Walter Heller

Walter Heller died on March 15, 2018 in Houston following a short illness. He leaves his beloved wife Elaine, Son Stephen and daughter-in-law Barbara. Son Mitchell and daughter-in-law Cheryl. Grandsons Bradley and Ryan Heller. Devotes sister Estelle Rubin in Florida. He also leaves two daughters from his Extended Family, Bonnie DeMoss and Mary Ellen Steele, who he and Elaine developed a special relationship with many years ago which continues to this very day. He was predeceased by his brother, Alvin. He was born August 4, 1929 to Fay and Max Heller in Brooklyn New York.he graduated from New Utrecht high school in June 1947 and went on to Brooklyn college and then graduated from Long Island University in June 1952 with a BS in public accounting. He enlisted in the United States Army in June 1948 and was stationed in camp hood. He was in the Army for 1 1/2 years and then in the reserves and honorably discharged on the 11th day of August 1953. During his service, he developed a very strong affection for Houston from when on Armistice Day, his unit marched down main street passing the new shamrock Hilton hotel. This caused him to see a future in this city and said that he would return here someday He returned to New York and got a job at a small accounting firm and began studying for the CPA exam. He actually passed the first two parts of the exam in New York. He returned to Houston in 1955 working for an energy company and studying for the next 2 parts of the cpa exam. In 1956, he met Elaine Rosenthal, who would become the love of his life, and they married on April 7, 1957. He passed the next two parts of the CPA exam in April 1958 and began working with the Melvin Rack CPA firm. When Mr. Rack passed away in 1966, The practice was in financial difficulty, but Walter had earned the respect and trust of several of the clients, including one who was willing to give him a loan to keep the practice going, and he paid it back promptly. He built it into a very successful practice because he had earned so much respect from the existing clients. Walter took enormous pride in his career but most importantly relished the friendships and relationships he developed in over 45 years in the business when he retired in April 2001. Over the course of his adult life, Walter devoted significant time and personal resources to a variety of philanthropic endeavors, including Congregation Beth Yeshurun, where he served on the budget committee and Congregation Brith Shalom. He also took great joy in volunteering for the Maccabean games when they came to Houston, as well as, numerous events to help Israel. Walter was a true American patriot. It was part of his DNA to instill a love of country in his children from their earliest childhood days. He was a member of the Jewish war veterans. He loved to travel, and he and Elaine went all over the world by land, sea and air. He was fascinated by all different people and all different cultures. As a Jew, he had a special affection for Israel and visited there in 1975, when he saw Rabbi Segal there, and most recently in 2005 with the Federation. For many years up to just a few months ago, he was very devoted to his weekly volunteer work at Seven Acres where he dealt cards and derived so much pleasure from seeing how his activities put a smile on the face of the residents. He was devoted to his family, and one of these greatest joys was birth of his 2 grandsons and sharing in their activities. One of his greatest pleasures was accompanying his children and grandchildren on special trips including Disney World and cruises to various destinations. Special thanks to Dr. Jamie Benrey, Walter's longtime cardiologist, and Dr. Feng, Dr. Contreras, Melinda and Tori, who gave such devoted care for him in the very last days. Please make donations to: Congregation Brith Shalom, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Seven Acres.

Walter Heller

August 4, 1929 - March 15, 2018