Irving Sonenshine

Irving "Itchy" Sonenshine, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday, April 29, 2013. He was born on June 26, 1921, at home to Max Sonenshine and Rose Beck Sonenshine and lived his entire life in Charleston. He was the husband of Mildren Breibart Sonenshine. His graveside service will be held, Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm. in Brith Sholom Beth Israel Cemetery, "Maryville", Sycamore Avenue. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.He attended Courtney School and graduated from the High School of Charleston. After graduation he worked in Alec Karesh's shoe store and then became an apprentice plumber at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. After Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Army Aviation cadet program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was stationed in Saipan and flew 43 missions as a bombardier navigator on a B29. He survived a ditching in the Pacific Ocean and a crash landing during a training mission. He was awarded the Presidential Citation for the battles of Tokyo and Nagoya, the Air Medal with five clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. He truly exemplified the "Greatest Generation."In 1946, he married Mildred Breibart, the love of his life. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and would do anything to help family, friends and sometimes strangers. With Arthur Kahn he started Wholesale Radio Supply Company which still operates today as Wholesale Industrial Electronics. He loved his business and was loyal to his employees, many of whom were with him for more than 40 years. He loved Judaism and was a lifelong member of Brith Sholom Beth Israel where he served as President; was a past Master of Friendship Lodge #9 AFM. A member of the Scottish Rite, the Lions Club of Charleston and a former member of the Executive Association of Greater Charleston. As an avid golfer he was fortunate enough to have scored two holes in one. He loved his weekly poker game with a group of friends known as "The Choir" although he said he wasn't very good at it. In retirement he volunteered at Roper Hospital and as a greeter at the Charleston Aquarium. He traveled to Israel whenever he could, and even did so a few times without Mom so he could work on an army base. He enjoyed telling stories which he often repeated. We never got tired of listening. Mr. Sonenshine is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mildred Sonenshine; three sons: Stanley Soneshine (Debbie), Kenny Sonenshine (Sharon), all of Atlanta, GA, Gerald Sonenshine (Nancy) of Columbia SC; a brother, Benjamin Sonenshine of Charleston, SC; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is also predeceased by two brothers: Phillip Sonenshine and Julius Sonenshine and a sister, Helen Shelkoff.The family would like to extend their grateful appreciation for the caregivers that have served Mr. Sonenshine. To Mary Hazel who for the past four years was Mom's devoted partner in caring for our Dad and more recently, Martha Goss, Jeanette Cromedy and Lana Nix, you have been a blessing to our family. We thank you with all of our hearts. Also thanks to Eartha Lee Jenkins for her long time service.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brith Sholom Beth Israel Orthodox Synagogue, 182 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403 or Hospice of Charleston, 4975 LaCross Road, Ste. 200, North Charleston, SC 29406-3100.