Husband of Brewster Superintendent of Schools Dies Suddenly

Family and friends are mourning the passing of Charles Sandbank, who died Saturday evening while attending a community get-together with his wife, Brewster Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jane Sandbank.

Sandbank, who worked in the financial industry, was 68 years old.

Sandbank was remembered Tuesday at a funeral service at the Riverside Memorial Chapel in upper Manhattan by Rabbi Mark Sameth of the Pleasantville Community Synagogue as a “great man who was always straight and direct. He was a man of great character and direct engagement. He was a giver as well as a teacher and advisor. Charlie also loved nature and was a master gardener.”

Sandbank was also remembered as a man of “unwavering integrity, professionalism, and a man with a great sense of humor.”

His daughter Leah told the congregation that her father “always brought an interesting perspective to everything.”

The rabbi related a story about Sandbank’s health: “Charlie suffered a massive heart attack 30 years ago but due to modern medicine he beat the odds and lived with half a heart. He never lived in fear because each day was a miracle—30 years of miracles.”

Leah Sandbank Kaufman said: “My dad did more living with half a heart than most people do with a whole one.”

Daniel Shepler, managing director of the UBS Financial Services, said, “In life Charlie reflected the highest standards of our industry and was a valued member of the firm. We will miss him greatly and offer our condolences to the love of his life, Jane, his daughters Leah and Anna, and his grandchildren Eli and Dylan, along with other family members.”

Mourners traveled from Putnam County to attend the funeral service including faculty, staff, and administrators from the Brewster School District, as well as members of the Brewster Board of Education.

After the service interment followed in New Jersey.

A memorial period known as Shiva is being observed this week at the Sandbank residence.