Sanford J. Merkin (1934-2021), consummate sports fan, devoted family man, friend and mentor to many passed away Friday, November 5, 2021. Sandy will be most remembered for his thirst of knowledge, strength of character, sense of integrity and intense loyalty that he showered upon his family and friends.
Sandy is survived by his beloved wife, Stelle; children Susan (Stephen) Goodman and Andy (Debbie) Merkin; grandchildren Joshua (Jillian) Schnell, Samantha (Andy) Elstein, Jeffrey (Rachael) Schnell, Sydney Merkin and Alex Merkin; great-grandchildren, Justin, Jenna and Spencer Schnell.
Sandy was born in Newark, New Jersey to Abraham and Antoinette Merkin. He attended Hillside High School in New Jersey and graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was especially proud of serving his country as an officer in the The United States Army.
In 1961, Sandy founded The Merkin Companies, a life brokerage company specializing in pension plan design and administration, substandard underwriting and niche markets. In 1969, Integrated Resources acquired The Merkin Companies. Sandy remained Chief Executive Officer of The Merkin Companies until he became President of the Life Insurance division of Integrated Resources in 1979. He retired from Integrated Resources in 1989 to golf, fish and spend time with his family and friends.
Throughout his life, Sandy was active in industry organizations such as the Million Dollar Round Table, National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies and the Association For Advanced Life Underwriting. He served on the Board of Directors of Security-Connecticut Life, was a member of the Financial Services Integration Committee of the American Council of Life Insurers and was a contributing editor to the CLU Journal.
Sandy will be remembered with love and respect by those who knew him. Donations in his memory can be made to Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
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