Sandor Zelekovitz
May 7, 2026
Sandy Zell: A True Menche
Sandor "Sandy" (Zell) Zelekovitz moved through the world like water.
When he entered a room, his presence arrived all at once, filling every corner and quiet space effortlessly, the way water rushes in after a dam breaks. Powerful but never overwhelming. Gentle but impossible to ignore. People naturally drifted toward him, pulled into his current by warmth, humor, kindness, and an unmistakable sense of safety. He had that rare ability to make people feel immediately known. A stranger became a friend in ten minutes. A friend became family soon after that. And once Sandy loved you, you stayed loved for life.
Born to Lou and Sylvia (Zell) Zelekovitz, Sandy was raised in a home shaped by both survival and joy. Together, they taught Sandy perhaps the most important lesson of all: the greatest response to hatred and suffering was not bitterness, but joy. To live fully. To love deeply. To build a beautiful life anyway.
And Sandy carried that lesson forward relentlessly in everything he did and in everyone he touched. As the eldest brother to Jeff and Marc, Sandy understood early that strength was not about commanding attention. Like water, Sandy found every crack where somebody needed something, anything, and gently filled it no matter what. He found joy in places others overlooked entirely.
He could turn an ordinary moment into a story people would repeat for years. In speaking about nothing, he somehow taught you everything you needed to know about life.
Sandy carried a deep devotion to his Jewish faith, to the Jewish people, and to the State of Israel.
Together with his beloved wife Barbara, his true partner in every sense, Sandy co-chaired 412 Friends of Zahal, helping bring wounded Israeli Defense Forces veterans to Pittsburgh each year for healing, support, and connection.
He also proudly served on the board of Beth Samuel Jewish Center in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, strengthening the Jewish community he loved so deeply.
If you knew him, you knew this truth: taking care of people was not simply something Sandy did. It was who he was.
Sandy died on May 7, 2026, and it felt as though the tide itself had receded. But every now and then, when the trees begin to rustle, when a robin lingers a little too long on the windowsill, or when a squirrel stops and looks at you sideways for no reason at all, it becomes a little easier to believe that Sandy never really left.
Sandy is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Williams Zelekovitz, his loving children Mitchell (Ashley) Levine, Benjamin (Rivka) Levine, Rena (Adam) Fasone, Traci Levine, Justin (Courteney) Zelekovitz, Doogie (Emily) Levine, his brothers Jeff (Sue) Zell and Marc (Janet) Zelkovitz. He was a proud and adoring grandfather of Lily, Eli, Emma, Mila, Charlie, Sloane, and Nico. Sandy was also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Services and interment were private. Contributions in Sandy's memory may be made to 412 Friends of Zahal, 6820 Juniata Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.
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hard to say what is going on in our minds....so many good memories . sandy was a real good person and will be missed. your adopted family knows you will get through this trying time okay.
By the zarembergs - May 13, 2026
Deepest sympathies Barb and family .
May his memory always be a blessing.
By Barb Davis - May 12, 2026
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing.
By Mindy Kart - May 11, 2026
Our sincere condolences to you and your entire family Barbara. May his memory be for a blessing.
By Helen and Richard Feder - May 11, 2026
Sincere condolences to the family. Sandy, Jeff and Marc have been like family to me since childhood. Some many memories of your family: Uncle Lou, the three boys and especially of Aunt Sylvie!
By Stu Shugerman - May 11, 2026
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
By Barbara Abramovitz and Rick Yahr - May 09, 2026