstein of Shaker Heights OH; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Mel was a great friend and mentor and he always encouraged others to help those less fortunate. He lived his life similar to his favorite song “I Did It My Way”.

Melvin proudly served our country during WWII in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1945. During his service, he was a tank commander in the mechanized cavalry and then a Supply Officer for headquarters of the 9th Air Corps during the Battle of the Bulge.

After graduating from Central High School, Mel joined his father and uncle in the B&S Sandock furniture store, which started in 1921. Following his military service he helped grow the carpet business into the largest in the area at the time. They enjoyed multiple locations in Indiana and Michigan. After “retirement” in 1984, he continued his passion of being a salesman by helping during the winter at the houseware store owned by Bob and Dale in Tucson. Customers loved seeing him at the tent sales.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, (enter off Cherry Rd.), with Rabbi Michael Friedland officiating. Burial will follow at the Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery in Mishawaka.

Memorial remembrances may be made to: Sinai Synagogue, 1102 East LaSalle Avenue, South Bend IN 46617; the Jewish Federation of Saint Joseph Valley, 3202 Shalom Way, South Bend IN 46615; or RiverBend Cancer Services, 3516 E. Jefferson, South Bend IN 46617.

 To send condolences, please visit:   www.McGannHay.com

05/03/2022 EJS