David Hecht

David Hecht passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 96 years old and lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life defined by devotion to family, faith, friendship, and community. David was born on March 2, 1930, in Leordina, Romania. In 1936, he immigrated with his parents and sister from Cherbourg, France aboard the Île de France, eventually settling in New York City. He attended Yeshiva Torah Vodath in Brooklyn, where strong Jewish values guided him throughout his life. At just 16 years old, David joined the United States Marine Corps, serving for two years before later enlisting in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, and carried great pride in his military service throughout his life. On his return from the service, David stopped in Houston to visit family and immediately fell in love with the city on what he always described as a beautiful spring day. He decided to stay, enrolling at the University of Houston and graduating in 1956. While attending the university, he became a policeman with the Houston Police Department until 1957. Soon after, while working at Belden’s Grocery Store, David was introduced to Celine Chaskin by her sister-in-law, Shirley Chaskin. It was the beginning of a remarkable love story and partnership that lasted 66 years. David and Celine were married on August 16, 1959, by Rabbi William Malev. David was a true entrepreneur with an endless work ethic and a love for building businesses. He founded J.C. Products and later owned several successful ventures, including one of his favorites, Athena’s Greek Restaurant. Though he enjoyed business, nothing brought him greater happiness than time spent with family and friends. David and Celine shared a love of travel, especially cruises with dear friends and family. One of the highlights of their lives was joining Rabbi Segal’s first Beth Yeshurun trip to Israel in 1967. For decades, David and Celine were devoted members of Beth Yeshurun, attending Friday night services together every Friday night. Above all else, David cherished being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He rarely missed his sons’ sporting events and proudly coached Little League baseball during their younger years. His greatest joy came from simply being together with the people he loved. In 2005, David returned to his hometown in Romania with his dear friend, Dave Sufian, revisiting the place where his remarkable journey began. In his later years, David remained active and engaged in the community, volunteering at Seven Acres and the Holocaust Museum Houston. He treasured his lifelong friendships and especially enjoyed his weekly breakfasts with fraternity brothers from the University of Houston, Tuesday lunch gatherings with friends, and Wednesday lunches with his two sons. At home, one of his favorite daily rituals was playing Rummikub with Celine. David faced the challenges of aging with strength, resilience, and determination, always striving to enjoy life to its fullest. He is survived by his devoted wife, Celine Hecht; his children, Janet Mintz (Jeff), Ronny Hecht (Diana), and Jerry Hecht (Arlene); his grandchildren, Andrew Hecht, Adam Mintz (Anastasia), Michelle Guenther (Michael), Bradley Mintz (Tamara), Ryan Hecht, Jeremy Mintz (Samantha), Jordan Hecht, and Collin Hecht; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Levi and Emmie Guenther, and Asher Mintz. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and by his sister, Simmy Diskind. He was preceded in death by his father, Max Hecht; his sisters, Harriet Scholar and Barbara Cohen; and his brother, Larry Hecht. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Albert Raizner for his compassionate care over many years, and also caretaker, Ike Okwumabua. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055. The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b. In David’s memory, donations may be made to Aishel House, www.aishelhouse.org/?form=donate, Jewish Family Service, www.alexanderjfs.org/donate, Jewish War Veterans, www.jwv.org/give/donate/, or a charity of your choice.

David Hecht

March 2, 1930 - May 17, 2026