David Krinitsky

1928 - 2021

David Krinitsky January 28, 1928 - February 4, 2021 A child of the Great Depression and a father who died young, David never thought he'd live to be 90, much less 93, but his calm, steady, and kind nature, devotion to family and music, and a personal philosophy of healthy living, enabled him to live a long and happy life. David was raised in a loving home that prioritized frugality and community responsibility, foundational beliefs that stayed with him all his life. His Russian-born parents, Al and Ruth, supported their less-fortunate San Diego neighbors during the Depression with meals made from scraps of food they could gather, and his mother raised money to send to her native country for Russian War Relief. As a boy, David worked in his family's liquor stores, exposing him to the benefits of hard work. He was struck, however, by the tragedy of alcoholism, and the impact it had on desperate patrons staggering in to buy more bottles to feed their addiction. Wanting to avoid their fate, David was a lifelong teetotaler. During those early hard times, the family found ways to enjoy life, often gathering at the beach in San Diego. David's brother, Harold, excelled at making their mother laugh despite her more serious intentions. His aunts doted on David's sweet personality and curly black hair. His favorite uncle, Oscar, an avid gardener, introduced him to an abundance of fresh produce grown in his sunny backyard. When David showed an early interest in music, his parents provided piano lessons. A neighbor recalled watching him through the window, playing Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King." After each run-through, David would raise both hands triumphantly for his imaginary audience, and take a "much deserved" bow. Blessed (and cursed) with perfect pitch, he gravitated to school bands and orchestras, and continued his music studies at San Diego State University. He was lucky to have sung in a choir under the direction of the great Robert Shaw. David's studies were interrupted by World War II. He completed basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey and played in the 6th Army Band. Under the G.I. Bill, he completed his Masters' degree and received his Music Education teaching credential at San Francisco State University. All but one of David's 40 years of teaching were devoted to San Francisco public schools. He conducted bands at Presidio and Denman Junior High Schools. He also played in many Bay Area ensembles, including the Golden Gate and Oakland Park Bands, for the Ringling Brothers' Barnum and Bailey Circus, and the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions. He even dabbled in "acting," playing in the banda for San Francisco Opera's La BohŠme. In Marin, he played in the Sewer Band and People of Note. David found the love of his life in his late 30's, thanks to a Marin friend who had a talent for matchmaking. Frances Capper brought almost one hundred couples together, but the match she boasted about the most, was Dave's introduction to Elsie, a vibrant red-headed soprano, choral conductor, and pianist. They knocked each other's socks off right off the bat, wrapping up their first date with duets and all-night chat. By the end of the third date, they knew they'd be wed. Francey warned them not to be hasty, but the flame that was lit that week burned brightly for more than 50 years of marriage. David embraced Fred (13) and Abby (10), Elsie's children from her first marriage, and the newly blended family made a home in the new Marin suburb of Terra Linda, where a teacher could then afford a home. Their daughter, Ann, arrived the following year and cemented the family bonds. Music and art flowed through daily life, from spontaneous duets to temple choir rehearsals, jazz combo nights to family celebrations. Music was no mere vocation for Dave. It was his religion. Whether playing piano, flute, or piccolo, singing in a choir, teaching students, attending concerts, or listening at home, music was always the way. When he performed, he seldom (if ever) experienced stage fright. He was never competitive about it and always shared the spotlight with others. He was a proud life member of the Musicians Union Local 6 and California Music Educators Association, and he and Elsie attended many industry conventions. Among his talented students was Calvin Simmons, who later conducted the Oakland Symphony. Dave particularly loved classical music, as well as jazz from the 1930s and 40s, and anything Boogie Woogie. Despite his grueling daily commute into San Francisco, David was up before dawn for his daily walk, usually accompanied by Elsie and longtime friends, Lee and Joan Hersko. A lifelong commitment to healthy living informed his love of physical activity. He hiked in the open space surrounding the Terra Linda valley and roamed local scenic spots like Phoenix Lake and the Tiburon peninsula. He and Elsie worked out at the Marin Jewish Community Center fitness center for years. David even had a personal trainer and pumped iron several times a week, developing a strong and svelte physique in his 70s and 80s. David and Elsie travelled together throughout the US and Europe and enjoyed visiting with their children and grandchildren in New York, Texas and Hawaii. He greatly admired his sons-in-law. A man of his era, David kept time by his wristwatch, and loved hats of any kind. Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner were comedy staples, and often quoted. Lemon meringue pie was his favorite birthday cake, and as he said, he loved any flavor of ice cream as long as it was Rocky Road. He was the original Dad-joke teller. If one of us announced that we'd taken a shower, he'd inevitably say "Why, is there one missing?" David's moral compass was unfailing. He believed in doing what was right for his community and his family. He was an excellent driver who (truly) never exceeded the speed limit and always let the other guy go first. An avid reader, David was decidedly liberal as well as a humanist, with a strong "live and let live" philosophy. Calm and steady, gentle and kind, his warm smile, expressive eyebrows, and strong hands were outward reflections of his inner self. He loved his family and friends deeply and without reservation. He loved animals, and despite pet allergies, came to know every dog and cat in the neighborhood, and delight in them. His friendliness and affability disarmed those he met, and he gave nearly everyone the benefit of the doubt. When Dave and Elsie moved to Villa Marin, they brought their music with them. He played for cocktail hours, sang in a barbershop quartet, and shared duties conducting and singing in the chorus. He and Elsie also frequently played informal concerts for the residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility, where David was able to spend his final days. David's philosophy of life and death was summed up in the tribute he wrote when a beloved uncle had passed: "The richness of our memories will go a long way toward inspiring us to remember the positive The loss of good people is difficult and a given, but looking back over time we can accept that and in remembrance feel their presence as long as we live." David is survived by his wife, Elsie; his daughter Ann; stepdaughter Abby; and their families. The family is grateful for the extraordinary care given by his private aides and the nursing staff at Villa Marin, as well as his many friends in the local community. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Continuum Hospice or the Marin Symphony. In loving remembrance.