David Charles Braunstein

David Braunstein, of West Nyack, NY, passed away suddenly on March 10, 2026. He was born on November 19, 1945, in the Bronx, NY. And all who knew him—whether friend, colleague or acquaintance—would smile before agreeing that David was Larger Than Life.

It is those smiles in which the legacy of David Braunstein is written. They recall moments of passion—emotional explosions, showers of love, even angry outbursts—and, yes, the uncharacteristic quiet diligence of a school librarian who consumed hours organizing his personal collections of books and videos.

It is ironic for a man with a heart as big as David’s that his heart was the first organ to fail in his final wrestling match with life.

Devoted husband of Loida, loving father to Michael Braunstein and Hannah Simonelli and her husband, Peter. Also, proudly and fiercely devoted to his grandsons Benjamin, Noah, Jack and Lucas who, in turn, would grow up with memories of being greatly loved by the man they called ‘Pop-Pop.’ David never missed celebrating every one of their achievements. David also leaves behind a stepson, Kenneth Jimenez Palce. Kenneth proved a great help to David in his last years of infirmity.

David graduated DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, NY. He later earned two master’s degrees, one in Special Education and another in Library Science.

David was hardworking and dedicated. He spent more than 30 years simultaneously working as both a teacher and a customs inspector for the U.S. Government. He began his career as Director of the Kaliski School in Riverdale, NY, serving students with special needs. He later taught middle school and high school students in the Bronx, working Summers at Customs, the job he loved the most.

It is fair to say that as a customs inspector at JFK Airport, David was something of legend. His volume of unreported finds and seizures, and their resultant fines, went unmatched for years. And are still fodder for great stories when veteran inspectors gather.

Most noteworthy of all his achievements, David never lost his zest and appreciation for life. He was a steadfastly positive human being. Ultimately confined to a wheelchair, David never complained; never looked at himself and cried “Woe is me!” or “Life is unfair!” He delighted in life’s absurdities, and never railed against his medical challenges or the obstacles he had to overcome every single day.

All who knew David, would tell you he was one very special human being. And we will not see his like for some time.

Funeral services will be held at Moritz Funeral Home, 98 Route 303 South, Tappan, NY 10983, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 685 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, NJ 07022.