Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Jerome P. Mednick, M.D.
Oct. 17, 1936–Oct. 4, 2025
Jerome P. Mednick, M.D. (Jerry) was born October 17, 1936, on the North End of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the beloved son of Eva and Charles Mednick. He attended St. John’s High School prior to attending the University of Manitoba for undergraduate studies in pre-med, after which he was accepted to medical school, graduating in 1960. He attended residency in Pediatrics at UC San Francisco and in Pediatric Neurology at Northwestern University, Chicago.
Jerry met the love of his life, Ellie Morganstern, on a blind date in 1960, proposing to Ellie after just 12 dates. Following their wedding in 1961, Jerry and Ellie immigrated to the Bay Area in 1962, starting a family and making their home in Marin County. Jerry practiced Pediatric Neurology in San Francisco for 35 years both in private practice and as Director of the Child Development Center at CPMC (formerly Children’s Hospital).
Jerry was an avid world traveler filled with wanderlust that grew from wanting to see the world beyond Winnipeg. Together with Ellie, he relished planning travel adventures for the family and for cherished friends, who often sought his travel advice. Over the course of 50 years, Jerry and Ellie visited 120 countries, including the joy of being introduced to the culture of Japan through the charming parents of both his children’s marriages.
After retiring from medicine, Jerry became an avid bridge player, reaching his goal to become a Regional Life Master in 2013. Above and beyond any other area of his life, lifelong friends and family were at the heart of everything Jerry cared about. Known for his engaging smile and warm hugs, he was beloved by all who knew him. A wonderful counselor to friends and students, he always had time to listen. He loved to tell stories of his childhood and his travel adventures. Jerry adored his family and was always there for his children and grandchildren who called him “Zaidy.” He was always there cheering on his wife’s career in music and theater.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ellie, his daughter Lisa, son-in-law Masahiko, grandkids Michael and Sarah, son Ben, and daughter-in-law Natsuyo. There will be a Celebration of Life in Jerry’s memory for friends, family and colleagues on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. at Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco. Please send donations in Jerry’s memory to: California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, 2015 Steiner St., San Francisco, CA 94115 in support of the Kalmanovitz Child Development Center.
Robert Peltz
Dec. 7, 1931–Nov. 5, 2025
Robert Peltz, 93, of Oakland, California, passed away peacefully in Walnut Creek, California, on November 5, 2025, with his wife, Linda, by his side.
Robert was born on December 7, 1931, to Frieda and Manny Peltz in Brooklyn, New York, and later moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1954 with a degree in Geography and was a member of the varsity tennis team. While in college, he participated in ROTC and joined the Air Force as a Navigator and Instructor following his graduation. He served two years on active duty and 31 years as a reservist, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. During the Vietnam War, he and his crew would pick up the walking wounded and bring them to Travis Air Force Base. While a reservist, he received his Master’s Degree in Banking from the University of Washington School of Banking. As a career banker, he was Senior Vice President at Crocker National Bank, spent one day as an employee of Wells Fargo Bank, and was Senior Vice President at Civic Bank of Commerce and City National Bank.
Robert was predeceased by his parents and his sister Gloria. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; his children Jay (Lauris) and Libbi Peltz, both of whom he was very proud; his cousins Paul (Judy) Goldstein and Helen Le Vous of Florida. He was Uncle to Geoffrey (Lyndi) and Jennifer Begen; Great-Uncle to Jessica and Lillian Begen; Godfather aka Uncle Bob-o to Marcus Musante; Uncle Mr. Peltz to Stefani and Laney Silverman, and adopted Uncle to John (Veronica) and Lore Owens.
Robert was a 44-year member of Oakland Rotary #3; Past President of the Golden Gate Air Force Association; a member of the San Francisco and Oakland Breakfast Clubs; served on the Board of Directors of the Home for Jewish Parents (Reutlinger), the Oakland Tumor Board, and the Oakland Police and Fire Retirement Board. He was a member of Berkeley Country Club (aka Mira Vista) where he enjoyed golf and made many friends.
In addition to golf, Robert enjoyed tennis, yoga, dancing, traveling the world, watching Western movies, and musical theater in New York.
Robert will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his distinctive mustache and eyebrows, reminding everyone of Groucho Marx. He would bend anyone’s ear talking about his time in the Air Force.
The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at The Kensington in Walnut Creek, Sutter Care at Home (Concord), and Errand Runners for their care and compassion.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Highlands Country Club, 110 Hiller Drive, Oakland, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sutter Health East Bay Philanthropy, Sutter Care at Home, Oakland Rotary Endowment, or the charity of your choice.
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Maureen Beverly Rittenberg
June 21, 1948–Nov. 4, 2025
Maureen Beverly Rittenberg entered into rest in San Francisco on November 4, 2025.
Devoted daughter of the late George Alfred Rittenberg and Diana Dorothy Rittenberg. Loving sister of Prof. Mark Rittenberg and Ingrid Gavshon. Beloved Aunt of Adam Rittenberg and the late Annais Maya Rittenberg. Adoring great-aunt of Roman A. Rittenberg, Gabriel Isaiah Rittenberg and Maya Isabel Rittenberg. Loving cousin of Brian and Nina Grayson.
A highly skilled administrator, she worked at Stanford University for nearly 20 years in both the Medical School and the School of Law. She loved Jewish education and served as an instructor at Temple Sinai, Oakland, and Temple Beth El, Berkeley, as an instructor.
She worked at UAHC Camp Swig for several seasons where she ran the day-to-day activities of camp administration.
A Memorial service was conducted to celebrate her life on November 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the Home of Peace/Oak Hill Cemetery, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125. Rabbi Lee Bycel officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Berkeley Leadership Institute earmarked for the Annais Rittenberg Circle of Love.
Rachel Khamara Gishkin
Rachel Khamara Gishkin passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 26, 2025. Born in Baghdad, she brought to the world a rare combination of strength, authenticity, and generosity to all she knew and loved.
A self-made woman, she came to the United States after obtaining her nursing degree in England. She met and married my father, Joel — the love of her life — at the Jewish Community Center, and together they built a meaningful life filled with happy memories. A lifelong learner, she knew Arabic, Hebrew, and English, and then on her own picked up Spanish and Italian. She studied various courses at SF City College and SF State, eventually obtaining a degree in International Relations at SF State.
A woman of many talents, my mom had a gift for making something out of nothing: an alchemist. She designed her own home, sewed curtains by hand, practiced knitting and needlepoint until recently, and cooked unforgettable meals without recipes or instruction. She had exquisite taste and an eye for treasures, often uncovering gems at estate sales and making beautiful arrangements with them.
Most notably, my mom Rachel was generous to her core with what she had and who she was. She was an outstanding mother, grandmother, and sister, helping to guide and support her family in higher education. She was beloved by her grandkids, teaching them to work hard and to live with principles. Rachel will be missed beyond words — a North Star — and remembered forever.
Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Joel Gishkin, and her brother, Edward Khamara. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Sarid (Uri) and Jackie Pikula (Christophe); and her grandchildren Daniel, Sarah, Alex, and Jack. She is also survived by her sisters Nejla Burton and Elsa Atkins; her sister-in-law Mary Louise Khamara; and her nephews and nieces Timothy, Ben, Justine, and Simon.
In keeping with her generous spirit, memorial donations may be made to plant trees in Israel through the Jewish National Fund.