Milton Stein

Milton Stein (affectionately called Bop or Boppy by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and Milt or his Hebrew name, Minasha by his family and friends) lived a long, colorful life and passed peacefully on January 13, 2026. He was 98.

A remembrance gathering is being planned for late February in South Jersey where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Davina and to meet at his favorite pizza spot, Tony's Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City.

Milt was born in Philadelphia and lived his early life in Strawberry Mansion with his parents, Philip and Rae, and siblings, Evelyn, Harold (Sonny), Leonard, and Jeanette. His working life started early as a teenager, selling "pegged pants" for zoot suits in a popular clothing store. When he joined the Navy in the 1940's, he persuaded the admiral of his ship to let him run the ship's Small Stores (which he hoped would get him out of working in the laundry). His audacity to suggest that idea to an admiral (without an appointment) gives you a picture of his character. He was adventurous, curious, and down-to-earth, more taken with a person's humor, intelligence, creativity and kindness than status. After the Navy, he enrolled in an Electronic Tech program at Temple University and surprised himself with his natural ability to troubleshoot and understand the new world of circuitry and television. He built one of the first TV sets in Philadelphia in that program and amazed his family and friends when they could watch the Joe Louis fight on this strange box in his living room. Milt went on to run TV repair businesses for most of his life, teaching his brothers and his best friend how to do repairs and set up in business. He had a creative marketing mind; he pitched the idea of putting televisions in hospital rooms, and sent ideas to a TV network for a sitcom based on a TV repairman with the hilarious situations he encountered. He always brought home those funny stories to the family; Davina, his beloved wife of 40 years and his children, Wynelle, Joyce, Phyllis and Caren (Billy). His devotion to his children was admired by all who came into his orbit and he extended that radiant love to his grandchildren, Aaron (LaToya), Dakota (Tommy), David, his great-grandchildren, Jaren, Luna and John John and his grand-pup, Tucker.

Milton's beatific smile and calm, generous spirit earned him being nicknamed "the Jewish Dalai Lama" by his daughter Joyce. Many who knew him echo the message that his loving ways will always remain with them. The family is very grateful for the amazing care that Milt received in the last months of his life at Newport Hospital, The Village House, and The Grand Islander. They would like to thank all of the caretakers who tended to him so lovingly, with a special thank you to Linda and Connie; they are all national treasures.