Bill Bachrach
Nov 8, 1939 – Mar 18, 2016
William Henry Bachrach died unexpectedly at age 76 on March 18. Born in Plymouth Ohio, for 40-plus years he maintained a legal practice in Oakland and was a resident of Piedmont. He was a graduate of Howe Military Academy, Yale University, and the University of Michigan Law School. He ran track at Yale and was a gold medalist for the US team in the 1961 Maccabiah Games. Bill was a skilled and compassionate lawyer, a generous and active member of civic, legal, and Jewish communities; consummate runner turned avid golfer, humorist, and trumpet player.
He will be remembered as a supportive father, husband, and employer. He is survived by his wife Elaine, their adult children Jesse, Ari and Alexis, and brother Charles. Contributions to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Elaine and family care of Bill’s office at 1939 Harrison St. suite 612, Oakland CA 94612.
Samuel Gelt, 94, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2016, in Millbrae, CA, with his loving caregiver, Tess Jasmin, by his side. He is survived by his daughters Jerilyn, Roberta, and Marsha Gelt, son-in-law Barry Schienberg, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Barbara Harkaway, nieces Joyce Spector (daughter #4), Dori Gelt-James and Beth Kleinknicht, nephews Steve Davis and Joe Harkaway, and great nephew, Eddie Pells. Sam was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sylvia, his partner of 64 years.
Sam loved his work as owner of North Star Auto Auction in Minnesota, where he was known as an ethical businessman who cared deeply about his employees, many of whom still remembered him with annual birthday cards. He proudly served as the first Jewish president of the National Automobile Association in 1979.
Sam and Sylvia retired to Boca Raton, FL, where they enjoyed their lovely home on the water, endless games of tennis, golf and bridge, a whirlwind social life and visits from family and friends. They moved to California in 2009 to be closer to their daughters. Sam and Sylvia traveled the world, making new friends wherever they went because no one told a story or a joke better than Sam (and no one laughed harder than Sylvia).
Sam was known for his love of music, both listening (especially to the rat pack) and singing, and was famous for serenading guests at the many parties he and Sylvia hosted. Sam was a veteran of WWII, a staunch supporter of Israel, and a generous philanthropist to many Jewish organizations and others. He was truly loved by his family, many friends and colleagues and will be missed.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to the National MS Society, Hadassah or the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636
Rosalie May Gevertz died peacefully at home in San Mateo surrounded by her family on March 19 at age 88. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Born in San Francisco on May 21, 1927 to Samuel and Sarah Godes, she was their only child. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harold, and their children Michael (Melissa), Barry (Maureen) and Debra (Joe), and 8 grandchildren, Erin, Michael (Nicky), Bryant (Jenn), Scott, Taylor, Connor, Emily, and Molly.
Rosalie graduated from Washington HS in San Francisco in 1945. That summer, at Hobergs Resort, she met the love of her life, Harold, who was serving in the Coast Guard during WWII. They married in 1947 and immediately went into the retail business for themselves, co-founding Lullaby Lane in San Bruno, which became an iconic store for thousands of new parents and families throughout the Bay Area for the next 64 years. Rosalie did not fully retire from Lullaby Lane until 2011 when it closed. Rosalie and her “Hershel” loved adventure and traveled throughout their 68 years to every continent.
She was a lover of the ballet, symphony, theater and movies. Giving to community was very important to her. She was a two-time president of Ner Tamid Sisterhood and active in Amit Women. In 1994 she joined and became an active member, including president of the philanthropic sorority Theta Delta Xi.
Donations in honor of Rosalie can be made to Theta Delta Xi at 339 Magellan, SF 94116 or a charity of your choice.
Marianne Goldman
December 25, 1923 – April 15, 2016
Marianne Goldman, a native San Franciscan and lifelong resident of the city, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2016.
She was the loving daughter of her late parents, Richard S. Goldman and Alice Wertheim Goldman, and the devoted sister of the late Richard N. Goldman. She was an avid tennis player, an intrepid world traveler, and a loyal and caring friend to many who remained close to her throughout her life. She was also a dedicated alumna and enthusiastic fan of her alma mater, Stanford University.
Marianne was the third staff member of the fledgling Bay Area public television station, KQED. Her imprint on the station, from its famous auction to the establishment of new studio space, was significant to KQED’s early success. In addition, Marianne was involved in various community groups and philanthropic endeavors in San Francisco throughout her life.
She was deeply devoted to her family, including her sister-in-law, the late Rhoda H. Goldman, and was an attentive and loving aunt to her nephews and nieces: the late Richard W. Goldman (Susan); John D. Goldman (Marcia); Douglas E. Goldman (Lisa); and Susan R. Gelman (Michael). In addition, she cared deeply for her eleven grandnephews and grandnieces and their children.
The family wishes to acknowledge the dedication and support given to Marianne by her superb caregivers, with special appreciation for Athela Caballero. We are also grateful for the attentive care given by her physician, Dr. James Davis, and by the wonderful staff at San Francisco Towers, where she was a resident for several years.
Services will be private. Contributions may be made in Marianne’s memory to the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties; to KQED; or to the charity of one’s choice.