Obituary of Marvin Mastroff

Mastroff, Marvin



A legend in the Miami and Stuart, Florida communities, Marvin Mastroff passed away on January 24th after a prolonged illness.



Marvin exemplified the very best of those self-made men who rose to success while possessing a remarkable business ethic, a profound devotion to family and friends, and an uncanny sense of humor.



Marvin was born on December 14, 1933 in Rockledge, Pa. After graduating from Olney High School in Philadelphia, he worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer, then with Sun-Ray Drugs, moving to Miami in 1956.



Marvin was an independent jobber for automotive parts until 1963, when he founded Cold Air Distributors. As president of Cold Air, he built his company up to 15 locations throughout Central, West, and South Florida. For the past 7 years, Cold Air has grown and prospered under the leadership of his son, Russell.



Marvin married Elinor, the love of his life, on December 30, 1956. They had met at Yom Kippor services and always regarded the meeting locale as their "Beshert" (fate). Marvin is survived by his wife, their daughter Laura Mastroff (Frank) Barry, son Russell (Davita) Mastroff and beloved grandchildren Alli and Joey Barry and Raechel Mastroff.



He will be missed by his sister Shirley Schwartz, niece Harriet (Bob) Lutsky, and nephew Jerry (Barbara) Schwartz and their families, as well as cousins Buzzy (Diane) Baron and Sybil (Alex) Meyer.



He will also be missed by his "brother" brother-in-law Donald Matlin, nieces and nephews Brian (Luz) Matlin, David (Stephanie) Matlin, Linda (Keith) Minoff, Janie Matlin, Mitchell Kershner, Edye (John) McCarthy, cousins Helen and Gil Bardfeld, Larry (Wende) Bardfeld, and Elizabeth (Bob) Kamphaus and their families.



Marvin was a lifelong member of the Masonic Order, serving as a Past Master of the West Miami Lodge. He served on the Board of Directors of IMACA, MACS, and Federated Auto Parts. In honor of and with respect to Marvin, all locations of Cold Air Distributors will be closed on Tuesday, January 29th.



Marvin loved Disney memorabilia, and was an avid collector. He manifested his fondness for athletics as a charter season ticket holder of the Miami Dolphins and as a member of the University of Miami Touchdown Club, while cheering on other Florida teams if they were not playing UM.



Marvin and Elinor moved from Miami to Palm City in 1981. Marvin touched many lives. He will be dearly missed by a host of friends and business acquaintances in both communities, and by his dog, Keyote, who gave him comfort during his illness.



Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 29th, at Forest Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Palm City, officiated by Rabbi Jonathan Kendall of Temple Beit HaYam. Donations in Marvin's memory may be made to Temple Beit HaYam, 951 S.E. Monterey Commons Blvd., Stuart, Fl. 34996, or to the American Diabetes Association.