Stephen Zimmerman

1941 - 2025

Stephen Zimmerman
06/04/1941 - 10/31/2025
Stephen "Steve" Neal Zimmerman–beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and "Papa"–passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, October 31, 2025, in the comfort of his home, a space he loved and built with his own hands.
Born in Brooklyn in 1941 and raised in New Orleans, Steve carried the Big Easy's warmth, creativity, and hospitality throughout every chapter of his life. A Tulane Law School graduate, he moved to Houston in 1964, where he practiced and taught law and political science. There, his legal acumen sparked an entrepreneurial spirit, drawing him toward real estate development in the then-overlooked Montrose neighborhood. I
What began with acquiring small properties and pioneering townhome developments eventually led to beloved establishments that introduced a new convivial spirit to the city and shaped the area's future, most notably Zimm's, celebrated as Houston's first sidewalk café and Texas's first wine bar.
In 1979, Steve acquired the historic Fondren Mansion and then opened La Colombe d'Or, an intimate, art-filled boutique hotel that became a Houston icon and welcomed presidents, dignitaries, Nobel laureates, and celebrities. Over the years, he expanded the property to include the famed 18th-century Le Grand Salon Ballroom and later partnered with Gerald Hines to develop The Residences at La Colombe d'Or, uniting the beloved historic hotel with a new symbol of modern Houston.
In 1982, Steve met and fell in love with Becky, who would become his wife and the mother of his two sons, Dan and Drew. Together they built a beautiful life, traveling the world while creating a legacy rooted in love, hospitality, and family.
Decades later, in 2020, Steve renovated La Colombe d'Or side by side with his son, Dan, a shared labor of love that joined history and progress, father and son, tradition and vision. Today, his grandchildren play hide and seek in "Asher's Garden," named for his first-born grandson on the hotel grounds, whispering fantastical stories of superheroes. To them, Papa is the true superhero – the man who turned dreams into spaces and gatherings into memories.
A citizen of the world, Steve cherished his time in the South of France - its culture, cuisine, and slower rhythm of life. His family home there remains a cherished retreat, filled with laughter, food, and memories that reflect his generosity and joie de vivre. Charismatic and endlessly curious, Steve never met a stranger. From Houston to the South of France, Steve could strike up a conversation that left others laughing, thinking, and inspired. His humor, intellect, and warmth drew people in and made them feel seen and valued.
Steve was devoted to his family, his work, and his community, and brought the same enthusiasm to every pursuit. Deeply proud of his Jewish heritage, he lived a life guided by faith, family, generosity, and connection. He embraced traditions that celebrated love, learning, and service – values he carried forward through his children and grandchildren.
Above all, Steve was immensely proud of his sons. He encouraged them to follow their passions – supporting Drew's love of soccer and partnering with Dan to carry forward the family's vision. To his daughter-in-law, he was "Dad" in every sense of the word – wise, caring, generous, and unwavering in guidance and love. He also adored his dogs, Timber, Lily, and Phoebe, whose companionship brought him constant joy.
Etz Chayim Hi - Our Tree of Life. Steve's roots and values will continue to nourish his family for generations to come.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Becky Zimmerman; his son, Dan Zimmerman and daughter-in-law, Kirsten Seglem Zimmerman; his grandchildren, Asher, Arielle, and Avi; and his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Allen Rosenzweig. He was preceded in death by his cherished son, Drew Zimmerman, and loving parents, Sylvia and Herman Zimmerman. His legacy of vision, hospitality, and heart lives on in them–and in all who were fortunate to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve's honor to Jack Segal Academy at Beth Yeshurun (www.segalacademy.org), supporting early childhood Jewish education, or to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, (www.mfah.org) celebrating his lifelong appreciation for art and beauty.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.