Obituary of Marvin Calo Weinberg

Obituary: Marvin Weinberg - Innovator, Entrepreneur, Marketer, Fundraiser and Adventurer On April 21, 2020 Marvin Calo Weinberg, 89, husband and father passed away peacefully, on his own terms, at his home in Yonkers, NY. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy in January. Marvin was born February 2, 1931 in Manhattan's Upper West side to Edward and Sylvia (Calo) Weinberg. As a child he was active in Scouting, he developed several friendships that continued throughout his life. As a Boy Scout he reached the top rank of Eagle Scout. Early on his family spent summers in Danbury CT (Pleasant Acres). As a teenager he owned the second motorboat and first water skis on Candlewood Lake. It was in Danbury that he met Annabelle Nancy Warmflash of Brooklyn NY. This summer romance developed into a life-long love as they married in 1955. In 1958 Marvin and Nancy moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, NY; where they raised their three sons. They were active in the community through the mid-1980s. Marvin served on the Hastings Village Planning Board in the 1970s – 1980s, including 5-years as Board Chair. Together with Nancy they were founding members of Temple Beth Shalom in Hastings where they helped to develop the local Jewish community. Marvin taught Sunday School and their three sons were Bar Mitzvah there. They were also leaders in the Westchester Young Republicans from the 1960s through 1980s. They became avid Amateur Radio Operators (WB2JPH & WA2JPF) along with Ed and Gary. Marvin attended and graduated from the NYU School of Commerce. He served in the Army during the Korean War stationed in Austria. He earned several certifications as a tank mechanic supervisor and instructor. He later returned to NY to be with his father, who was stricken with Leukemia and passed away shortly thereafter. As a teenager, Marvin worked at Century Letter Company, a print & direct mail marketing/fundraising firm, founded by his father in 1932. After college, Marvin joined the firm, and became their lead salesperson. In 1978 Marvin left Century Letter to launch a new Direct Mail Marketing/Fundraising company, Quality Letter Service with Nancy. Sons Robert and Gary would later join the firm. At Quality Letter he innovated new direct mail marketing techniques using databases and producing personalized laser letters marketing for commercial ventures and fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Marvin was active in the direct marketing industry where he served as Chair of the Mail Advertising Service Association (MASA) NY Chapter and on the national board. His father had previously been a leader in the organization, and his sons Robert and Gary later continued the legacy as Presidents of the NY Chapter. He and Nancy would attend conferences throughout the country and made many long-time friends throughout the industry, often sharing their wedding anniversary celebration at the June annual conference. He was also active in the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE, later Association of Fundraising Executives) In the mid-1980s the Weinberg's moved their home to Irvington NY, and later, Yonkers NY. They also purchased a second home in Quechee VT. It was in Vermont where they pursued their longtime passion for skiing -- skiing as many as 35 days a year well into their 80's -- and they became founding members of Congregation Shir Shalom in Woodstock VT where developed many friendships. When they retired, they did not stay home and relax. Their adventures were just beginning. They took numerous tours and cruises, traveling through the United States, Europe, the Middle East, China, and the Caribbean, often with friends and family. When not on a traveling adventure, they spent their time between NY and VT. They loved to entertain and were known for many memorable gatherings in both homes. In his last few years, Marvin was challenged by the impacts of Myasthenia Gravis, but he refused to let it stop him. He continued to travel and enjoy life with the credo, "I'm going to live as long as I am alive." Marvin is survived by sons Edward, Robert and Gary, grandsons Stephen and Jeremy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Sylvia (Calo) Weinberg, wife Annabelle Nancy Weinberg, and brother Jerald Weinberg. Private services were held on Friday April 24 at Maimonides Cemetery, Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America www.myasthenia.org, in his memory.