Paul David Hecht

Brownsville, Texas - David Paul Hecht 83, Paul passed away on December 8, 2022 in Austin, Texas. He was born in New York on June 24, 1939 to Miriam and Joseph Hecht. Having grown up in the Bronx, he yearned to be outdoors. He studied at City College of New York and continued his studies at the University of Montana where he loved the wide-open spaces and the mountains. As a geologist he spent his time out of doors, which he loved. Upon graduation he worked for more than 40 years for the Army Corp of Engineers as a geologist based in the San Francisco Bay area. He earned his master's degree from University of Montana conducting research in Northern California. He traveled across the US as an expert in concrete working on dams, runways, and anywhere concrete was crucial.

Paul loved the Lord and lived his life accordingly. He participated actively in his church community in a variety of roles. He was well-loved. He had a warm and generous heart and an infectious joyous smile. He loved music; he had a song for every occasion. He had a keen sense of humor and loved his puns; he had endless stories of memories that he loved to share. Paul was an inveterate traveler; he was always in search of the next adventure by land or by sea. He especially loved Paris and was looking forward to a return visit soon.

In his youth he was a Boy Scout completing all requirements to be an Eagle Scout. Later he coached son Kevin's Little League team. As part of his community work he helped with a low-income housing project in Marin County.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Paula Parson Hecht; his son Kevin Eudell Evans Hecht; his sister Mindy Helene Gabriel (Steve); sister-in-law Shelley Hecht (Herb); step-children Barbara Sue Skalberg (Ron), Michael Philip Parson (Seanna), and Christopher Adam Parson; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Miriam Hecht; his son David Lawrence Hecht; his sister, Carole Sue Hecht, and brother, Herb Sidney Hecht.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Paul's love of music and his support of young musicians in the church, please consider memorial gifts to the Pace Music Scholarship at the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville.

http://www.fumcbrownsville.org/ (instructions: make donation to "specials other" - in the note section, type, "pace music scholarship")

A Celebration of Paul's life was held on December 29, 2022. To share words of comfort and memories of Paul with the family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.