Ryan Nicol
South Florida lawmakers are speaking out to remember the life of Jack Shifrel after the Democratic activist passed away at the age of 72 earlier this week.
Shifrel was a former member of the Broward County School Board, serving in the early 1980s. As a veteran, he also spent much of his time advocating on behalf of veterans’ groups and active-duty service members.
Shifrel had a history of heart problems and was recently diagnosed with cancer.
“For decades Jack was a tireless voice for our veterans, the Democratic Party, and for countless other causes close to his heart,” wrote U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings after learning of Shifrel’s passing.
“Jack was one of a kind and made our entire community a better place. His loss will be felt in Broward County for years to come. I extend my deepest condolences to Jack’s wife, Laurie, his children Darrin, David, and Jillian, his siblings Lori, Myke, and Scott, his grandchildren, and his entire family during this extremely difficult time.”
In addition to his work with veterans, Shifrel was also active within Broward County politics for decades. He served as a Democratic Party committeeman and was a delegate to five different Democratic National Conventions.
“Jack Shifrel was one of a kind,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in comments reported by the Sun Sentinel.
“It’s going to be a more hollow world without Jack Shifrel.”
U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch also took to Twitter to eulogize Shifrel.
“Jack Shifrel’s many contributions to our community and our nation made South Florida a better and more caring place,” Deutch wrote.
“His commitment to the causes and people he cared deeply about was admired by everyone who knew him. For those of us fortunate to have been his friend, we will forever be grateful for the special relationship he blessed us with. My sympathies go out to Jack’s family. You, and we, lost a great one. May he Rest In Peace.”
https://twitter.com/RepHastingsFL/status/1088830613392707584
Jack Shifrel’s many contributions to our community and our nation made South Florida a better and more caring place. His commitment to the causes and people he cared deeply about was admired by everyone who knew him.https://t.co/HsVU63XGJ7
— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) January 25, 2019
