Dr. Israel David Obituary

Dr. Israel A. David (b. Israel A. Moskowitz) passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026. He was 100 years old.

Israel was born in Philadelphia in 1925 to parents David and Rose. He was the youngest of three children with siblings Sam and Miriam. His cousin Ellier quickly became Israel’s best friend, and they remained close friends throughout life.

Israel graduated from Central High School at 16 years old. Israel enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania, but before completing his studies, was drafted by the U.S. Army for scientific preservation during World War II. The U.S. government sent him to the University of Washington, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Syracuse to absorb and retain knowledge. He and others were effectively human hard drives, in an era before computers existed.

After the war, Israel returned to the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in chemistry. He later pursued a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. Israel then joined E.I. du Pont de Nemours, where he would spend his entire professional life — first in textile fibers, where he developed a method to dye carpets in multiple colors after they were woven, and later in the highly regarded Central Research and Development (CRD) Department.

Academic and professional accolades aside, his greatest accomplishment was marrying Sylvia. Married in 1951, the two spent 67 years together, initially in Madison, Wisconsin, and then in Wilmington, Delaware, where they raised their children Bernard and Joanie. Bernard married Lisa (neé Zallinger) in 1985 and she has been a caring daughter to Israel and Sylvia ever since.

Israel will be lovingly remembered by his devoted caregivers (thank you all) and his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Sensible Sam, Dr. David Hengerer (Dr. Megan Mansfield), Creative Emily Hershman (Greg Hershman), and Involved Michael Hengerer (Andrew Holder). Israel’s great grandson Shepard will fondly remember his “Poppop.”

All are welcome to graveside services Sunday January 11, 2026, 11:00 AM at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA 19053. Shiva services will be occurring at 6:30 PM on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, please trust and support scientists doing meaningful research.

“Wear it well.”

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - www.levinefuneral.com