It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reuben Chess, a beloved figure in New York City, who passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 82. Reuben was a respected businessman, philanthropist, and cherished member of his community. His death has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many contributions he made to both his local community and the broader world.
Reuben Chess was born on April 14, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents who instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion. Growing up in a close-knit family, Reuben quickly developed a love for learning and an eagerness to help others. He attended public schools in Brooklyn, where he excelled academically and became known for his leadership skills and natural curiosity. As a young man, Reuben was driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact, and he was deeply committed to both his education and the well-being of those around him.
After graduating from high school, Reuben pursued a degree in business at New York University (NYU), where he distinguished himself as a standout student and future leader. During his college years, he was involved in a variety of student organizations and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. It was at NYU that Reuben first began to cultivate his business acumen, and after earning his degree, he went on to found several successful ventures in real estate and business development.
Reuben’s professional career was marked by his keen strategic vision and unwavering commitment to integrity. Over the years, he built a reputation as a successful and reliable businessman who had an eye for opportunity and an innate ability to make meaningful connections. His work in real estate development played a major role in transforming parts of New York City, particularly in the neighborhoods he loved. Reuben was known for his thoughtful approach to development, always striving to create spaces that would enhance the lives of those who lived and worked in them. He was a key player in several major building projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the city he called home.
In addition to his business ventures, Reuben was an active philanthropist who dedicated much of his time and resources to giving back to the community. He was a long-time supporter of various charitable causes, particularly those related to education, healthcare, and social justice. Reuben firmly believed in the power of community and was passionate about helping those less fortunate. He made significant contributions to organizations that supported the arts, public education, and homelessness, and he was deeply committed to promoting social equity in New York City.
One of Reuben’s most meaningful philanthropic endeavors was his work with the New York City Education Foundation, where he served as a board member for many years. He was instrumental in raising funds for scholarships, supporting underprivileged students, and improving public schools in the city. His dedication to education was a reflection of his belief that access to knowledge and opportunity was essential for personal and societal growth.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic efforts, Reuben was a family man at heart. He married his beloved wife, Miriam, in 1967, and together they raised two children, Rachel and Daniel. Reuben was a devoted husband and father, always placing his family at the center of his life. He instilled in his children the same values of kindness, hard work, and community service that had guided him throughout his own life. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he took great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Reuben’s family recalls him as a loving and nurturing presence in their lives, someone who always led with wisdom, humor, and an open heart.
Outside of work and family, Reuben had a wide range of interests. He was an avid reader with a particular passion for history and philosophy. He was also a lover of the arts and could often be found at theater performances, museums, and gallery openings. He believed in the power of culture to bring people together and enrich the human experience. Reuben had a deep appreciation for music and the theater, and he supported several local arts organizations in New York City.
Reuben’s friends describe him as a warm, charismatic, and generous person who always knew how to make others feel valued. His sense of humor was infectious, and his ability to bring joy to those around him was one of his most endearing qualities. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his friendships spanned decades and continents. He was known for his mentorship, always offering guidance and support to younger generations and helping them achieve their goals.
As a leader in his community, Reuben was deeply involved in various civic organizations, including the New York City Chamber of Commerce and the Jewish Community Center. He took great pride in helping to improve the city he loved, working to ensure that New York remained a place where all people could thrive. His work in local politics, though often behind the scenes, helped shape policies that benefited the city’s most vulnerable residents. Reuben’s commitment to making New York a better place was a cornerstone of his life’s work.
Reuben Chess is survived by his wife, Miriam; his children, Rachel (and her husband, Ben) and Daniel (and his wife, Leah); his grandchildren, Samuel, Isaac, and Lila; his brother, David; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Jacob Chess, and his sister, Sarah Goldstein.
A memorial service to celebrate Reuben’s life will be held on December 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. Family, friends, colleagues, and members of the community are invited to attend and pay their respects to a man who gave so much to others. A private burial will take place following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New York City Education Foundation or the Jewish Community Center in Reuben’s memory, continuing his legacy of helping those in need.
Reuben Chess’s passing is a profound loss, but his life was one of purpose, kindness, and giving. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the future of New York City. Rest in peace, Reuben. Your impact on this world will never be forgotten.
