Harold Gluckman

Harold Leon Gluckman passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 18, 2016. Born on May 15, 1938 to Sam and Jane Gluckman, he grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa.  By age 21, he graduated as a Chemical Engineer from the University of the Witwatersrand and went to teach in London. Upon his return he worked for Colgate Palmolive and then began a series of successful business ventures, the first with his older brother David.Wanting a better future for his children, he and his former wife Shirley came with their three children to Houston, Texas in 1977. Since then he has lived in El Paso, Conroe, McAllen and most recently Katy with his wife Martha. He successfully created at least ten companies, several of which he still headed on a daily basis. In McAllen, he was President of the Maquiladora Association. He was well-liked and respected as a successful entrepreneur, investor and business owner and spent many years teaching his investing skills to his elder daughter Gail and helping his younger daughter Lynn in her own business, where he worked several days a week.Rough and tough on the outside, Harold had a soft heart and went out of his way to help anyone in need. He was always generous with his money and time. A Master Gardener, he was a phone volunteer at the gardening extension and served annually at their Rodeo booth. He was a long time volunteer for AARP’s Tax-Aide program earning his 10 year service pin last year.Harold loved learning and sharing his knowledge. His keen mind matched his humor and a wonderful sense of adventure. He was a seasoned traveler who visited every country on the earth except for four!  He enjoyed being a runner and amateur boxer when young, a golfer, and played racquetball until the very end. He skied every year in the French Alps with his younger brother Norman and friends and also went white water rafting in Costa Rica with his family.Fun loving, he always laughed and joked with everyone. He was a master at fixing just about anything. He enjoyed being with Martha and their two pugs on their ranch or visiting gardens and national parks. He had a crazy sweet tooth and his grandchildren delighted in the chocolates he brought them every time he visited.He lived his life with passion, zest and intensity in everything he did. His strength of character and discipline was an inspiration to all who knew him and his passing leaves a great void.He was completely family-oriented and loved his children and grandchildren unreservedly. His greatest sorrow in life was the passing of his beloved son Malcolm Gluckman, fourteen years ago.He is survived by his beloved wife Martha, his loving daughters Gail Gluckman and husband Ilan Kuperman and Lynn Chorn and husband Loren Chorn. Step father to Greg and wife Kathy Pagans and Carla Spragg, he was also the adored grandfather of Maya and Benjamin Chorn, Ashley and Casey Pagans, and Madison Spragg. He is also survived by his brothers David Gluckman, Norman Gluckman and their families.Graveside services will be held 10:30am, Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery, 1037 N Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77055; Rabbi Jack Segal officiating.Contributions in Harold’s memory may be made to the Malcolm C. Gluckman Memorial Foundation, c/o The Houston Jewish Community Foundation, 5603 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096.