Jerome Shinefield

Jerome Shinefield of Cherry Hill, NJ died January 2, 2024 at the Samaritan Center in Voorhees, NJ. He was 91 years old.

For everyone who knew Jerry, especially his wife Ruth, certain words come immediately to mind, words like dependable, loyal, responsible and many variations on the theme. He was known as a man of few words, private with both his innermost thoughts and feelings. Despite this, those close to him were well aware of his feelings, based on his actions. His number one commitment was family.

Jerry raised three children in his first marriage with Florence, in which devotion, responsibility and other important personal values provided a strong foundation for their characters and lives. He was a dedicated and faithful husband, always home for dinner and available to family. In his second marriage, Ruth came first; however, the rest of his lineage was a close second. Jerry's generosity was abundant, not just with his financial resources, but with his time as well.

Jerry detested birthdays, but loved giving what he coined as "Un-Birthday" gifts. When anyone close to him was in distress, he did not hesitate for a moment to offer assistance, and sometimes became frustrated with a difficult situation in which there was nothing he could do. Even then, he offered his ear and his presence, and would never turn anyone away in their time of need.

Jerry's focus would only be on himself when unavoidable, like medical necessity. Although he had his share of medical necessities, he insisted he was accompanied by a Guardian Angel, and at times it appeared so.

Partly owing to his integrity and responsibility, career doors, especially later in his work life, seemed to open for him effortlessly. He retired with pensions from two careers, and was forced (briefly) out of retirement once, by the pleas of co-workers who could not find adequate replacement for him when he left.

Despite physical afflictions, he was uncomplaining till the last, and exemplified dignity throughout his final passage. For his family, his legacy is even stronger than the grief of his passing - constancy, dependability, acceptance, humility, loyalty, responsibility, and devotion are a few descriptions of a true human being who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jerry was the beloved husband of Ruth Shinefield; the father of Bill (Julie) Shinefield, Dan (Maita) Shinefield and Lee Shinefield; the grandfather of seven including Mordy (Charlotte), Josh (Aliza), David (Didi), Eliana, Jessica (Ryan), Zoe and Aaron; and the great grandfather of ten including Dalia, Sophie, Natan, Henry, Lila, Ari, Akiva, Meir, Leora and Nolan. He is also survived by Florence Hannah, the mother of his children, and one of his three sisters, Esther Green. Two sisters, Ruth Benowitz and Lenore Pekter, predeceased him.

Graveside funeral services were held on January 4, 2024. Contributions in his memory can be made to either the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, jfedsnj.org, The Food Bank of South Jersey, foodbanksj.org or a charity of the donor's choice.