MELVIN ORFINGER

Judge Melvin Orfinger, 87, an area resident since 1946, died peacefully on November 11, 2009 at Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center in Port Orange. Judge Orfinger was born May 27, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York and received his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College. Judge Orfinger was by this time an accomplished professional musician and after he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, his talents led to his being stationed at Welch Convalescent Hospital in Daytona Beach. It was during this time in the Army that he met Shirley Halperin, who became the love of his life. They married in 1946 and that same year he enrolled at Stetson University College of Law. From 1949 to 1978, Judge Orfinger practiced law in the Daytona Beach Area. He was President of the Volusia County Bar Association in 1958-1959, the City Attorney for Daytona Beach during the mid 1960's and a member of the Florida Bar's Board of Governors in the 1970's. In 1978, Gov. Rueben Askew appointed Judge Orfinger as a Circuit Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, a position he held until 1979 when Gov. Bob Graham appointed him as one of the original judges of the newly formed Fifth District Court of Appeal. Even after retiring from the district court in 1989, he continued to serve as a senior judge until 2007. Judge Orfinger demonstrated an ongoing commitment to community service throughout his life. He was a founder and initial trustee of Ormond Beach Memorial Hospital, a past president of B'nai B'rith, and a past president, long time trustee and member of Temple Beth-El. An avid golfer, he was a member of Oceanside Country Club and a 50 year member of the Daytona Beach Quarterback Club. Judge Orfinger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Orfinger; four children, Joanne Revis, Debra Bell, Judge Richard Orfinger (Ellen), and Michael Orfinger (Laura-Grace); as well as seven grandchildren, Lee Revis (Renee), Sarah Orfinger, Alex Orfinger, Rebecca Bell, Rachel Bell, Katie Orfinger, Adam Orfinger; and two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Carter Revis. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2009 at Temple Beth-El, 579 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Federation, or Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.