David Bernard Turkel

David Bernard Turkel, surrounded by loved ones, passed peacefully from this world at the age of 81 on Saturday, June 1, 2024. He was born in Houston, TX on March 5, 1943, to parents Lorraine (Daily) Turkel and Julius Turkel. He spent his early years in Rosenberg, Texas, and moved to Houston in 1948. David was active in the newspaper and ROTC at Lamar High School, graduating in 1961. After starting college at Boston University, David transferred to the University of Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1964. Upon graduation, he moved back to Houston to work with his stepfather, Allen Field.

David married Phyllis (Gerson) Turkel, and they raised their two children, Adam and Julia. David loved his family, filling their lives with adventure, exciting vacations, and great memories. He was also a caring and supportive father figure to his sister's children: Jeremy, David, Mary, Jessica, and Veronica Lee. David later married Dr. Joy Blumenreich and together they created a warm and welcoming home. Inspired by his own stepfather, David was a loving and inclusive force in the lives of his stepchildren, Sacha and Zac Bodner, and in the years that followed, his grandchildren as well. To all his extended family, he was a source of love, guidance, and support - themes that endured throughout his personal and professional life.

David enjoyed a fulfilling career, with experience in property management, title insurance, and commercial real estate. After working in economic development for Houston Mayor Bob Lanier, David discovered his life's work during the last twenty years of his career in government with Harris County. He became Executive Director of the Community Services Department, which included Economic Development, Social Services, Housing and Community Development, Public Transit, and the county indigent cemeteries. In this role, David helped improve the lives of Harris County residents by bringing jobs and resources to their communities. He loved his work and is remembered by many as someone who gave them their start, mentored them, and took great pride in helping advance their careers.

David was a sharp and progressive thinker and had colorful interests and talents. He earned his pilot's license at the age of 17. He played the banjo, dobro, guitar, and accordion, and could often be found in the parlor, filling his home with the warm sounds of old-timey piano. He enjoyed bluegrass, family history, sailing, hunting, skiing, attending (and sometimes napping through) theater and operas, eating good food, and traveling the world. David was a great friend, known for nurturing lifelong connections spanning all the way back to elementary school. He delighted in his monthly meetings with fellow members of his Lamar High School class of 1961, affectionately dubbed the "Olde Pfarts."

David was inspired by Judaism to be an optimistic, life-long learner. He studied Yiddish and Hebrew and attended classes at the JCC. He was active in Jewish leadership and philanthropy in the Greater Houston area. He was a member of several local synagogues and served in leadership capacities with the Anti-Defamation League, Houston Hillel, the Houston Redevelopment Authority, the JCC, and as chairman of the Cemetery Committee at Congregation Beth Israel.

David is predeceased by his mother, Lorraine Daily Field, father, Julius Turkel, step-father, Allen Field, and sister, Rita T. Lee, MD. He is survived by his wife Joy, former wife Phyllis, children Adam Turkel (Laurie Lehoski), Julia Turkel Weisberg (Charlie), Sacha Bodner (Samantha), and Zac Bodner, along with his grandchildren Asher and Sam Weisberg, and Naya and Ezra Bodner. In addition to his sister's children, Jeremy Lee (Elisabeth and son Benjamin), David Lee (Daphne), Mary Lee (Jay Schusterman and daughters Lauren and Haley), Jessica Lee Freedson (Armyn and children Amara and Rowan), and Veronica Strulovich (Shlomi and sons Liam and Aiden), he also leaves behind beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and dear friends.

David was happiest when gathered with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed for so many things, especially his sense of humor, warmth, storytelling, character, counsel, and devotion to community, friends, and family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 11:30 AM in the Gordon Chapel of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77096.

In his honor, mourners are invited to do a kind deed to help someone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David B. Turkel Memorial Education Fund at Methodist Hospital (https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm), Faithful Paws (https://faithfulpawshouston.org/support-faithful-paws/), or a charity of your choice.

For donations in memory of David Turkel, please visit www.houstoncatering.com. Click on Shiva fund and in the family name line, please write David Turkel.