Sidney "Shep" Sewitch, 98, died on June 20, 2020 at home in Perth Amboy, N.J.   Shep was born on July 25, 1921 to Leon and Fannie Sewitch.  He attended Perth Amboy public schools and graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Business Administration.  A big man by the standards of the time, he was the starting center for the Rutgers basketball team.   He served in the U.S. Army during WWII.   Along with his brothers, Myron (Sonny) and William (Vev), Shep took over and ran his father's carpentry business, Leon Sewitch & Sons, developing it into a thriving enterprise able to support the three Sewitch families, as well as those of many skilled and loyal employees.  After closing the family business, Shep worked for several years as a consultant in the construction industry.

Shep is survived by his sons, Scott (Nancy) and Nick (Cathy), as well as his brother, Vev.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Fanny, his wife, Donna, and brothers Myron and Ted.

After the War, Shep wed Donna Goldman and embarked on a 57 year marriage that was, in Shep's words,  "the embodiment of mutual love, adoration and devotion through the many seasons of life."  The loving and supportive environment created in their High St. home was extraordinary and much appreciated by their sons and daughters-in-law.

Shep was a life-long resident of Perth Amboy.  He had a wonderfully positive feeling for Perth Amboy and was one of its most ardent supporters.  He contributed to his community in so many ways.  He served for many years on the Middlesex County Planning Board, and was active  in leadership of Congregation Shaarey Tefiloh.  He also served in the local Rotary Club where he received an award for extraordinary contributions.  He was a regular attendee at Rutgers reunions, where he was proud to read a poem honoring the sacrifice of Rutgers' WWII vets.

Love for family and community was also reflected in Shep's leadership of the Leon Sewitch & Sons construction company.  He found working with his brothers on constructing commercial and industrial buildings in his community to be richly rewarding.  This career gave him the opportunity to work side by side with family, exercise his talents in the construction field,  and contribute to the community by doing so.   One could hear the pride in his voice as he answered his business phone, "Shep Sewitch."

Shep was an avid and excellent tennis player.  He had a powerful forehand and never lost a match to his sons.  He was active in the Perth Amboy Tennis Club and helped to organize an annual tennis tournament that hosted some of the world's best players.

Shep had many positive personal qualities.  He was a physically and emotionally strong man.  He had a steadiness that was able to inspire confidence that all would be well, just by his presence.  He was a positive and patient person, who demonstrated an unfailing acceptance of life in all of its disappointments and its glories.  Always a loving man, increasing age brought with it a more open physical affection that was much enjoyed by his sons and daughters-in-law.

The family wishes to thank Yvonne Gardner for her very professional and loving care of Shep during his final years.  She was instrumental in allowing Shep to live out his life at home, one of his strongest desires.  Compassionate Care Service was also helpful in making his last weeks more comfortable.

A graveside service will be held on June 22 at 11a.m. at the Shaarey Tefiloh Cemetery at the corner of Florida Grove Rd. and Bingle St. in Perth Amboy.  If you plan on attending, please wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 424 East Ave., Perth Amboy.  To send a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.flynnfuneral.com .

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Shep's name to Friends of New Jersey Jewish Cemeteries, Inc. and can be mailed to 731 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ 07033-1703 ---- or donations can be made online on our website at https://friendsofjewishcemeteries.org .

When a mortal dies in peace, we should rejoice, for he has completed a long journey, and there is no greater boon than to leave this world with the imperishable crown of a good name – The Talmud