David Zeehandelaar, respected attorney

DAVID Zeehandelaar had two favorite means of transportation - flying and bicycling.

He loved to fly, and fulfilled his dream of visiting all 50 states before his 50th birthday.

Then last fall, he completed a 35-mile bike tour through the autumnal foliage of Bucks County.

But it was shortly after that excursion that David was diagnosed with lymphoma. He died of the disease Friday. He was 55 and lived in Villanova.

David Zeehandelaar packed a lot of accomplishment in his short life. He was a partner in the law firm of Blank Rome LLP, specializing in aviation law, served on the executive committee of the Mayor's Airport Advisory Board, was a judge pro tempore in the Court of Common Pleas and was a strong supporter of Israel and Jewish causes.

In fact, as a longtime member of the Main Line Reform Temple, in Wynnewood, he chaired the most successful capital campaign in the temple's history, raising more than $9 million for needed renovations.

He served as president of the temple, one of the largest reform congregations in the region, and was long a member of the board of trustees.

"Dave was a gifted partner, outstanding leader and tremendous friend to all at Blank Rome," said Alan Hoffman, co-chairman of the law firm. "His valiant battle with cancer was the only loss I have known him to have.

"He was respected and sought after by his clients not only for his expertise and counsel as an attorney, but moreover for the character and integrity with which he practiced law."

David was a strong supporter of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in Israel.

"Dave's desire to foster higher education and scientific research and his support of Israel came together in B'er Sheva at this young, dynamic institution," said Claire Winick, Mid-Atlantic Region director for American Associates of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

"He served with distinction in several leadership positions, including co-chairman of the Negev Forum and, at the time of his passing, as Philadelphia Chapter chair with his wife, Mona.

"Together they were members of the International Society of Founders, recognizing their generous contributions to support many projects at the university, including the Center for Women's Health, scholarship funds and the Fund for Ethiopian students."

David held a commercial pilot's certificate and instrument rating.

He was born to Gertrude and Frederik Zeehandelaar, in Eastchester, N.Y., where he graduated from high school. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, he met his future wife, Mona Gusoff, who was one year behind him.

He decided to remain nearby and went to Villanova Law School. They were married in 1977 and he began his law career in Philadelphia.

After being associated with the former law firm of Bolger, Picker, Hankin & Tannenbaum, he moved on to Blank Rome, where he helped set up an aviation-law group.

At Blank Rome, he was chairman of the billing and collection committee, member of the compensation committee and practice group leader for the product liability and mass torts practice group.

Most recently, he served as administrative partner for the firm's newly formed Los Angeles office.

David's mother, who had lived in Amsterdam, escaped the Nazis aboard the famed "kindertransport" that took mostly Jewish children to England from Nazi Germany and other countries before the start of World War II.

Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Daniel.

Services: Were yesterday. Burial was in Haym Salomon Memorial Park, in Frazer.

Contributions may be made to Main Line Reform Temple Capital Campaign, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19096; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 261 Old York Road, #417A, Jenkintown, PA 19046; or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken PA 19428.