In Loving Memory of David Pud

January 11, 1934 – September 7, 2026

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved David Pud—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true mensch—who passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 92.

David was born on January 11, 1934, in Moldova. An excellent student with a curious and gifted mind, he met his future wife, Liya, while they were still in school. They married in December 1956 and went on to share nearly 70 years of life together. This December would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary—an extraordinary milestone and a reflection of a lifetime of love, partnership, loyalty, and devotion.

David attended Lviv Polytechnic Institute from 1952 to 1957, earning a Master of Science degree in Engineering. He began his professional career in Beltsy, Moldova, as an engineer and later became Superintendent of a technical school. His work suited him perfectly: David was intelligent, technically gifted, endlessly curious, and always interested in understanding how things worked.

In 1989, David and his family came to the United States and began a new chapter of their lives. He brought with him the determination, adaptability, and energy that had always defined him, as well as the values and traditions that remained an important part of who he was.

David had an incredible zest for life. He was always active and full of energy, with many hobbies and interests. He loved learning new things, working with his hands and his mind, solving problems, and keeping up with the world around him. Age did little to diminish his curiosity or his desire to stay engaged with life.

Most of all, David loved people.

He was outgoing, warm, friendly, and genuinely interested in others. He could strike up a conversation easily, and people were naturally drawn to him. Wherever he went, he made connections. He valued friendships, enjoyed being surrounded by others, and had a way of making people feel comfortable in his company. He was loved and respected by many throughout his life.

But nothing was more important to David than his family.

He was a devoted husband to Liya, a loving father to his daughters, Zina and Polina, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Watching his family grow brought him enormous happiness. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of tremendous pride and joy.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Liya; his daughters, Zina, widow of the late Greg, who passed away in 2017, and Polina and her husband Yan; his grandchildren, Ilya and his wife Natasha, Charlie and his wife Ally, and Natanie and her husband Dan; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Joshua, Gerry, and Sofia.

There are many words we could use to describe David—intelligent, energetic, curious, outgoing, devoted, warm, and kind. But perhaps the one that captures him best is mensch.

David was a true mensch: a good and decent man, a man of integrity and heart, someone who cared about people and was cared for deeply in return.

We will miss his energy, his curiosity, his conversations, his warmth, and simply having him with us. We will miss the presence of a man who was such an important part of our family for so many years.

David lived a long and full life, surrounded by the family he loved and by people who loved and respected him. His life touched four generations, and the values, memories, stories, and love he leaves behind will continue through all of us.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.