Marvin Stanley Reidbord
November 9, 1929 - June 20, 2023

MARVIN STANLEY REIDBORD: Age 93, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023, at his home on Darlington Court in Squirrel Hill. 

Marvin was born in West Penn Hospital on November 9, 1929, a true Depression Era baby. The son of Samuel and Dorothy Levenson Reidbord, Marvin is survived by his wife, Ruth Cooper Reidbord, son Todd Reidbord of Squirrel Hill, daughter Suzanne (Andrew) Cherenson of Lexington, Mass., grandchildren Matthew and Daniel Cherenson, and brother Howard (Faye) Reidbord of Pittsburgh. 

Marvin grew up in Highland Park and attended Fulton Elementary School then Peabody High School where he was in the All City Orchestra, playing the violin. After graduation from high school, he took the street car further down Highland Avenue to Fifth Avenue  and enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated in 1951.  He was then drafted into the Army and, during basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he took an officer's advice and volunteered to go to Europe, rather than being sent to Korea. He was stationed first in Germany, then Paris, where he was assigned to work at the American Hospital, where he did not wear a uniform and had his own apartment. His favorite story, which he told often, was that one night while working late in the hospital, he saw a few uniformed men walking toward him. As they got closer, he noticed that one of them had stars on his shoulders -- 5 stars, it turned out. It was General Omar Bradley, who asked Marvin, "How do you like the Army?" Without thinking, Marvin responded, "I was drafted." The General laughed and thanked him for his service. 

When Marvin returned home, he entered pharmacy school at Pitt, and married Ruth Cooper on December 19, 1954, at the Tree of Life Synagogue, with the reception at the Schenley Hotel in Oakland. Marvin opened Vanadium Pharmacy in Scott Township in 1962, and was known as a kind and compassionate pharmacist who would take care of his customers' needs, especially families with young children.  He was proud that he "never made a mistake" in his career as a pharmacist. After closing the drug store, he worked as a pharmacist for the State of Pennsylvania and Stadtlanders, retiring in 1992.  Marvin and Ruth raised their family in Mt Lebanon, and were active and long-time members of Temple Emanuel. Music was always important to Marvin. In his 40's, he resumed playing the violin with the Carnegie Civic Symphony/Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, led by conductors David Stock and Keith Lockhart.

Marvin loved spending time with his family, especially vacations at the Jersey Shore, for the past 50 years in Stone Harbor and Avalon.  He was happiest there, where he could smell the salt air and ride the waves. He and Ruth traveled often, frequently seeing their grandchildren and visiting friends and relatives all over the United States, Europe and in Israel. Marvin cared so much for little children, even those he didn't know. Once at a restaurant, on a Native American reservation in New Mexico he offered to pick up a young dad's lunch at the take-out window, so he wouldn't have to leave his baby alone at the table. 

When Ruth and Marvin moved to Squirrel Hill in 1998,  Marvin made many new friends at the Jewish Community Center, where he "occasionally" worked out, but mostly sat around and told jokes to anyone who would listen. 

Marvin's declining health made the last few years difficult, but he continued to go out to lunch, listen to music and visit with his grandchildren.  The family is thankful for the dedication of his caregivers and doctors, especially Dr. Michael Finikiotis, who helped immensely over many years. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai in Squirrel Hill. No Prior Visitation. Interment Homewood Cemetery. Shiva will be at Temple Sinai on Saturday from 5 - 7 PM and on Sunday from 2 - 4 PM. Contributions can be made in Marvin's name to the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, where a fund has been established in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

Condolences

Send Condolence

What a nice man! When I was a cigar rep. I serviced his cigar case on Vanadium Rd. He was always friendly and we had very nice conversations. He had that great cigar case with sliding glass doors. You don’t see those anymore. We lived in the same neighborhood in Highland Park. And he went to Peabody with my brother Boris. My condolence to the whole Reidbord family.

By David Topolsky - June 25, 2023

---

Dear Ruth, My condolences on the loss of Marvin. Many find memories returned to me as I read his obituary. Hopefully, you and your family will find comfort in remembering those good times and his gentle spirit which engaged everyone who knew him. Sympathies to all the family, Ann

By Ann Bregman Rascoe - June 22, 2023

---

Dear Ruth and family, My condolences on the loss of Marvin. He was such a sweet man. May his memory be a blessing. Fondly, Eiie

By Ellie Bahm - June 22, 2023

---

Cousin Marvin was very compassionate and will be dearly missed. Always loved being in his company. RIP❤️

By Ronna and Harvey Bennett - June 22, 2023

---

Our deepest condolences to all the Reidbords & Cherensons. We enjoyed spending the past 25 years with Marvin at Seders & other events. We remember him fondly while he held court at the JCC while kibitzing with everyone.

By Marcy & Harvey Kronzek - June 21, 2023

---

Todd, Diane and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May he RIP and remain a blessing you, your sister and the rest of your family.

By Mark and Diane Simon - June 21, 2023

---

Our deepest condolences. Much love to all in the family. 93 years of an amazing life and memories to celebrate and cherish.

By Sofia, Julia, Paula & Michael Reidbord - June 21, 2023

---

my thoughts are with you and your family during this most difficult time in your lives. may marvin’s memory forever be a blessing

By Stephen Miller - June 21, 2023

---