Muriel Dianna Dickoff

Muriel Dianna Porcelan Dickoff was born February 18, 1925 in the Bronx, New York to Hannah and Manny Porcelan. By the age of three, Muriel put on a pair of tap shoes and began her lifelong career as a dancer and choreographer.

By 16, Muriel became a Rockette and danced at Radio City Music Hall. Two years later she joined the USO and entertained the troops. At Fort Bragg, she met army lieutenant Leon Dickoff. Leon followed Muriel around the country until she agreed to marry him in 1943.

Their first daughter Michele, known as Micki, was born in 1947. Three years later, Karen was born and the family moved to Elmont, New York. When her children were young, Muriel was a devoted mother. She was active in the Eastern Star, serving as Matron for several years.

After a vacation in south Florida, Muriel and Leon moved to Hollywood in 1959. They opened Kiddie City, a kindergarten and nursery school, and Muriel’s School of Dance. Their happy marriage lasted 53 years until Leon’s death in 1996.

Known as Aunt Muriel, she taught thousands of children tap, ballet and acrobatics. Muriel choreographed hundreds of original dance routines and produced gala recitals every year.

Even after she retired, Muriel never stopped teaching or dancing. She danced with the Florida Follies, the Foxy Ladies and in the Repertory at Century Village and taught tap dancing at Focal Point senior center. Muriel was happiest wearing her tap shoes. She passed away two days shy of her 89th birthday. Now she’s dancing with angels. She is survived by her daughter Micki, a filmmaker from Los Angeles, and Karen, a retired school teacher from Dade County. We will celebrate Muriel’s life on Thursday, February 20, 12:00 Noon, at the Village Reform Congregation, Century Village, Pembroke Pines.

Arrangements under the direction of Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels, Miami, FL.