DAVID PHILIP KAPILOFF
1943-2018
David was a second generation native Houstonian, the only child of Helen Bell Kapiloff of blessed memory, and was born December 10, 1943 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1961, and then from The University of Texas at Austin in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration. At UT he met his wife of almost 53 years, Amy Geppert, from Dallas. Together they built a family which he was very proud of including children Brian (Tracy) Kapiloff and Robyn (Kevin) Rosenblatt; grandchildren Andie and Lauryn Kapiloff, and Ellie, Talia, and Ian Rosenblatt, all of Houston.
Through the years, David found success in several business ventures. In 1988 David got back into the insurance agency business when he became partners with Jay Gerstenhaber. Over the next 30 years, he oversaw the growth of their small local agency into one of the largest privately held firms in the United States, known today as Insgroup. David learned the business early on from his grandfather, Wolf Bell (Lena), and his uncle, Bussie Bell (Henrietta) both of blessed memory, who owned Bell Insurance Agency on Caroline Street beginning in the 1930’s.
Always gregarious and loquacious, he made friends wherever he went. Because of his strong sense of humor and his habit of quietly helping those in need, he was forgiven his bluster and colorful language. Very few businesspeople can claim strangers who became clients first and went on to become lifelong friends, but for David, this was the case with many. He was passionate about his clients and advocated tirelessly on their behalf. His greatest joy, however, were family occasions in his home surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
David also loved being on the water. He was an avid boater and fisherman, and he enjoyed entertaining friends and family on his boats here and in Florida. Enjoying years of travel in the US and abroad, he was able to complete his bucket list before he became ill. David enjoyed golfing, but did not find time to play until the early 2000’s, joining Braeburn Country Club and gaining a whole new group of friends. There was always time for the Houston Rockets, beginning with the first game played in Houston and continuing as a lifetime season ticket holder. Later in life, David developed an interest in contemporary art and enjoyed haggling with dealers. You always knew where you stood with David, and he will be forever remembered for his larger than life personality.
A memorial service will be held at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Boulevard, at 10:00 am on Sunday, July 15, with internment to follow at Emanu El Cemetery. Rabbis Hayon and Walter will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA houstonspca.org/give or to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center where donations made in his honor will fund Neuroendocrine Tumor Research at P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or www. mdanderson.org/gifts.