Leslie Bruce Tinkler

Les, dearest Dad, Grandpa, great-grandpa, loyal and loving companion and friend. Lovingly called “Grandpa Mookie” by his grandkids and their spouses/significants (Mookie for a former New York Mets player Mookie Wilson, one of grandpas favorite players) passed away in peace on Monday, July 11, 2022. He had an amazing life and passed on to everyone he met great lessons of love, loyalty, perseverance and respect. Born in the great city of Brooklyn, New York to Miriam (Nagler) and Isidore Tinkler, and a very proud graduate of New York University Law School, he married his former wife, Barbara Gafter in 1958 and raised three daughters in the town of Manalapan, NewJersey. A truly Honorable man, who served for 30 years as a Municipal Court Judge, was one of the founders of his synagogue, Temple Shari Emeth, started a girls softball league in Manalapan (since there was no significant sports activities for his three girls who he insisted should have every opportunity that the boys had- a huge womens libber!), and involved himself in all aspects of local community events, politics, and endless good deeds and “causes”.

He was a man who loved fiercely and passionately; loyal to no end; and always strove to do the best for the greater good and the less fortunate. He was (and will always be) the “ go to guy”, the best cheerleader, the “constructive” critic, the great story-teller (the stories could be heard over and over because they always changed a little and often made you laugh until tears) . The silly guy too, fanciful, articulate and quite witty!

Making his way down to Florida permanently in the last few years, he thoroughly enjoyed the company of his loving companion, Mimi Leibovitch living in the beautiful Boca West community where he continue to enjoy his tennis and golf games with Mimi and many new friends, sometimes intense card games, local cultural events, maintaining his forever passion for thoroughbred racing (Monmouth Park in New Jersey and Gulfstream Park in Florida) and so much more. He and Mimi traveled the world and enjoyed eight years together.

Survived by his loving and adoring children, The Honorable Marisa Tinkler Mendez ( Miami Circuit Court Judge) Amy Sawicki (accomplished attorney) and Bethanne Tinkler O’Rourke (remarkable health care provider as a respiratory therapist) and their spouses David Strom (who he called “sonny”) Mark Sawicki and Kevin O’Rourke; his grandchildren and their spouses/significant) Louis (Jori ), Daniel (Isa) , Sarah ( Phillip) Mendez, Bobby Speck, Holly ( Elliott) Pate; his Great Grandson (son of Louis and Jori) Matthew Tucker Mendez ( who he insisted looked just like him!); his former spouse Barbara (Gafter) Pekor; his brother Allen ( Susan) Tinkler; cousins, nephews, nieces, countless friends, acquaintances, and former colleagues. As his grandson Louis wrote “ Grandpa Mookie always had a positive impact on everyone who was lucky enough to be in his presence. He was always ready ( and did) tell you what you needed to hear whether or not you wanted to listen. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends, and adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchild in a way that set the example for everyone else to follow . He will be sorely missed. In the only way one can do in a life faced with the inevitably of losing the ones we love, we will strive to carry on his legacy in our word and actions for the rest of our lives.”

Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, who will remain forever in our hearts and souls. Rest peacefully and get things “in order” please wherever your soul goes!