Sydney Orenstein

Syd was born on August 26, 1940 to Harry and Edith Orenstein in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Sullivan H.S. in 1958 where he was the Salutatorian and Class President, he went on to study Chemical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. After graduation He served in the Illinois National Guard prior to landing his first job as a chemical engineer for Standard Oil, kicking off a 48-year career in the field of Chemical Engineering. He then moved to Houston, TX where he earned his Professional Engineering License. During his career he worked on projects for nearly every major Chemical Company in Houston.

In 1965, he met Donna and they married in 1966, going on to have two children, Cari (Orenstein) Traylor and Glen Orenstein. After retiring in 2010, Syd spent his time playing tennis, pickleball, golfing, gardening, traveling, volunteering as usher for the Hobby Center and The Grand Opera House in Galveston, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved spending time playing pickle ball with his friends at the Clear Lake YMCA.

He always had a passion for giving back to the community. He would give blood at every opportunity. He volunteered to teach English as a Second Language, and lending his time to the United Service Organizations (USO) at Ellington Air Force Base. He would accompany his dog Maya to visit nursing homes as a "Pet Volunteer" through the Faithful Friends of Houston Organization. He was an active and devoted member of Congregation Shaar Hashalom where he made many lifelong friends.

Syd was predeceased by his father Harry Orenstein, mother Edith Orenstein, adoptive mother Ida Orenstein and brother Bernie Orenstein. He is survived by his wife, Donna Orenstein, his children Cari (Jeff) Traylor and Glen (Ellie) Orenstein, and his grandchildren, Jordan Traylor, Jake Traylor, Jaci Traylor, Kaelan Orenstein, Adelle Orenstein, and Liam Orenstein.

A private graveside service was held in The Jewish Section of Forest Park East Cemetery on January 24, 2021. With the service officiated by Rabbis Debra Schloss and Stuart Federow.

The family requests that donations be sent to your favorite charity of choice.

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