Milton Irving Sank

Milton, also known as Uncle Miltie, was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived within 10 miles of his birthplace until, at 89, he moved with his wife, Yetta (Lee) to Monsey, NY to be near one of his daughters and her family, and enjoy beautiful Rockland County. In 2013, his beloved wife of 72 years, passed away. Milton claimed that in all those years, she disappointed him only once; that was when she died before him leaving him to carry on without her.

Milton was the Editor-in-Chief at Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated at the young age of 16. He went on to hold various jobs in order to help support his parents and brothers before becoming a member of NY’s Finest. He joined the Navy in 1944, and became the Sonar man for his destroyer, the USS Tolman. Upon retirement in 1968 from the police force, he served as a security guard at Kennedy Airport.

In addition to being a most kind and loving man, Milton was a writer of many essays and stories about his time in WWII and being a policeman. He wrote a beautiful parable to help soothe his distraught daughters when their pet turtle died, which has been enjoyed by thousands over the past 50+ years. Its theme, and the theme of his favorite poem, Abou Ben Adhem, indicate how he lived his life. He truly loved his fellow man, and believed his role was to bring happiness to others. He did this in many ways. He had a clever sense of humor, and loved crossword puzzles, bolo ties, chocolate, the sun on his face, hugs and smiles.

Milton and Lee had four children, Dr. Victor Sank and wife, Dr. Catherine Shaer of MD; Dr. Sara Baase and husband Keith Mayers of CA; Lisa Lipper and husband Paul of Monsey, NY; and Jeni Wise and husband Al of CA. They enjoyed 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Milton is also survived by his older brother, Jesse, of CA who will celebrate his 100th birthday next month, and his “kid” brother, Artie, 94, of TX, as well as many devoted nieces and nephews.

These last two years, despite being without his vivacious wife at his side, Milton earned respect and love from the many friends he made at The FountainView in Monsey and The Promenade at Blue Hill in Pearl River, NY.

Miton’s funeral will take place at Hellman Memorial Chapel at 11:00 on Monday, September 21 with a military burial at Fred Loescher Cemetery, both of Spring Valley. Shiva will be in the home of his daughter, Lisa Lipper, in Monsey beginning immediately after the burial and ending at 5pm on Tuesday, due to the start of Yom Kippur.

If you wish to make a donation in his name, one of Milton’s favorite charities is IPPF which seeks to find a cure for the rare but debilitating disease, Pemphigus Vulgaris. Go to www.pemphigus.org.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State St, Spring Valley, NY 10977. 845-356-8600