Sandy Axelroth

Sanford Breslin Axelroth passed away June 24, 2025 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 73, with his wife Ilene Laufman Axelroth and their three children by his side. Sandy and Ilene spent 50 happy years together as a team. Their love and happiness was palpable. Nothing brought Sandy more joy than family, holidays, and vacations – especially with his children and grandchildren Brian Axelroth (Tara, Noah and Isla), Rita Axelroth Hodges (Michael, Sylvan and Oscar), Lauren Axelroth (Zach Dembo, Levi and Ruthie Joy), as well as his nieces and nephews. Sandy made everyone in his orbit feel welcomed and cared for like family, and extended that warmth to their loved ones.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Sandy’s family moved to Birmingham in 1963. Sandy graduated from the University of Alabama, as did his late sister Joy Axelroth Studin (Rob) and late brother Alan Axelroth (Susan), who loved laughing and cheering on the Tide together. 

The consummate coach and leader, Sandy fully embodied that role throughout his life – from his childhood playing stickball, to his kids’ little league and basketball teams, to the workplace. He had a special talent for identifying individuals’ strengths, motivating them to be the best version of themselves, and putting them in positions to succeed. Sandy had a fulfilling and nationally distinguished career as a brilliant entrepreneur, caring advisor, and confident leader spanning 40 years in the financial services industry, including founding First Financial Group in 1982. 

After retiring from Lincoln Financial’s senior leadership team in 2014, Sandy and Ilene enjoyed many happy years swimming in Boca Raton, Florida and traveling to see their six grandchildren who lovingly called him “Poose.” 

Graveside services will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, Block 40, on Friday, June 27 at 10:00AM, 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Birmingham, AL 35211. Shiva and condolence meal to immediately follow at Temple Beth – El, 2179 Highland Ave. South.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandy's memory can be made to the Laufman Family Kiddush Fund at Temple Beth El, https://www.templebeth-el.net/, or the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine, http://givingpages.upenn.edu/Sandy, or a charity of your choice.