Dr. Gerald Bruce Sonenshine passed away, Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the age of 71 after complications from a fall in March. He was born in Charleston, SC April 12, 1951, to Mildred and Irving Sonenshine. Gerald graduated from Porter-Gaud School, Emory University, and the Medical University of SC College of Dentistry. After graduating, he served in the United States Air Force Dental Corps.
Gerald practiced dentistry in Columbia before joining his family's business, Wholesale Industrial Electronics. He was in the business for over 35 years and was President of the company at the time of his passing. Over his many years in the business, Gerald touched the lives of countless current and former employees with not only his business sense but compassion for their lives inside and outside of the office.
He was a past President of the Kahn Jewish Community Center and presently served on its Board of Directors. He was a proud member of Beth Shalom Synagogue. Gerald enjoyed politics and was passionate about Israel by volunteering his time with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Gerald supported many other causes including the Wounded Warrior Project, Honest Reporting, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Gerald was an avid sports fan. He played baseball and basketball in his youth and tennis as an adult at Rockbridge Club. He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey and taking his granddaughters to the park. Gerald was a devoted husband and had a big heart.
He was preceded in death by his father, Irving Sonenshine. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Nancy Leffler Sonenshine; son, David and wife Joanne Sonenshine, of Arlington, VA; daughter, Emily and husband Mark Greenberg, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Jacob and Daniel Sonenshine; Celia and Sadie Greenberg; his mother, Mildred Breibart Sonenshine of Atlanta, GA; brothers, Stanley and wife Debbie Sonenshine of Atlanta, GA; Kenny and wife Sharon Sonenshine of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Ann and husband Jay Davis of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Stuart and wife Tammy Leffler of Ellicott City, MD and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The graveside service will be held at 2 o\'clock, Tuesday, June 28th at Bonaventure Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at shivesfuneralhome.com.
We are grateful for the help of Amedisys Hospice for their assistance during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue or Kahn Jewish Community Center.
https://www.bethshalomcolumbia.org
or
https://jcccolumbia.org
.