David Solomon Chessler, 72, of Waltham, MA (formerly of Bethesda, MD), died peacefully with his family Wednesday, November 19, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Born March 16, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Irving and Pauline Chessler. David graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and received both his Bachelor's degree and PhD in Economics from Columbia University. After his academic career, he worked for the United States Federal Communications Commission and later ran his own consulting company. David was a life-long learner who was passionate about reading. He also loved the outdoors and was active in the Boys Scouts of America as a leader for many years. He enjoyed camping trips with his family, and summer vacations to Orr's Island, ME where he enjoyed the rocky beaches and fresh lobsters. David also enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, and never met a home improvement challenge he couldn't master. David is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Christiane (Larbaletrier) Chessler of Waltham, his son Marc Chessler and his wife Amy of Watertown, MA, his daughter Anne-Danielle Gierahn and her husband Todd of Brookline, MA; his younger brother Michael Chessler and his wife Heinke Forfota of Evergreen, CO; and his five grandchildren: Olivier, Tristan, Isabelle and Nicolas Chessler of Watertown, and Genevieve Gierahn of Brookline, MA. He is predeceased by his parents, Irving and Pauline. David was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who loved him, including his close friends Ira and Irit Bloomgarden; Stuart and Lenore Case, and Michael and Leonida Rossetti. A celebration of David's life will take place on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 10am at the Faggas Funeral Home, 551 Mount Auburn Street in Watertown, MA. Burial will immediately follow at the Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia College Fund, or Good Shepard Community Care (Hospice) of Newton, MA.