The Melodians had been informally singing for several years. Finally, on March 16, 2015, David created Melodians Associates Inc., with himself as President, along with Lena Goren, Treasurer, and his wife Carole, Officer. He led the group through rehearsals, dreaming up, and purchasing, repertoire for Soloists, Medleys from Musicals, and Singalongs for the audiences to join in. He decided on and purchased costumes. He booked venues and collected fees. He paid the pianists and drivers—basically, he did it all. At the time of his death, he was rehearsing a new solo, “For the First Time” from Zorba, and the duet “Bosom Buddies” from Mame with Brian Hunter.
David was instrumental in preparing Brian for his Bar Mitzvah, which took place on September 21, 2024, only a few weeks before David broke his hip. While he was convalescing in Northwell Health Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation, he contracted a UTI, which eventually led to his death. A month before his death, David told Brian he wanted him to take over The Melodians, but Brian was unwilling to believe that David was through and said he didn’t have time. David said in that case close down The Melodians and give the money in the bank account to a nonprofit organization that cares for seniors. When David passed, Brian took over and served as director for two seasons through the end of 2025. He is currently taking a hiatus to compose an opera, an idea which had pleased David immensely, being a huge opera fan. He and Brian read through and talked about the possibility of transforming Paddy Chayevsky’s play, The Tenth Man, into an opera, and that is Brian’s goal.
David died after sunset on January 28, 2025, so his Yahrzeit is 29 Tevet. In 2026, 29 Tevet is Sunday, January 18, so light memorial candles on the evening of Saturday, January 17. May David’s soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life and may his memory serve as a continued source of inspiration and comfort to us.
Here are some of his performances – there should be more coming – enjoy!