Sheldon "Shelly" Jay Portnoy, age 95, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at his home in Delray Beach, Florida. He departed this life with the same quiet grace and strength by which he lived, surrounded by love.

Shelly is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Ruby (née Simon); his beloved children: Lynn (Russ) Blumen, Jaime (Mark) Levin, and Penny (Rich) Maun; and his cherished grandchildren: Matthew Blumen, Jared Blumen, Cameron Levin, Drew Levin, Jordan Maun, Becca Maun, and Bailey Maun. He was preceded in death by his son, Laurence Merrick Portnoy; his sisters, Marilyn Glass and Joyce Markowitz; and his brother, Michael Portnoy.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 27, 1930, Shelly was the second of four children of Irving and Rose Portnoy (née Rosenberg). He grew up in Woodmere, NY, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Corporal Rifleman during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Ruby, at a Jewish social dance in Queens, NY. The couple married in February 1958 and went on to build a beautiful life together.

Shelly's career began in appliance sales, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to own several businesses, including a clothing store in New York, a T-shirt printing shop, a pizza restaurant, and a silk screen printing frame company. His work took him and his growing family across the country—from New York to Michigan, Connecticut, Tennessee, and eventually Florida—leaving behind communities touched by his kindness and energy.

Known affectionately as "Captain Shelly," he was a man of many passions. He loved boating, motorcycles, airplanes, and music—especially country music. A talented storyteller and natural entertainer, Shelly played both the guitar and harmonica. He was an active member and former Commodore of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and the Dinner Key Cruising Club, where he also served as editor of the club's newsletter. He built and flew model airplanes as part of model aviation clubs in Nashville, Miami, and Delray, and was also a proud member of a Miami motorcycle club. His adventurous spirit was matched only by his loyalty—he was a lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins, having moved to Miami during their historic undefeated season.

Above all, Shelly treasured his family. His deep love and pride in his children and grandchildren were evident in every family gathering, celebration, and cruise they shared. His warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of our father to the National Kidney Foundation at NFK or the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center at VA Medical .