FUNERAL HOME

Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary

6001 Centinela Ave

Los Angeles, California

Fred David Obituary

Dr. Fred S. David, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, May 11, 2019.Born Fritz Siegfried David in Hamm an der Sieg, Germany, on January 3, 1927, Fred lived through the traumatic events of Kristallnacht in November 1938 and was fortunate to escape shortly after with his parents, Karl and Irma (née Baer), and sister, Thea, to the United States. The family settled in Kansas City, Missouri, and eventually moved to a farm and returned to raising cattle.

Fred served in the US Army Air Corps for three years, from 1945-1948, including some service in Germany. He attended University of Missouri, graduating in 1954, as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Shortly after moving to Chicago for work, he met the lovely Ellie Davis (née Elvira Davidovits), a survivor of Auschwitz from the Carpathian Mountains (Czechoslovakia/Hungary), who had come to the US in 1948, graduated from high school and college, and become a chemist. They were married in 1955 and had 3 children. Together, they started McCormick Animal Hospital in Skokie, Illinois, which they ran successfully until selling it in 1986. In 1988, the couple moved to Los Angeles and acquired Valley Animal Hospital in Van Nuys. Fred then unretired and ran it successfully until 1997, at which point he sold the business but continued working there until actually retiring in 2012. He was a devoted, caring veterinarian for 58 years, working 7 days a week for nearly his entire career.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elvira David, and his sister, Dorothea (late Gary) Baum. Survived by his 3 children, all of Los Angeles: Debbie David and her husband Daniel Ben-Zvi; Mark David and his wife Debbie Ellerin; and Karen David. Cherished grandfather of Michael David, Rebecca David, Sarah Ben-Zvi, Joey Ben-Zvi, and Amy Ben-Zvi. Dear brother-in-law of Hedy (late Karl) Reisman. Beloved uncle.

Funeral: 12 noon, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in the chapel at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Rabbi Moshe Kesselman will officiate.Shiva (Memorial Week) at the David home Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm., with afternoon/evening Minyan services at 7:35 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to The Blue Card, 171 Madison Avenue, Suite #1405, New York, NY 10016 (bluecardfund.org), which provides direct financial assistance to needy Holocaust survivors.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 14, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred David

Not sure what to say?





Although I only saw the entire obituary now through AAHS, Mark notified me about the passing and I again wish to express my sincere sympathy to him and the family. I did not know Fred David and wish I did. The family members I know are a tribute to him and have shown the respect that he obviously deserves. Heartfelt condolences.

Rosian Zerner

Friend

June 7, 2019

Dennis "DEN" Baum

Family

May 25, 2019

Dennis "DEN" Baum

Family

May 25, 2019

Dennis "DEN" Baum

Family

May 25, 2019

Dear Debbie, Mark and Karen,

I didn't not know your dad and was only introduced to him via the death notice in the Chicago Tribune. However, the details of his life caught my attention. My father's mother was part of the David family that originated in Hamm and Altenkirchen. She grew up in Bonn; Her father was Louis David, and I suspect you and your father may be our cousins. I would love to learn more about your family's background in that area to see if there is a connection. But either way, please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.

James David Nathan

May 15, 2019

Dr. David was our beloved family vet from 1988 until his final retirement. He treated all of our pets with the utmost care and compassion. He was always kind, patient, and interested in anything my husband or I had to say, whether it was about cats, dogs, politics, or the latest news. We always enjoyed chatting with him. He had a wonderful twinkle in his eye and a warm, engaging smile. I will forever remember him with great fondness.

Lori ROBERTS

Friend

May 14, 2019

Debbie, Mark and Karen,

We so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Jane let us know to expect it and I am glad that you all were able to be with him during his final moments. His life truly was a blessing and I am sure that his memory will be one as well. I'm really glad that I got to know him better during my time in L.A. I'm also glad that my grandmother knew that I got the opportunity to spend time with him before she passed away, because I know that it really meant a lot to her as well.

When they get older I look forward to telling Maya and Eden what a kind and gentle man he was. One thing that stands out from my breakfasts with him was how he reacted when he recalled friends and relatives that were killed in the Holocaust. His eyes would tear up and he would have to pause in his speech and I could tell that he was feeling the pain of those losses as if they happened yesterday, not decades ago.

Another thing about him that amazed me was his energy. That he could, in his 80's, work seven days a week at a job that required being on your feet all day and then drive down to Alpine Village in the south bay to go dancing into the wee hours of the morning...I'm not quite sure how he did that but I'm hoping to have 1/10th the energy that he did if I'm fortunate enough to make it to that age!

Even though Maya and Eden won't likely remember meeting your dad I think it is really important that they did because he was one of the last links of our family to Germany and the time of the Holocaust. As time passes and it fades further into history I will tell them the story of how the events of this time period so directly impacted their family, and not just family that existed before they were born, but someone whom they actually met in their lifetime.

Wishing you all a meaningful period of mourning as you celebrate and reflect on Fred's amazing life.

Love,

Andy & Rachel

Andy & Rachel Baum

Family

May 13, 2019

To Debbie and Daniel, Karen, and Mark, and the grandchildren -- our deep condolences. It is sad as the great generation that did so many great things -- for the family and the community -- is passing away. But Dr. David, as well as Elvira, and all our relatives who are now gone, will never be forgotten. Never ever.

Daniel Raviv

Friend

May 13, 2019

With the greatest of love to you all. I will always remember his smile ❤

Tracy Davis

Friend

May 13, 2019

E was truly a unique man. May RIP

Jay & Helen Shadi

Friend

May 13, 2019

Mark my deepest condolences for you , your sister and family. You were an amazing son. I am sure your father was a wonderful father to have a son like you. I just met your sister Im sure she is the same. Sending you strength and healing which comes with time. Im sure you were all lucky to have him. Janet & Lenny Rosenblatt

Janet Rosenblatt

Friend

May 13, 2019

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Fred David's name

Memorial Events
for Fred David

May

14

Funeral

12:00 p.m.

Hillside Memorial Park

6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Funeral services provided by:

Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary

6001 Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

How to support Fred's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Fred David's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more