Marvin Stein

Marvin Stein, 92 and a true New Yorker, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2022, at his son's home in Manhattan. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Marvin was born at Utica Hospital in Brooklyn, NY on 9/6/1930 to Francis Hiller and Arthur Stein. He was raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and had an extremely humble upbringing. After graduating from Brooklyn Tech, Marvin continued his studies at Brooklyn College. He lived an adventurous life filled with many chapters leaving behind beautiful memories for his loving family. His legacy continues through the lessons he taught us all and the wisdom he shared. At thirteen he became the first Jewish member of the Flatbush Boys club and began his boxing training. In 1945, 1946, and 1947 he fought in the Golden Gloves in Madison Square Garden. His love for boxing led him to a career as a health and fitness entrepreneur with three decades of owning and operating successful gym businesses including (in the 1960s) the Shelton Health Club. The club had locations in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn. The Shelton's elite clients included celebrities like Barbara Streisand, Liza Minelli, Burt Reynolds, and George Hamilton, as well as highly respected judges, lawyers, and District Attorneys, And, his Brooklyn club had many of the top mobsters as members leading this club to become an iconic downtown Brooklyn location. Marvin never wanted to retire, as he loved working and reinvented himself as a successful real estate agent in his 70s and enjoyed working well into his 80s.

Marvin married Felicia Ann Salvi in Massapequa, NY on October 6, 1961, whom he met on a blind date. Marvin and Felicia had 2 sons, Ralph Alan Stein and Todd Jamie Stein. Marvin also had a daughter, Ellen Joy Stein, from a previous marriage to Isabelle Rothberg.

Marvin adored his older sister, Evelyn, his nieces and nephews, and was most proud of his three children whom he loved very much. While raising his sons he would spend time in the family vacation home in Amagansett, NY, where he enjoyed playing tennis and training for marathons. He was an avid runner and ran 18 marathons, including New York and Boston always placing top in his categories. His best time was 3 hours and ten minutes. He enjoyed coaching others and was a positive role model for all who got to know him. Marvin spent his last years doing his favorite activities, working, exercising, reading the newspaper, watching sports, being a friendly neighbor, and engaging with his community and family. Though Marvin and his second wife, Felicia, divorced over 30 years ago, he lived his final years with his son Todd and Felicia. Their love and friendship allowed them to enjoy each day together. Anyone who knew Marvin was touched by his dedication to family and friends, kindness, humor, and generosity. He was a known problem solver and source of stability for all who knew him.

Marvin is survived by his ex-wife Felicia and his three children, Todd, Ralph, Ellen along with his beloved nieces and nephews: Janet Kelfer, David Eller, Sabra Staudenmaier, Matt Eller, Brent Eller, Johnathan Kelfer and great, great nieces and nephews: Ethan, Jason, Ashley, Daniel, and Emma.

Services were held at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel in New York and Marvin was laid to rest in a private family burial in Chappaqua, NY. In lieu of flowers or baskets, the family requests donations are made in Memory of Marvin Stein: Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund www.thelegacyexists.com or Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org