Sheldon Shelly B. Margolis

1934 - 2017

Sheldon “Shelly” B. Margolis led a life as robust and bold as the suits he wore when gracing the halls of the Union League, the Academy Ball or City Hall where he heartily sabered the corks off bottles of champagne with his good friends including restaurateurs and dignitaries. While frequently described as larger than life, he was quietly dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for those in the hospitality industry. Whether he was working as a game-changer for the wine business in Pennsylvania, a formidable rainmaker for charities such as the Naples Wine Auction, or an avid supporter of the Arts in Philadelphia, his character, charm and ease gave him the natural ability to bring out the best in people, and gather them together for the greater good. Shelly’s spark was bright until the very end. He passed away on December 17, 2017, at the age of 83. Shelly Margolis was born in Philadelphia on January 8, 1934 to Dorothy Charney and John A. Margolis. He grew up in Overbrook with his parents and brother Allan B. Margolis, all of whom have pre-deceased him. He attended Episcopal Academy, class of ‘52, the Philadelphia Military College and the University of Pennsylvania class of ‘56. Shelly shared 53 loving years with his wife Harriet E. G. Margolis, with whom they had three children Victoria Margolis McGuinness (Kevin J.), Brian S. Margolis (Karlyn L. Tilley), and Heather D.F. Margolis (Tim C. Warner Jr.). Shelly also leaves behind his son Arthur J. Margolis (Nora Kelly), and his daughter, Beth Ann Margolis Rupp (David H. Rupp), his children from a previous marriage. Shelly was known as “Big Daddy” to his 13 grandchildren, who adored him and the fun he brought to every family gathering. Along with his wife, Harriet, Shelly operated Margolis Wine & Spirits in the State of Pennsylvania from 1964 to 1999. Forging friendships with industry icons such as Robert Mondavi, John Mariani (Castello Banfi) and Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels), he made Pennsylvania one of the largest convention and hospitality purchasers of wines and spirits worldwide. For his efforts to expand economic opportunity in the hospitality industry for Philadelphia, then-Mayor Ed Rendell bestowed upon him the title of Ambassador of Philadelphia. Though graced with a knack for entertaining and business, Shelly continuously sought opportunities to train, mentor and promote future leaders in the business. He was also generous with his time and resources raising funds for a variety of charities, most notability, the arts, children, medical research and fighting hunger. As a young man Shelly followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Free Masons of Philadelphia. Later He served as a Board Member of Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, a Member of the Board of Directors at Philadelphia Hospitality, and the Wine & Food Society of Philadelphia. He was long standing member of the Scotch Society’s Keepers of Quake, Commandrie de Bourdeaux, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Near and dear to his heart was Shelly’s service with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, as Pair de la Chaine Haut Commandeur, Foundation Chair, Hon./Emeritus Grand Echanson Honoraire Membre, Conseil d’Honneur. Shelly’s family and friends will always remember his colorful personality and clothes which were just a part of what made him the life of the party. Many unforgettable moments made up his legacy, including countless dinners with friends and family, strolling through farmers’ markets, his neighborly camaraderie, celebrating or bellyaching over the Eagles, and his endless hunt to add to his fabulously quirky and eclectic collection of antique corkscrews. He and Harriet were world travelers with countless stories and new friends they met along the way. Shelly is loved endlessly by his family and friends; he was a force and presence that can never be equaled. Services and interment will be private for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested gifts be made in Shelly Margolis’ name to funds for cancer and diabetes research at Penn Medicine’s Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Program Gift Fund or Penn Medicine (IDOM) Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, pennmedicine.org/giving - please contact Kathryn Detzel at kdewees@upenn.edu. Arr. by Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel www.levinefuneral.com