Sheldon Satnick passed away peacefully in Aptos, California on February 26, 2025 at the age of 77. As is common for many of us, Sheldon, or Shelly as family knew him, had both strengths and challenges. Here, we focus on accomplishments and things that brought him joy.

Born in 1948, he was raised in Los Angeles. After college, he relocated to the Santa Cruz Mountains in the 1970's and taught Special Ed at Saratoga High. He returned to Southern California, attended Southwestern Law School and began his professional careers in law and banking there. Upon relocating to Northern California a second time in the 1980’s, including living in San Francisco during the 1989 Earthquake, he remained there for most of the rest of his life.  It was Seattle, however, where his banking work took him for a few years that most felt like his geographical home. He loved being surrounded by water and green spaces, recalling happy times running in parks and visiting the Pike Place Market with Buster.

Despite moving north, Shel remained a lifelong fan of USC football, the LA Lakers and Dodgers. His Blue “B” Brooklyn Dodgers cap was almost always on his head. His fondest So Cal memories were attending Jewish summer camp in the San Bernardino mountains, his Boxer Muggs and German Shepherd Rumball, listening to live music at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, Mexican food at El Tepeyac, great seats for Lakers games and time with his Satnick/Schonfield family.

Shelly never had children but was dad to many dogs - his best friends. Some referred to him as a dog whisperer. Buster the Boxer was his forever favorite, but his Greyhounds, Bedlington Terriers, shelter dogs, recent boxer Zena and Labradoodle Jack enriched his days. He was passionate and opinionated about animal welfare, which included volunteering at shelters/animal rescue groups and serving on the Board of Golden State Greyhound Adoption.

Sheldon thrived best outdoors near mountains or the ocean. After becoming certified as a scuba diver, his dive trips included Palau, Fiji and the Caribbean. He sought out adventure travel, especially if wildlife or nature was involved. His keen eye captured many memorable photos on trips to Peru and the Galapagos, Mexico, Tanzania and Uganda, the Pacific NW, National Parks and much of Europe.  After 20 years in Contra Costa County, Sheldon and then wife Jennifer relocated to Aptos in 2013 following retirement.

Sheldon's many hobbies included devouring mystery novels and the LA Times, nature photography, cooking and trying new recipes, food related volunteering, growing roses, nurturing his vegetable garden and canning the produce, watching sports on TV with “the guys” and visiting Major League ballparks. During his final decade, Shel enjoyed regular walks along the ocean with his dog and friends and seeking out live Blues music. He was a loyal friend with a desire to help others and generous in his support of local nonprofits, including personally shopping for a pile of new warm coats to donate each December.

Shelly achieved success in a range of professional careers, each receiving his driven and focused attention, including Felony Appellate Criminal Defense Attorney; Asset Loan Liquidator/Loan Workout Manager and Problem Loan Analyst for a variety of local, state and national banks; as well as teaching positions at the high school and middle school levels and in community college Adult Education.

His last year was marked with sadness following the passing of his dear cousin and lifelong friend Stuart who lived nearby and his own physical challenges. Shelly is survived by family and friends, both old and new, in California, Oregon, and Washington, including two brothers, special cousins, niece Alicia Wenzel, husband Marcus and son Haven and niece Cristen Glover, husband Jason and daughter Cora. Uncle Shelly was proud of Haven and Cora and quick to speak of their accomplishments.  At his request, no services will be held.  Sheldon/Shelly, we say goodbye and may you rest in peace - we will remember your good heart and the good times.

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