Jerry L. Ezrin passed away peacefully on Aug. 19 in Stanford at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his family, which he treasured more than anything.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ellen, his loving children Tom (Marilyn) and Jodi (Matt) and his adoring grandchildren Rebecca, Jeremy, Asher, Jordan and Anabelle.
Jerry was born in Boston on July 31, 1937, to Thomas and Lillian Ezrin. He was in the first graduating class from Long Beach State in 1959, earning degrees in journalism and sociology. After a short stint in the Air Force Reserve, he worked as a sportswriter for the Long Beach Press Telegram until he was hired by Pacific Bell in public relations. He enjoyed a successful 35-year career with PacBell/AT&T/Pacific Telesis, highlighted by a two-year assignment to New York that is fondly remembered by the family as a memorable experience.
Jerry met his soul mate and lifelong love Ellen in 1961 and they married in July 1963. In December of that year he was transferred to San Francisco, where Tom was born in 1966 and Jodi in 1969. Jerry and Ellen raised their family in Foster City and enjoyed many happy years focused on soccer and Little League baseball. This is where they met many of their close friends, who remain dear friends to this day.
Jerry will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, compassionate and giving person, with an infectiously friendly and easy-going personality. Everyone loved Jerry, his positive influence, unique wit and sense of humor.
He was a master of the written word, which he used successfully during his working career and subsequent to his retirement in 1994, when he began dedicating his time to community service — specifically as the editor of the Temple Bulletin at Peninsula Temple Sholom. As empty nesters, Jerry and Ellen immersed themselves in community activities and programs at PTS, where they created another strong network of close friends that continues to this day, and established themselves as active leaders in the Jewish community. Jerry also gave some of his spare time to Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) in Foster City.
Jerry was truly special. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed beyond words.
A memorial service was held on Aug. 21 at Peninsula Temple Sholom. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Peninsula Temple Sholom, 1655 Sebastian Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010. The family would like to thank the neurology and ICU staff at Stanford for their compassion, and for making Jerry’s last days as comfortable as possible for everyone.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(650) 369-3636
Rosalie Koppich
Aug. 5, 1929–Aug. 15, 2016
Rosalie Koppich was born in 1929 in New York City. She came to San Francisco as a young child and, for the rest of her life, was thankful to her parents for bringing her to a city she loved for its charm, weather (yes, the fog!), and wonderful restaurants. Married to Eugene Koppich (who predeceased her) for more than 66 years, she was the loving mother of Julia and Steven.
Rosalie stayed at home with her children during their formative years and then began a decades-long career, first in customer service at Dun & Bradstreet and later as a supervisor of Dealer Services at Franklin Templeton. Retired in 2000, Rosalie spent the next several years enjoying good food and wine with her husband, Eugene. Rosalie enjoyed travel, including cruises to Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. A highlight of her travels was a 50th anniversary trip with her husband and children to France and Italy. Annual visits to Carmel and Monterey remained part of Rosalie and Eugene’s itinerary for many years.
Though she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of her life, this intelligent woman maintained her abiding affection for anything chocolate (See’s candy was her favorite) and was fiercely independent to the end. Additional survivors include sisters- and brothers-in-law Joan Cohn, John and Barbara Friedman, Mickey and Nyna Koppich, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Thank you to the staff at Bayside Park Retirement Community in Emeryville and to Vitas Hospice for making her final years comfortable ones. Private services. Donations to your favorite charity preferred.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
(415) 921-3636
Jeannette Zeif
May 5, 1931–Aug. 19, 2016
Jeannette Zeif (nee Daniel) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, Aug. 19.
Jeannette was a lifelong resident of San Francisco. For 30 years she performed as a valued employee of the Appeals Office of the Unemployment Agency of the State of California. Jeannette enjoyed cooking for her family, traveling and rooting for San Francisco sports teams. Jeannette had a great love for the land of Israel, supporting causes in the land and visiting there 20 times. Many Jewish causes benefited from Jeannette’s energy and passion; she was an active member of Hadassah, Amit and Congregation Ner Tamid. For 12 years Jeannette spent two hours a week at the Irwin Memorial Blood Bank, donating platelets.
Jeannette is survived by her husband, Abraham Zeif, a brother, Coleman Daniel, two sons, Michael and Hayim Zeif, two daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren.
Donations may be made in her memory to Amit, Hadassah or the Jewish organization of choice.