David Jacobson

JACOBSON, DAVID 89 - prominent architect, died October 30, 2008 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. David Jacobson was born January 30, 1919 in White Plains, NY. He graduated from Bronxville High School and earned his Bachelors in1940 and Masters of Science in Architecture in 1942 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In November 1942, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy and served as Deck Officer on the gunship, LCI-G 474. His ship supported landings at Saipan and Guam and was sunk during the landing at Iwo Jima on February 17, 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service. He retired from the Navy in May 1946 and began a distinguished career designing hotels and casinos. In 1956, David Jacobson established his architectural firm, David Jacobson Associates, with offices in Arcadia, CA, Reno, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, NJ. Specializing in hotel casino architecture, David came to be known as "the architect of the Atlantic City skyline"; among his many projects Trump Castle, Trump Plaza, TropWorld, Harrah's and the Ocean Club. There are few establishments in gambling resorts in the United States that have not been impacted by his work. After 42 years in business, David relocated to Las Vegas where he provided business development and architectural consulting services to Bergman Walls & Associates until shortly before his death. David had a wide range of interests beyond architecture including aircraft, automobile design and music. He was an accomplished amateur jazz pianist and a devoted reader of the New Yorker magazine. Survivors include his wife of 21 years Dorrie Jacobson of Las Vegas, NV; four children, Mark Jacobson of Bethesda, MD, Wade Jacobson of Lahaina, HI, Jodi Jacobson of Las Vegas, NV, and Greg Jacobson, of San Luis Obispo, CA; one grandson, Sgt. Benjamin Jacobson (USMC), Vista, CA; one sister Peggy Roberts, San Rafael, CA, as well as his nieces, nephews and the many dear friends and colleagues whose love and respect he has earned and cherished.