Obituary of David Rashkin

DAVID RASHKIN  March 22 1915 - January 25 2014 Mountaindale, NY David Rashkin, 98, a lifelong resident of Mountaindale, NY passed away in Fort Lauderdale, FL on January 25, 2014. David was born in New York City on March 22, 1915 to the late Morris Rashkin and Helen Dauber.   He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Sylvia Gelfand and their children, Marlene and Nate Cheney of North Potomac, MD and Judy and Harris Alport of South Fallsburg, NY; his grandchildren Paige and Bart Yablonsky, Beth and Roy Notowitz, Dory and Jay Frischman; his great grandchildren Ayla Notowitz and Noah Yablonsky; and many devoted nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Dr. Leo Rashkin.   David graduated from Mountaindale High School and then went on to graduate from Columbia University College of Pharmacy. David owned and operated Rashkin’s Pharmacy in Woodridge, NY along with Sylvia, his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life. He worked tirelessly to serve the community as the local pharmacist. He was known for his intellect and his sense of humor.   His favorite pastime was collecting and sharing stories about the history of the Catskill Mountains. He spent a great deal of time developing TOMSCO Falls, which he referred to as the “Niagra of Sullivan County.”  He delighted in giving tours of his property and teaching visitors about the medicinal value of plants and the awesome power of nature. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family who learned so many lessons by listening and observing his amazing life.   David proudly served as a medic during World War II in the European Theater from 1943 until he was honorably discharged in1945.  Over the years, he served the local community as a member of the Mountaindale Hebrew Association, the Mountaindale Fire Department, the Woodridge Kiwanis Club, the United Jewish Appeal, and the Town of Fallsburg Planning Board.   Memorial donations may be made to the Mountaindale Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 29, 2014 at 11:00am in the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. 388 Broadway Monticello, NY. Burial will be in the Mountaindale Synagogue Cemetery Marsh Rd. Glen Wild, NY Rabbi Yakov Barros will officiate For directions or to send the family a condolence note visit our website at www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.