Richard Abbott Westerman

Richard, son of Edythe and Arthur Westerman, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2023, in Houston, Texas. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague and mentor. Richard was born in Columbus, Ohio, on November 20, 1944. He attended Bexley High School and then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering as well as an MBA at The Ohio State University. There he met the love of his life, Eileen Rosen Westerman. They were married shortly after his graduation on July 23, 1967, and celebrated their 55th anniversary this year. Richard adored Eileen, and she was equally devoted to him. Richard was a trusted and respected businessman, and began his career with Arthur Anderson in Columbus, Ohio, as a certified CPA. While in Ohio, Eilleen gave birth to their only child, son Gregory Scott Westerman, in 1972. Richard then moved with his family to Chicago when he was recruited by Deloitte. In 1982, he was hired to work for Sakowitz and the family moved again, this time to Houston. In Houston, Eileen and Richard raised their son and built a life together which included many joyous occasions and travels with their close network of friends. In 1985, Richard started Westerman & Associates, a computer consulting firm, and was joined by Greg in 1994. Richard was overjoyed to work side-by-side with his son every day. Richard was most proud of his granddaughters, Chloe and Sofia, who lovingly called him “Papa.” He often commented that they were so smart and beautiful, and he delighted in their accomplishments, especially most recently when he learned of their college decisions. He was a very present grandfather, attending birthday parties, family dinners, and sports games, anything for his granddaughters. “The girls,” as he referred to them, loved their papa's smile. Richard is survived by wife Eileen, son Greg, daughter-in-law Lisa, and granddaughters Chloe and Sofia as well as his two sisters Linda Feldheim and Sallee Ach. The family is grateful to all of the family, friends and caregivers from MD Anderson, who have been a source of support and comfort over the past two and a half years. A service will be held on Friday, April 28th, at 2:00 PM at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas, 77074. Rabbi Hayon, Rabbi Walter, Rabbi Silk, and Cantor Simmons will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Richard’s memory be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center (mdanderson.org), Seven Acres (sevenacres.org), or a charity of your choice. Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a great man known for his honesty, trustworthy friendship, love of traveling- especially skiing, passion for reading, and unwavering devotion to his family. A recording of the service can be viewed at the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4MjU0NTYxNzI0ODE2OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Richard Abbott Westerman

November 20, 1944 - April 25, 2023