Daniel Peter Selznick

Daniel Selznick Obituary

Selznick, Daniel Pete
66, died at Abrazo Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his loved ones on December 9, 2016. Dan was the youngest child of Max Leo Selznick and Razelle Levitz Selznick, born in San Bernardino, California, making him a proud native Californian. Daniel was known by his friends and family as "Danny." Danny was the third generation to carry on the 106 year legacy of the family furniture business, with over 50 years of experience in the industry. He held many titles with Levitz Furniture, Cousins Home Furnishings, S.A. Levitz (GERS), RB Daniels and The RoomStore. He always set high standards supported by his dedication and work ethic. One of his many trademark sayings to his management team was, "Are you makin' 'em (customers) happy?" Dan had many hobbies over the years including golfing at courses around the country, often using his jet pilot's license to fly himself to various destinations, as well as competing as a professional race car driver. It was often said that he had little to no patience, to which he would mostly agree given his cheerful and witty sense of humor. He was very passionate about his beliefs regarding life and business, and was always ready and willing to debate his point of view. He could be very persuasive and was often able to convince his family, friends, and business associates that he was right even when, occasionally, he was not. As a Phoenix resident for over 22 years, Dan was very active in the community. In addition to supporting many local charities, he especially enjoyed dining out, taking in music and concerts, laughing it up at a comedy show, and attending sporting events. Danny is survived by his daughter Jamie Rae Selznick, son Richard Bennett Selznick, and sister Beth Beck. His brother Mitchell Selznick recently preceded him in death. We will miss him immensely and will continue to keep his spirit alive. A celebration will be held to honor and remember him. He would want to send out as a reminder to all: please seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing chest pains or any symptoms of heart issues. Donations in his memory can be made to the Arizona Heart Foundation 1910 E. Thomas Rd. Suite 220 Phoenix AZ 85016 attentions Nancy Ashland.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Selznick

6 Entries

Gerry rich

July 23, 2019

The best person I ever worked with in many ways.
Super smart and great personality.

Brad Rich

July 23, 2019

I am so sorry to hear the news. I worked for Danny for over a decade. He was a great guy, smart as can be and always fun to be with.

Dennis Conforto

January 5, 2017

I was so surprised and even shocked today when I learned that my friend Danny Selznick had passed away. He was 66 and died suddenly from a heart attack. He was for me a friend, a partner, a mentor and my buddy! Our relationship changed many times over the years. I was his client for years and then he was my client for decades with three different firms I owned. He convinced me to join with him in the software industry, to do that I left the retail industry only to then see him leave the software industry and go back into the retail industry. The only person I knew to be more analytical than me was Danny. He made retail a science for me. His influence in my life is still felt deep within me. He was as serious as he was funny. When I lost my son Jared, Danny for reasons he never shared with me, paid for Jared's funeral. I never made the request of him nor would I have asked. It was something he just did quietly. That single act of kindness made me intensely loyal to him over the years. I loved him, truly loved him for that act of kindness. I have tried to follow his example all of my life in acts of quiet kindness. He raced cars, he loved to golf and play Tennis. He flew his own jets and planes and he knew the famous and the nobodies and treated them all the same. He ran large companies and knew how to grow something from nothing. I knew his brother Mitchell who recently passed on and knew his mother Raze and worked with her before she passed on. His uncle Sid Levitz, (Raze younger brother) was my greatest mentor of all things retail. He has passed on as well. He and Sid were the original founders of what became known as GERS Retail Systems. This before Gary Reif and I came along to take it all to a new level. And Gary too is gone which was yet another heart breaking loss for me. I am the getting close to being the last man standing, something I would have never conceived or imagined. I shall miss my great friend Danny! I am grateful for the positive impact he and his family has had on my life. Rest In Peace Danny, forever in Peace.

Chris Grant

December 19, 2016

So sorry for the family's loss...he was a great guy, extremely intelligent and very kind. I had the honor to work with him. He will be missed.

Cheri Tedder

December 18, 2016

My prayers are with Danny's family during this difficult time.

Cindy Gregory

December 18, 2016

I grabbed my phone to call you yesterday to ask your opinion on something. It took me a few minutes to realize I couldn't do that anymore. I miss your advice and encouragement Danny. Fly high my man!

Cindy

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