Portsmouth – Jack Sanford Moscovitz, 90, a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, Va., peacefully passed away on July 1, 2026, with family by his side.
Born on November 5, 1935, in Norfolk, he was the only child of Louis and Bluma Moscovitz, of blessed memory. Jack was a 1953 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. He was a proud lifelong resident of Portsmouth. As a teenager, Jack acquired a strong work ethic; often sweeping and cleaning the floors and performing menial jobs after school, in an older cousin’s budding Downtown Portsmouth electronics store, Distributors Incorporated. Young Jack gradually learned the business, gaining more and more responsibility while earning the trust of the store’s employees, patrons, and his community. Jack lived frugally and ultimately saved up enough money to buy the store, wisely expanding it from a simple retail store to later also specialize in local radio and TV station, wholesale, and US military sales.
Jack was a genuinely loyal and generous person who believed in lifting people up when they needed a hand. He gave back to his community and at a young age joined and became active within the Portsmouth Host Lion’s Club, serving in several roles including president for well over half a century. He was especially proud of being nominated by his fellow Lions to be awarded The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest level of recognition awarded by the Lion’s Club International Foundation. Jack was asked to share his business acumen on the board of directors of multiple financial institutions, ultimately serving as a board member of Jefferson National Bank. As a local Portsmouth businessman, Jack sponsored a team annually in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, despite keeping the closely guarded secret of not being a sports fan! Jack also was a blood donor as his wishes were to extend the lives of those less fortunate. In that spirit, he made it his life mission to take care of sick or isolated friends and relatives he felt were ignored, simply needed companionship, or a shopping cart full of goodies. Jack did this for many years regularly, but he was always careful to remain under the radar, showing unconditional love and support in a quiet and understated manner. Although Jack was admired by many, he had but a few lifelong close friends and was a private and non-ostentatious person who didn’t like to “make a production” as he put it. Despite possessing a low-key demeanor, Jack was very well known and respected within the community. He rarely could go out in public without multiple people offering their friendly greetings and handshakes.
Two years ago, Jack was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Ronnie Hermelin Moscovitz, who had suggested early on that Jack change the name of his business to Electronics Unlimited, to better articulate the nature of his business. This turned out to be a smart move, as Jack and Ronnie enjoyed many happy years, traveling together after his retirement from the successful business after more than 40 years. Jack is also survived by his three children, Scott Moscovitz (Ruth Ann), Lori Alperin, DDS (Scott), and David Moscovitz (Natalie). Jack impressed upon each of them the value of family, kindness, hard work, and financial responsibility.
He is also survived by grandchildren he adored: Noah and Zoey Alperin, Sam Ludwig, and Lauren Moscovitz; honorary family member, Lucille Evans; along with his loyal toy Shih Tzu, Ginger.
Per Jack’s wishes, a private family burial will be held. In Jack’s memory, it is requested that you quietly do something nice for someone in need. Donations may be made to one of Jack’s favorite charities: Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, The American Red Cross, Mercy Chefs, or your local SPCA/pet shelter.