Jacob Randolph Sandler

Jacob was born in Tampa, Florida on July 29, 1999 at St. Joseph’s Women's Hospital and was raised in Valrico, Florida. From an early age, he demonstrated both intelligence and determination, graduating from high school with his Associate of Arts degree. At just 18 years old, he was accepted as a Junior to the University of Florida… an achievement that reflected his bright future and strong academic work ethic.

Jacob had a personality that was impossible to forget. Generous to his core, yet strong-willed and never afraid to stand his ground. His dad Scott always said he couldn’t wait to put Jacob to work on the car sales lot the day he turned 18, and anyone who knew him understood why. Jacob had a gift with people and shared an especially deep bond with his father, Scott, who was not only his role model but his best friend. He loved deeply and valued close companionship, always happiest when he had someone special to share life with. In public, he had a quiet generosity that defined him. Jacob never met a stranger. He would offer food or a ride to anyone and even help an elderly woman unload her groceries without a second thought. That was just who Jacob was.

He had an undeniable sense of style. He was passionate about fashion and jewelry. Jacob loved to change his hair style whether he was wearing it long, with highlights or getting it freshly braided. He loved music deeply, including Future and Drake, and took real pride in having a car with a great sound system, while cruising with the music turned all the way up. At an early age he enjoyed playing ball whether that was football, soccer, or baseball. He enjoyed fishing, gloving, skateboarding, playing Call of Duty with his brothers, cousins and friends. But one of his favorite things was snuggling on the couch with Cocoa Puff, Molly, and Austin’s and Lizzy’s three dogs Mia, Baxter, and Butters. He went on to rescue his own dogs Baxter Bear and Pootie, who are now in loving homes. The Sandler family shared a deep love for the movie Pootie Tang, and Jacob could drop a line from it at any moment. Hence, the nicknames Mama D and Daddi Tang for his parents. It was practically the family’s shared language. Above all else, Jacob cherished the holidays and every moment he could spend surrounded by his family.

No one loved Jacob more fiercely than his mother, Melanie. After losing his father in 2019, Melanie, known lovingly to Jacob as Mama D, became his greatest champion. Her love for him was unconditional, relentless and immense. She answered every call, showed up for him without hesitation, and spoke with him nearly every day. She stood by him always. Jacob leaned on her for everything, from her cooking to her advice (even when he argued with it every step of the way), to her steady, unwavering presence. Through it all, Melanie holds tightly to the comfort of knowing that Jacob gave his life to Jesus, a truth that brings her peace beyond understanding, knowing that he is safe and loved and at rest in the arms of the Lord. He always knew her love for him was unconditional.

Jacob was deeply loved by Jason Miller, Melanie's partner of twelve years, who stood in his life as a true father figure. Jason was a steady, loving presence in Jacob's world from the very beginning. He did his laundry, gave him rides, taught him how to drive, and helped him move when Jacob needed him most. He loved Jacob freely and wholeheartedly, never asking for anything in return. Jason loved Jacob in a way that asked for nothing and gave everything, and that kind of love leaves a mark that lasts forever.

He is preceded in death by Scott Sandler his beloved father, survived by his devoted mother, Melanie (partner Jason Miller); his brothers Austin (Lizzy) and Zachary, and a large close-knit family including his grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends who will miss him deeply. He is reunited in peace with his father Scott and his precious dog Cocoa Puff.

Jacob leaves behind a family whose hearts are forever changed by his absence. He was deeply loved and will never be forgotten… not his laugh, not his generosity, not his sense of style, and not the way he made everyone around him feel seen. Jacob will live on in every song that reminds us of him, every holiday table set with his memory, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Beach, Florida 33774.