Marvin F. Sheffler

Marvin Sheffler–born March 20, 1928–could be characterized by his two favorite songs: Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers and My Way by Frank Sinatra. For Marvin, Unchained Melody epitomized his unconditional love for his wife Rheta Sheffler. To his family, there was no greater example of love in this world than that of the love Marvin had for Rheta. Together they grew an amazing family beginning with their children Mitch Sheffler (Julia), Craig Sheffler (Julie), and Maxine Shangold (Steve). As a father, Marvin would go out of his way to provide loving and fun experiences for his kids such as taking the family to the mountains for skiing. Even though Marvin didn't care for winter sports, it brought him happiness to see his children enjoying the activity (from the comfort of the warm lodge, of course). Later, he and Rheta became loving grandparents to Kevin Sheffler, Andrew Sheffler, Samantha Sheffler, Stephanie Sheffler, Alyssa Shangold and Dani Shangold. As a grandfather, Marvin was often the source of laughter to his grandkids…albeit sometimes unintentionally. Marvin also became a great-grandfather to Isabelle Sheffler, Max Sheffler, and Jake Sheffler. The ever-growing reach of his family is a living testament to the foundation of love he built with Rheta. When Rheta passed away in 2018, after 62 years of marriage, Marvin continued to carry his love for her everywhere; even making the tune to Unchained Melody his ringtone so he could tell anyone around when he got a call that that was his and Rheta's song. Marvin often shared with his family that his other favorite song was My Way by Frank Sinatra. No one needed much explanation for this; Marvin had an independent, if not somewhat defiant, streak in him. Always seeking out control of his own destiny, when it became evident he was going to be drafted during World War II, Marvin decided to enlist first. He often remarked that he wanted control over which branch he served in. Ultimately, Marvin chose the Navy because he heard they had the best food. Marvin wore his veteran status with pride and loved speaking about his service with everyone; especially other veterans. Unsurprisingly, this fierce independence also made Marvin an entrepreneur. Marvin ran two businesses. The first, Ray-Mar (named for himself and his wife, Rheta), was a lighting manufacturing business. After successfully selling Ray-Mar, he opened Sterling Light as a lighting showroom. Even in "retirement" Marvin continued his entrepreneurship by selling merchandise for his beloved Steelers with Rheta at flea markets in Pittsburgh and Florida. No story of Marvin's staunch commitment to self-determination would be complete without mention of his love of boating. As family lore goes, Marvin surprised the whole family in the early 1970s when he announced the purchase of a boat! This turned out to be a surprise that cultivated wonderful friends among Pittsburgh's boating community. However, in true Marvin style, he defied tradition and etiquette by painting his boat black & gold. Marvin passed away on August 28, 2022, at the age of 94. In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his nieces and nephews: Marc, Kelly, Michael, Janice and Sherri. Services will be on Thursday, at 11 AM, at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Shiva will be held Thursday, September 1st. If you would like to attend, please contact a family member for details. Zoom services will be available Thursday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84761072181. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Marvin F. Sheffler

March 20, 1928 - August 28, 2022