David and Sharon Aminia Celebrate 52 Years!

It’s an old-fashioned love story. Originally from Iran, David Aminia came to America from Israel as a high school senior in 1965. Along with his cousins, they settled in Glens Falls, NY, intent upon finding summer jobs. And that is where David met Sharon Chadwick, who turned out to be the love of his life.

David attended Florida Institute of Technology in the fall, which resulted in the couple entering into a long-distance relationship. It was not easy, especially as there were no cell phones back then. David had to save his quarters, dimes and nickels for the pay phones! But both David and Sharon knew they had something very special and were determined to make their relationship work.

Upon David’s graduation in 1972, the couple married and moved to Melbourne, Florida, just south of Coco Beach. David worked for Zayre Corp as a department manager. Soon after, he took a job with a technical company associated with NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In 1976, David and Sharon were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Rachel. Life was good!

David unfortunately lost his job in 1989, however both David and Sharon firmly believe that “when one door closes, another is sure to open.” This proved true right after their daughter celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. Through connections and determination, David became the Ritual Director for Temple Beth El in Springfield.

David has enjoyed a wonderful career at the temple and after 20 years of dedicated service he was bestowed the respected title of “Reverend.” As Ritual Director, David continues to serve the Temple Beth El congregation, leading services, supporting families, leading daily minyan services, and teaching generations of children to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

When they arrived in the Springfield community, Sharon took a position at the Jewish Community Center, running their “Kid’s Space” after-school program, providing engaging programming for up to 70 kids. Sharon was also a highly sought-after kosher caterer. She catered functions for Temple Beth El, Sisterhood events and minyan breakfasts. Her cooking classes were extremely popular! Learning from her mother, Sharon loved making cakes, pastries and a variety of soups. David especially enjoyed Sharon’s spaghetti, with “made-from-scratch” meatballs! The two loved to entertain guests in their home.

In 1998, when Ruth’s House opened its doors, Sharon took the position of assistant chef. Sharon relished the opportunity make delicious recipes for the residents. After a hip replacement in October 2021, Sharon chose Leavitt Family Jewish Home for rehab services. Currently she resides in Leavitt Family Jewish Home as a long-term resident. David visits her every day.

When asked how they chose Leavitt for Sharon, David was quick to respond. “We never considered any other place! We love that the residence is Kosher and within a mile of our house and my workplace. Truthfully, we feel so fortunate that everything fell into place. It really feels like home.”

Today, David is the Home’s Mashgiach, overseeing the kashruth since 2007. After Rabbi Weisfogel passed away, David was hired to take his place. He enjoys working with the food service staff. He has fond memories of working with Directors Tony Dal Zovo and now Sharon Ritchie. “They are so dedicated to ensuring that the rules of Kashruth are upheld,” explained David. “It is important to maintain the Home as a Kosher residence in our community, a place where Jewish traditions are honored and kept alive.”

At Leavitt, Sharon enjoys activities such as cooking, baking, musical programs and trivia games. “The staff is so caring,” she stated. On days Sharon doesn’t feel like getting out of bed, staff members gently encourage her to get up and be active. “There are wonderful people on all three shifts,” said Sharon. “In fact, Cheryl and Diane from Life Enrichment often take me to the activities room where we bake or cook. How can I resist?”

David and Sharon celebrated their 52nd anniversary on February 27th. During a lively a concert, the performer sang “Happy Anniversary” in their honor. The couple were beaming. Sharon summed up their relationship perfectly. “I love David more today than the day I married him. He really is my sweetheart!” She added, “We are truly blessed!”