Malcolm Zaretsky Obituary

Malcolm Zaretsky

November 13, 1936—August 20, 2018

Malcolm died suddenly on August 20 after some years of failing health. He is survived by his wife Alice Meyers, his son Gideon Zaretsky of L.A, step-daughter Emily Siskin of Portland, Ore., step-children Cynthia Meyers of New York, Nathaniel Meyers of El Cerrito, Celia Bosworth of Pacific Grove, and Cebell Hassink of Berkeley, step-grand-daughter Lina Dahbour of New York.
Also his sister Phyllis Wilson and niece Kellee Toon both of New Jersey, and his former wife Kathleen Zaretsky of San Jose.

He was born in Brooklyn NY, to Murray and Sarah Zaretsky. He received his BS from Brooklyn College, and his PHD in biophysics and a Masters in public health from UC Berkeley. He taught and did research in neurobiology in Germany, Princeton, the University of Iowa, as well as at UC Berkeley, where he was a researcher with the UC department of cell and microbiology for many years.

He was a resident of Berkeley since 1961, where he was active in political action, including civil rights and opposition to the war in Vietnam. He was closely involved in the Free Speech Movement when he was a graduate student, and worked on voter registration in Mississippi in the "Freedom Summer" in 1964. Until poor health prevented it, he was active traveling, hiking, back-packing, skiing, bicycling. And he always enjoyed spending time in a coffee shop with friends, talking about politics, over a cappuccino.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 31 to Sep. 2, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Zaretsky

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Thank you for what you did during the Freedom Summer of 1964.

Darlynne Campbell

Friend

December 31, 2020

Sorry to be so late, Mal only just learned of this site from FSM. Wanted to thank you for your wit; for your always-informed and tremendous depth of commitment; your idealism uneroded by time; and, of course, for our many, many years of great friendship. From Molecular Biology and Virus Lab, to our shared quarters in Santa Rita, Bluemoon Pool Hall and adjoining Med Café, London demos, Bogart films (your perfect rendition of the Walter Huston Sierra Madre jig), VW engine rebuilds, great arguments and greater laughs. Thanks.

October 16, 2018

Mike Shodell

October 16, 2018

Miss you, Dad. Love, Emily
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8146112@N06/albums/72157698815250151

Emily Siskin

September 3, 2018

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Malcolm Zaretsky's name

Memorial Events
for Malcolm Zaretsky

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Malcolm's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Malcolm Zaretsky's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more