Sad news this morning as we have learned that Koor Communication’s co-owner Sheila Vinikoor has passed away at the age of 65.
Sheila E. Vinikoor passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on January 8, 2016, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 65. Born in Newark, New Jersey, to Florence and Milton Bernstein, Sheila grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania, in 1972, the same year that she married her beloved Robert. The next year they moved to Norwich, Vermont, where they raised two children, Lisa and Jeffrey. In addition to being a devoted mother and wife, Sheila worked alongside Robert in building two businesses: a retail satellite electronics business, which they later sold, and a broadcast media company, Koor Communications. Together, they owned and operated six radio stations in New Hampshire and Vermont, each one known for serving its community with original, relevant local programming. Sheila also had a passion for the visual arts and music, and she shared her joy with family and friends.
Sheila was laid to rest at the Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Iselin, New Jersey, where her parents are also at peace. She is survived by husband Robert of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter Lisa and daughter-in-law Dr. Alyssa Finn of Brooklyn, New York; son Jeffrey of South Orange, New Jersey; sister Linda Krisch and family of Allentown, Pennsylvania; brother Dr. Kenneth Bernstein and family of Needham, Massachusetts; sister-in law Florence Gold and family of Billings, Montana; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Sheila was a gentle and elegant person who passed through life with a quiet grace, she will be remembered for her care and love for others, and her passing has created a huge emptiness in the hearts of those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, Sheila would have wanted those who wish to do so, to make a contribution to their favorite charity.
Gary Brefini
January 22, 2016 at 3:26 pmIt seems like yesterday but I know it is over 16+ years ago that I met Bob. However, the first member of Koor Communications that I met was Sheila. They say “first impressions” count. Well Sheila made you feel right at home as she paged Bob and told him that his “visitor” had arrived. She could not have been nicer and down to Earth. She was a woman of grace and great business acumen. When my late wife was sick over 11 years ago, both Bob and Sheila could not have been nicer to suggest some doctors who could possibly help.
Contributing to your favorite charity is exactly what my late wife wanted so please, if you can, do so in memory of Sheila.