Joel Brochstein

Joel Brochstein, a devoted family man, respected business leader, and lifelong Houstonian, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on June 16, 1934, in Houston, Texas, Joel’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and his love of life. After graduating from Sam Houston High School, Joel attended the University of Texas, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Delta, now Zeta Beta Tau. He later earned his degree in Architecture from the University of Houston, equipping him for a long and successful career. Joel served his country with distinction, beginning as a First Lieutenant in the Army and being stationed in Germany for two years. After his active duty, he continued to serve in the reserves, eventually achieving the rank of Captain over his six years of service. In 1959, Joel joined the family business, Brochstein’s, Inc., where he worked with pride and dedication until his retirement at the age of 70. His leadership helped the company thrive, and his work left an indelible mark on those he led and worked alongside. Beyond his professional achievements, Joel was a man of many passions. He loved playing tennis on Sundays with lifelong friends and, as the years went by, embraced golf, becoming a member of Westwood Country Club. Joel cherished spending Sunday afternoons by the pool with a good book, always accompanied by a loyal dog at his side. When Joel retired his favorite part of the day was picking up his two grandchildren from school, always with a bag of snacks for the car ride home. Joel and his beloved wife, Lynn, shared a love for travel, exploring the world together in their later years. Joel and Lynn’s marriage, which began on September 4, 1960, was a shining example of love and devotion. He passed just one day shy of what would have been their 64th wedding anniversary, having shared a lifetime of memories with the love of his life. A man of quiet strength, Joel never complained, even in his final days. His life was defined by his commitment to his family, his work, and his community. Joel believed deeply in giving back and was actively involved in several Houston institutions, including Congregation Beth Israel, 7 Acres, and MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he served on the boards. He was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Israel, reflecting his dedication to his faith and community. Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn, his two children, Lee Brochstein and Jon Brochstein, and his grandchildren, Jonah Adler and Dovid Adler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Bertha Brochstein, and his brother, Robert Brochstein. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:30 AM in the Proler Chapel at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX 77055. Following the service, the family invites those in attendance to join them for a lunch at the party room at The Bristol. The family would like to thank the wonderful Doctors and Staff at MD Anderson and Methodist Hospital for the care and attention they gave Joel over the years. We especially want to thank Alycia Hughes-McKissack for her tireless devotion and dedication she has shown our family in helping to navigate through some of our hardest moments. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lynn and Joel Brochstein Endowment at MD Anderson Cancer Center or a charity of your choice. Thank you to the very talented Jonah Adler who sketched the image of Joel last week while they were visiting him.

Joel Brochstein

June 16, 1934 - September 3, 2024