Dave Rifkin

Dave Rifkin, 99, a 15-year resident of Henderson, Nevada, passed away peacefully at his home on February 13, 2016. He was born October 6, 1916, in New York City, New York to Rubin Rifkin and Sadie (Sonia) Leshkovitz, who were immigrants from Russia. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1924 and he graduated from Roosevelt High School. Dave was a veteran of World War II, having served in Europe with Patton's 3rd Army and received a Purple Heart. He began his working career as a bicycle messenger for Red Arrow in Los Angeles and became one of the early employees of United Parcel Service. He worked for UPS as a driver and dispatcher for over 40-years in Southern California, retiring in 1978. He loved motorcycles, music, socializing and especially dancing, which he did well into his nineties. He was a self-taught musician and played many instruments including the trumpet, accordion, piano and harmonica. He also loved to attend annual Reunions with his Army buddies to share old war stories. He is survived by his wife Jill Rifkin; his son David (Juanita) Rifkin; grandchildren: Valerie (Rich) Condie, Major Disa Rifkin, Devin (Patricia) Rifkin, Lauren (Joe) Hernandez, Lindsay Mendez, and Michael Mendez; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rubin and Sadie Rifkin; his brothers and sisters, Sara Terrence, Nate Rifkin, Sylvia Verity, and Sam Rifkin; and his daughter, Beckie Mendez. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to your favorite Veteran's Charity. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., March 9, 2016 at Palm Eastern Mortuary. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Veteran's Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.