David Gary (Duddle) Halpern

Gregarious, passionate, and persevering, David Gary “Duddle” Halpern lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. With a loud voice, dry sense of humor, and strong New York accent, David left quite an impression. He possessed a sincere affection for all people and eagerly welcomed others into his heart. A passionate talker, David made friends quickly, and he could inspire even the most committed curmudgeon to smile. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, David welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Treasured by many, David will long be remembered and ever so missed.

1958, the year the microchip was invented, NASA was formed, gas was only .25 cents a gallon, and unemployment was less than 2%. While the Packard ended production, National Airlines began the first passenger flights with the Boeing 707; Billie Holiday and Elvis Presley dominated the radio, and Candid Camera brought laughter to our homes each week. It was indeed a time of hope and prosperity. Nowhere did hope reign more clearly than in the hearts and Brooklyn, New York home of Arnold and Beatrice (Edelstein) Halpern as they welcomed their son David into their family on November 13.

Growing-up in Brooklyn, during the 60s and 70s, David enjoyed a childhood rich in faith and family traditions. While his father worked as a car dealer, his mother was a teacher. The youngest of the three Halpern boys, David enjoyed the good company of his brothers, Joel and Michael. While in school at Yeshiva University, he loved playing basketball and being the captain of the team.

After graduating from high school, David studied psychology for two years at Brooklyn College. He also worked at a resort in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania. He later traveled to Israel, where he lived in a Kibbutz for three years.

In 1990, David had the good fortune of meeting his future wife, Kristin, on a blind date. They dated for a time and married in Weston Connecticut. In time, the couple moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and made their home on 4th St. NW. David and Kristin were blessed to welcome three children to their family. Jacob, Abigail, and Tallia, were David’s heart’s delight. As the family grew and their needs changed, they moved to Jenison, Michigan. Over the years, David provided for his family through his work at several local companies, including L & L Jiroch Warehouse and Advanced Packaging. His most recent employment was with Sara Lee.

An active father, David thoroughly enjoyed participating in his children’s activities. He proudly encouraged all of their endeavors, cheering them on from the audience. Whether attending their dance recitals, choir performances, or listening about their day, David relished in his children. The family vacations to Canada, visiting David’s family in Connecticut and taking in the latest NFL game. David shared his love for the New York Giants with his vast collection of memorabilia.

David also had a deep love for all animals. He was especially fond of his German Shepherd, Zack. David preferred the music of his youth and had a vast collection of Classic Rock cassettes and CDs. A big movie buff, David enjoyed many movies. He especially enjoyed the classics on TCM Network, old Westerns, and James Bond films. Never one to turn down a great meal of Chinese food, David’s favorite restaurants were Asian Garden and Stir Fry Express. David also found much joy in his yard. He loved improving the landscape, planting new flowers, and carefully tending every living thing.

An active member of The Chabad House of Western Michigan, and who sometimes attended City Life Church, David was a conscious student of his faith. Not only did he honor the Jewish holidays, but he also strove for better understanding and recognition of the Creator, the role and purpose of Creation, and the importance and unique mission of each Creature. He leaned into this guiding philosophy as a guide, continually striving to refine and govern his every act and feeling through wisdom, comprehension, and knowledge.

David G. Duddle Halpern, aged 61, of Grand Rapids, passed away very unexpectedly at his home, on Sunday, June 7, 2020. He was preceded in death by; his parents, Arnold and Beatrice Halpern, his brothers, Joel Halpern and Michael Halpern, uncle, Eric Edelstein, aunt, Elaine Mendelsohn. He is survived by his children; Jacob Halpern, Abigail (Zachary) Kenney, Tallia (Jacob) Rosso; a grandchild, Piper Lynn, who is on the way; nieces and nephews, Zack (Becky) Halpern, Brian (Ariel) Halpern; great-niece and nephew, Amilia and Jonah Halpern; former wife, Kristin (Gary) Grose; sister-in-law, Barbara Halpern; many other nieces, nephews, and friends. A private service will be held at Heritage life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Tuesday, June 9, at 11:00 am. His funeral will be webcast from his web page beginning at 11:00 am Tuesday. To read more about David’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.heritagelifestory.com