Jeffries Shein

Philanthropist, Community Leader, Real Estate Executive, Investor

Jeffries Shein passed away on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and several very close friends. He was born January 12, 1940 in New Brunswick, NJ to the late Jennie and Joe Shein, and was predeceased by his brothers Hartley, Sidney and Harold.

Jeff was known for his warmth, optimism and generosity, succeeding in the things that he loved best – family and community leadership. He graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1958 and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame as a distinguished alumnus. Jeff then attended Rutgers University graduating in 1962 with a major in Economics. As an ROTC graduate, Jeff immediately entered the United States Army serving in Korea along the DMZ as an Infantry Officer with the famed First Calvary Division; after active duty he served in the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain. Upon his return from Korea Jeff joined Jacobson, Goldfarb & Tanzman as a sales associate where he excelled, becoming a partner during the reorganization that formed JGT Associates, one of the largest industrial office real estate brokerage firms in the state.

Jeff served as a member of the Middlesex Water Company Board of Directors, retiring in 2020 after 30 years of service, including a term as Lead Director. Jeff also served as Chairman of the Board of Raritan Bay Medical Center of Perth Amboy and Old Bridge, NJ. In addition, Jeff served on the Board of Directors of Provident Bank retiring in 2015 with 30 years of service, and was immediately appointed to the Board of Directors of the Provident Bank Foundation until his retirement in 2025. He was a Past President of the Hollywood Gold Club in Deal, NJ, served as Vice President of the 200 Club of Middlesex County, and was awarded the Woodbridge Township Citizen of the Year Award by the Woodbridge Township Chamber of Commerce.

Jeff was extraordinarily devoted to service. He was a known philanthropist and a sought-after advisor to charitable organizations throughout New Jersey. He believed that everyone is responsible for helping those less fortunate by trying to improve the world through focusing on their own community, and that is how Jeff lived his life.

Jeff was a member of the group that founded the Central Jersey Jewish Home in Somerset , NJ, a sprawling 55-acre complex that includes a nursing home, assisted living and independent living facilities, and served as their President.

Jeff served as President of the Morris and Lydia Goldfarb Foundation until its closing in 2014, was current President of the Marion & Norman Tanzman Charitable Foundation, and oversaw the Jeffries and Rona Shein Donor Advised Fund.

Jeff was a long-time advocate and generous supporter of the New Jersey Institute of Disabilities (NJID, formerly the Cerebral Palsy Association), which serves more than 1,500 infants, children and adults throughout the state. In 2013 Jeff was honored when NJID named their new Training Center in Menlo Park after him. The 6,500 square-foot training facility serves adults with disabilities ages 21-75 through development, vocational opportunities and community integration.

Over the years Jeff was recognized with numerous awards, including the Israel Bonds Peace Medal for his long-standing support of Israel as well as the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey Community Service Award. Jeff was also a very generous supporter of the American Cancer Society receiving many awards from them.

Jeff was married to Rona (Tanzman) for 55 years. They have two beloved daughters, Jennifer Turner (Dave) and Janice Bershad (Josh), and six grandchildren: Justin, Jared, Evan, and Emily Turner, and Alexis and Matthew Bershad. Jeff leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins. One of the highlights of Jeff’s life was his deep, longstanding friendships of 75 years with Arthur Reiner (Fran) and the late Barnett Hoffman (Diane).

Donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Chabad of the Shore, 620 Ocean Avenue, West End, NJ 07740, attention to Rabbi Laibel Schapiro; the American Cancer Society, PO Box P, Manasquan, NJ 08736, attention to Keri Drako; or a charity of your choice. Donations will be matched by the Shein Family. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, June 17, 2025, at the Highland Park Conservative Temple 201 South 3rd Avenue, Highland Park, NJ.