PHILIP HIMELSTEIN

1923 - 2017

Philip Himelstein, 93 years old, passed away August 9, 2017. Philip was a clinical psychologist and a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso. He was born in the Bronx, NY in 1923 and graduated from James Monroe High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater in the 93rd Bomb Group. After World War II ended he earned a B.A. degree at New York University and his PhD degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas in Austin. It was in Austin that he met his future wife Peggy Donn. They were married at the Hillel Center in Austin in 1952, the first couple to do so. Phil was a professor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, New Mexico State University, The University of Texas - El Paso, and adjutant professor at the Florida Institute of Technology. He taught at UTEP for 20 years serving as department chair for five years. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He was co-editor of Readings on the Exceptional Child 1962, 1972, and Handbook of Gestalt Therapy , 1976. He was preceded in death by his parents Isidore and Martha Himmelstein, his brother Saul who died in Italy during World War II, his brother Zalman (Sam) who served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater and his beloved wife Peggy. He is survived by his sister Helen Brill, son and daughter-in-law Steve and Barbara Himelstein, his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Alan Christensen, his son and daughter-in-law Roger and Pennie Himelstein, by grandchildren Scott Himelstein, Rachel Richards, Terry Himelstein, Cherie and Nels Christensen, Marisa, Sara, and Sophie Himelstein, by great grandchildren Aaron David Richards, Yosef Shalom Richards, and Hannah Rose Himelstein. He is also survived by his beloved and dear friend Helen (Deja) Hackett. Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Bnai Zion Cemetery at 12:45pm. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Alzeimers Association, or Sierra Club. www.martinfuneralhomewest.com