Sanford Myron Naiditch

June 7, 1923 - August 26, 2020

Sanford Myron Naiditch, age 97, who spent most of his life in Minneapolis, MN; Akron, OH, Chicago, IL and Delray Beach, FL passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Sanford "Sandy" was born on June 7, 1923 in Chicago, IL to the late Irving Naiditch and Esther (Luper) Naiditch. In addition to his parents, Sanford was preceded in death by his younger brother, Ernie and his precious wife of 64 years, Sylvia Elyse (Rackner) Naiditch. Sanford leaves behind his sister, Dorothy (Naiditch) Lipschultz; a son, Ira Naiditch (Sue); a daughter, Linda Naiditch (Andre Barnett); four grandchildren, Sarah Darhower (Tommy), Leah Townsend (Tara), Aaron Naiditch (Elise) and Dorian Naiditch. He leaves behind five great grandchildren, Emily and Madison Darhower, Camden and Paxton Naiditch and Greyson Townsend. He will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A 1946 graduate of The Ohio State University, Sanford also spent one year at the University of Minnesota. At Ohio State, to his great pride, he was on the cheerleading squad and, in years since, couldn’t help but sing the OSU fight song to friends and strangers alike. Sanford served in the Army during WWII in Japan and the Philippines, working in Field Artillery and teaching English. In his later years, he was rarely seen outside without his WWII Veterans cap, and he enjoyed conversing with other veterans and members of the public who greeted him or thanked him. Sanford began his professional career in women’s dress manufacturing, transitioning to stock brokerage, and ultimately market making on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Outside of work, Sanford was active in campaigns of state and national political candidates, and always enjoyed a good political debate. Later in life, he raised funds for Planned Parenthood and most recently, supported Help-A-Heart, a charity that helps families with "heart" children. He loved helping young friends and relatives learn about investing. He enjoyed a good game of bridge, ultimately earning his Life Master qualification in duplicate bridge, and he rarely turned down a game of backgammon. Sanford loved traveling with Sylvia, going to Spain, China, Israel, Kenya, and Congo, as well as taking three of their grandchildren on 1-on-1 trips to Tanzania, Italy, and New Zealand. Sanford saw life as an adventure, and shared his enthusiasm for new activities with those he loved, from horseback riding, to ice skating, roller blading, golf, snow skiing, and water skiing—trying the latter two even in his mid- to late 80s. As recently as two weeks before passing he was on the golf course with Ira, Aaron (one of his grandsons) and Camden (a great grandson). Years ago when asked what were important aspects of his life he wanted to be remembered by, he answered “patriotism, and being a good family man.” Family and friends alike agree that he exemplified those values throughout his life. Sanford’s family has entrusted his care to Hodroff-Epstein Funeral Home in Minneapolis, MN. All are welcome to join Sanford’s zoom memorial service on MONDAY, August 31, 2020, 2:00pm CDT. Email [email protected] for the link. His burial will be a private service in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of any gifts or flowers the family asks that donations be made to Help-a-Heart, in the name of Paxton Naiditch (his youngest great grandchild) in memory of Sanford Naiditch. Help a Heart is located at 6507 University Ave., Windsor Heights, IA 50324.