David Wolf Strelitz

David Wolf Strelitz, 85, died at home on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 30, 1940, in East London, South Africa, David was the son of the late Jules and Judith Strelitz. David is survived by his devoted wife, Maxine Lange, children Philippa Strelitz and her husband Brian Block, Peter Strelitz and his wife Alison Strelitz, Robyn Strelitz and her husband David Trachtenberg, and his grandchildren Eva and Jude Strelitz-Block, Jakeman and Miles Strelitz, and Harlan and Edie Trachtenberg. His parents, sister, and beloved Granny Jane predeceased him. David grew up in East London, a small city on the southeastern coast of South Africa in the Eastern Cape Province. David was a good student, albeit a bit of a troublemaker, and a talented rugby player. He graduated from primary school in 1958, after which he attended Rhodes University, obtaining both his undergraduate and law degree. In Johannesburg, South Africa, David began practicing law, litigating a range of matters including criminal defense cases that protected the rights of political activists during the apartheid era. During breaks, David's adventurous spirit took him abroad. In 1967, while traveling by motorcycle throughout Israel, David helped maintain the security of Kibbutzim amidst the Seven Day War. He deeply valued this opportunity to protect the state of Israel. Together with his first wife, Darrel Strelitz, he welcomed his first child, Philippa, in 1970, followed by Peter in 1971, and Robyn in 1974. David continued his legal practice of law throughout the 1970s but ultimately made the difficult decision to leave South Africa to move his family to Dallas, Texas in 1977 seeking a different future against the backdrop of apartheid. There, he ran a successful wholesale jewelry business and lived until 1990, when he moved to London to be with Maxine. David shared an epic love story with Maxine. He knew her his entire adult life, even hosting her 21st birthday party. He was her devoted partner for over 35 years. and they finally married in 2009. He never stopped flirting with her or making her laugh. They lived together in London for over 25 years. She made him a fan of the ballet. He did not make her a fan of American football. They travelled widely throughout Europe and Africa and spent countless weeks at the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina, a special place to David, Maxine, and all the children and grandchildren. They relocated to Austin in 2018. David continued working - closing business deals to the very end. His love of sports also endured, and he was a dedicated fan of the National Rugby and Cricket teams of both South Africa and England, and, most notably - no matter if they were winning or losing - the Dallas Cowboys. David had a remarkable gift for connection and loyalty. His circle of friends spanned the globe, with cherished friendships in South Africa, Australia, the UK, Europe, and across the United States. But those dearest to him were always at the center of his life: his wife, children, grandchildren, and people he embraced as extended family, including Maxine's beloved niece, Jo Karney, Heidi Rolfe, the widow of David's closest university friend, along with her daughters Katherine and Loran, to whom David was a devoted godfather, and James Myhre, a very dear friend of both David and Maxine's. David especially loved time with his children and grandchildren. As a "Poppy," he was incomparable. He was incredibly interested in their lives. He knew all the people in their world and tracked their milestones with persistent interest. They had so much fun with him and will miss him greatly. Known for his warmth and wit, David had an easy smile and a real way with words. He could be extremely silly and even his tiredest jokes made you laugh. He was renowned for his gift of verse, which he often sent to unsuspecting recipients under the moniker of "The Phantom Poet." A bound collection of some of his finest works exists in limited edition. David was prone to acts of both unprompted charity (picking up the grocery bill for someone who looked like they needed a little bit extra at check out, for instance) as well as spontaneous valor. If you looked like you needed someone to watch your back, David didn't just threaten to do so, he put himself in harm's way on your behalf. He was not put off by the prospect of legal jeopardy for taking on a bully. David had an abiding passion for helping those in need and in his later years devoted himself fully to working tirelessly to assist individuals struggling to navigate the increasingly complex American immigration system. He helped to successfully keep families together, secure the freedom of people who were unfairly detained or incarcerated, and provide clients with access to urgent medical care. David was justifiably proud of this advocacy work, which has left a long-lasting impact on individuals and their families. The family would like to thank David's many caring physicians, the staff and providers of Texas Oncology, Austin Hospice, and his personal caregivers, for their compassion and assistance, particularly in his final months. We also very much appreciate the visits, prayers, and shared memories conveyed by friends, colleagues, and neighbors new, old, near, and far. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of David's favorite charities, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (https://hias.org) or Casa Marianella (https://www.casamarianella.org), or a charity of your choosing in David's name. A Graveside Service for David will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Ln., Austin, Texas 78731.

David Wolf Strelitz

September 30, 1940 - May 30, 2026