"I worked for Monroe 28 yrs ago..Couldn't ask for a Better Boss and he was a very generous person ..I knew Monroe for at least 30 yrs that I've lived in Dania Bch.May he RIP...Great great Human Being "
In loving memory of
Monroe Udell
February 24, 1928 - June 1, 2014
Monroe Udell, of Hollywood Beach, Florida passed away at his home on Sunday, June 1, 2014. He was 86. Dania Beach has lost a special friend, a favorite son and the legendary founder of Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant and a local Philanthropist. Born in Stamford, Connecticut on February 24, 1928, son of Harry and Ethel Udell. Monroe and his brother, the late Bernie Udell were raised in Stamford, Connecticut. The family owned several restaurants and it was there that Monroe learned the business, working in them even as a child. Harry brought his family to Florida in 1947, settleling in Hollywood where he opened his diner, Harry's Good Food on Johnson Street. 1956 was a pivotal year for Monroe. He married Corrine Ann DeLuca and opened his own restaurant; Jaxson's, beginning an epoch, that continues to endure into its 58th year. Monroe is gone, but not the legend, nor the traditions. The iconic Jaxson's founder made sure of that. His daughter, Linda Zakheim will assume ownership of her father's beloved Jaxons's. Working with her management team led by Jerry Smith, Zakheim will continue running Jaxson's just as he would, following his philosophy of, "Do whatever you have to do to make it happen". Some of his accolades include Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor Day and Monroe Udell Day. He was recognized by President Barack Obama in his Radio Address for voluntarily raising his employees' minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Appreciation Day and Top 5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Miami. In 2010 he was honored by the city of Dania Beach by having a street named after him "Monroe Udell Street". A longtime fundraiser and contributor to local hospitals, in 2006, the 50th anniversary of Jaxons's, he raised over $30,000 for Joe DiMaggio Children's' Hospital in Hollywood, benefitting its pediatric emergency Treatment Room. The walls featuring colorful ice cream scoops in cones bring smiles where there were tears. Survivors include his daughter, Linda and her husband, Scott Zakheim, his son, Mark Udell, grandchildren Rachel and Josh Zakheim, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-el, 8200 Peters Road in Plantation, Florida,33024 on Tuesday, June 3rd at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens Cemetery (Star of David) 6301 Taft Street in Hollywood. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Monroe Udell may be made to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, 1150 North 35th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.fredhunters.com
Tributes
"I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Udell family. May those precious memories of your dear loved one Monroe be foremost in your hearts and minds along with this wonderful promise that Jesus made at John 5:28,29. Again, my sincere condolences."
"I want to offer my sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Our Heavenly father in His word the Bible, calls death an enemy (1Cor. 15:26). He promises in the very near future to do away with death. (Rev. 21:4, 5) At that time tragedies and accidents will be a thing of the past, and no one will ever get sick (Isaiah 33:24), and there will be a reuniting, a bringing back to life instead of losing life (John 5:28,29). I hope these words can give you some comfort and hope. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) Once again I am so sorry for your loss. "
"Mr Udell will always be a favorite guest at LIGUORI'S FIRED UP. As we saw him walking in, table 9 and a Heineken beer was waiting. I could not thank him enough for sharing with me his business mind and strategies. "
"Thank you Monroe for all the small talks we had, at Ocean Alley, about the challenges of being in the restaurant business. Most enlightening. PS you got there because you have accomplished what you set out to do. You are missed and always remembered"
"So sad to here of the passing of such a South Florida icon. We have enjoyed Jaxson's since the 50's always counting on the fun environment and spectacular ice cream sundaes. We went there as teenagers on a date. Now, always a place to recommend and take out of town guests, 50 years later. Happy to hear the family will continue Monroe's traditions and I'm sure as he would have wished. Condolences to all the family. Please know that he was loved and appreciated by so many."
"We will Miss You Monroe but know that you are in good hands. The day we celebrated the naming of Monroe Udell Street was one of the best days that JoAnn & I could thank you for all your kindness. Just to see your smile was an everlasting impression we have of a great & kind man. Love from Patty & Tricia Hart"