Sheldon Dunkel
March 3, 1937 - May 22, 2023
Miami, Florida -
SHELDON
"SHELLY" DUNKEL
3/3/37 – 5/22/23
Husband, father, friend, and Coach Sheldon "Shelly" Dunkel rounded third base for the last time on May 22, 2023 passing away at the age of 86 surrounded by his loving family. Known to many as Coach Dunk, and to his grandkids as "Gar," short for cigar, because you never saw him without one in his mouth, Shelly was born in the Bronx, NY to Irving and Sarah (Meltzer) Dunkel on March 3, 1937.
Married to the love of his life Cyndy for almost 62 years, he found his first base coach and partner the old- fashioned way – on a blind date set-up by a cousin. Together, they created a line-up that included daughter Laurie (Joel) Cohen, son Joel (Lisanne) and daughter Erica. From there the Dunkel roster expanded to include grandkids Stuart, Stefania, Brian (Shayna), Samuel (fiancé Ana), Zachary, Madelyn, Ilyssa, and a soon to be named bench player, i.e., a great grandson who is being called-up/born in five months.
Shelly starred at Miami High as an all-county baseball player, which then led him to the University of Miami where he starred and captained the team from ('55-'58). From there, his love of baseball took him to Northwestern High School ('70-'76) where he led them to their greatest success in 50+ years. Miami Springs High School came calling in '76 and he coached there for the next 21 years, culminating with the honor of having a field (Shelly Dunkel Field) named after him. A member of three different Halls of Fame, Shelly certainly made an impact on the field and more importantly, off it, evidenced by the bonds he has to this day with many of his former players.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 25 at 12:30pm at Mt. Nebo Kendall Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77 Avenue, Miami, FL. If you would like to make a donation, we ask that you support the baseball program at Miami Springs High School. Donations can be made to; Hawks Baseball Booster Club, Inc. 751 Dove Ave., Miami, FL 33166.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on May 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheldon Dunkel

11 Entries

Julie Drucker

June 12, 2023

So sorry to see this. Andy and I send our sincerest condolences. Coach Dunkel was a treasure. Much Love, Julie and Andy Drucker

Jerry D Friedman

May 30, 2023

I remember Coach Dunkel from the days at Miami Beach High, as a P.E. teacher and track coach. After finding a track baton at Flamingo Park, I became his track manager for the 3 years I was Beach High. He was a wonderful person and I loved being around him learning how to be a good person. He will be missed by anyone who came into contact with him. May his memory be a blessing.
Jerry D Friedman

Carl "Whitey" Gorman

May 26, 2023

Coach Dunk was in charge of North Shore Park little and pony league. My family moved from Miami to MB in June of '63. Didn't initially make the Northshore Park cut and was sent to the minors at Fairway Park. Luckily coach Dunkel came to fairway and had me take about 20 cuts. He then said with of course Gar in mouth son you report to Northshore on Monday. He had such a way of talking baseball and so many stories that you couldn't help but be in awe while listening. Between Coach Dunkel in the north and coach Bertman in the south we couldn't have had it better as young players. We would see each other from time to time and I always got goose bumps listening to this great man with amazing baseball knowledge and wit! My condolences to the family! RIP coach Dunkel!

Michael Grant & Jon Galt

Planted Trees

Jill Gordon

May 25, 2023

Cyndy, I was so sorry to read of your husbands passing.
Sympathy to you and your family
May his memory be a blessing

Jill Gordon

Charlie Green

May 25, 2023

With Heart Felt Sympathy. Great Coach.

Bruce Davidson

May 24, 2023

Coach uncle Dunkel coached the north beach boys at north shore park.He started the love of baseball for us all. I even played men´s league softball with him,great pitcher. A true baseball man. We all loved him and I thank him for being our coach.

Gary Kelson

May 24, 2023

In 1966 Coach Dunkel ran the summer baseball Little and Pony League at North Shore Park, Miami Beach.

He was loved by all "his players" and he amazed us all throwing his knuckleball on the sidelines with his "Gar" in his mouth.

He taught me an early lesson in humility at 13 when I thought I was the reason for our Little League team´s success. When he heard me "boasting" he said "Kelson! It´s team! NOT YOU!". I "got it".

A great man. He´ll be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Condolences to his family.

Charles Martello

May 24, 2023

A wonderful blessing was given to me when I attended the 2012 Alumni Game. I was introduced to Coach Shelly.
As we became acquainted, I mentioned I came in from Chicago. He was so excited I made the event. He was so much fun to be with. And I must share something he said to me.
"Chuck, this school is family. No matter what years or whom the skipper, if you are U baseball, you are Family." A great and kind man.
God bless you, Shelly.
May sincere condolences to the Dunkel Family.

Bob Brewer

May 24, 2023

I played at UM with Shelly for 3 years. I was one year behind him and was at shortstop when he was arguably the best college defensive second baseman in the country....He was already smoking those cigars way back then. My sincere condolences to his entire family.

Larry & Linda Zagray

May 24, 2023

A wonderful, giving person, who left his legacy in so many young people. We were blessed to know Shelly. May you be comforted by family, friends and cherished memories.

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