MARTIN DEBROVNER 1936-2017
Surrounded by his loving family, Martin Debrovner, age 80, passed away on March 29, 2017. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Martin was a proud graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. He then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Columbia University, majoring in industrial psychology.
In 1964, this background led him to Houston and the Johnson Space Center where he conducted research and trained the Gemini flight crews in the integration of their equipment for extravehicular activity. In 1968, Martin joined J. Weingarten as Vice President of real estate; and in 1997, he was named Vice Chairman of Weingarten Realty Investors, a position he held until his retirement in 2008.
After retirement, he served as chair of the Uptown Houston TIRZ board. He also served on the boards of the Memorial Park Conservancy, the Junior League of Houston Foundation, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Covenant House Texas, and Neuhaus Education Center.
Martin leaves behind his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda; his daughter Beth, husband Conrad, and sons Grant and Chase Ollenburger, of Houston; son John, wife Nicole, and their son Will Debrovner of Evergreen, CO; and daughter Emily and her daughter Grace Bavouset of Delray Beach, FL. He leaves, as well, his brother Harold and wife Marcia of Delray Beach, FL, and Philadelphia, PA.
Martin was respected by business colleagues, treasured by friends, and adored by family. He will be sorely missed by all.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, Houston, Texas, where Rabbi Steven M. Gross of Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
The family requests donations be made in Martin’s name to Neuhaus Education Center, 4433 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX, 77401.