Norfolk —Mel Sifen of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
He was born on January 18, 1927, in Suffolk, Va. He grew up in Franklin, Va., and graduated from Franklin High School. On June 5, 1949, he married Yetta Cohen, and together they had five sons, Larry (Pam), David, Michael (Becky), Marc (Wendy) and Barry (Elizabeth). In addition, Mel and Yetta were blessed with 10 grandchildren ( Joey, Lena, Philip, Joe, Rachael, Mamie, Jeremiah, Ben, Jeff and Harold) and one great grandson (Leo).
Mel was very proud of having served in the Merchant Marines during WWII . He was awarded several medals for his meritorious service. After his honorable discharge from the service, Mel worked with his family in their business before opening his own retail business. He also developed and managed his own commercial properties in Norfolk. After his retirement, Mel became a gourmet chef for his family and enjoyed traveling and cheering for his favorite sports teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat.
Mel will always be remembered for the love he showed for his family and friends and his great sense of humor. Mel will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Mamie and Joe Sifen, his brother Paul Sifen and his sister Sylvia Mazur.
A graveside service was held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery. Memorial donations in honor of Mel Sifen may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, Ok., the Chabad of Tidewater, 1920 Colley Ave., Norfolk, Virginia 23517 or to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 530 Independence Parkway, Chesapeake, VA. 23320. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com.