George Saxe

George B. Saxe February 28, 1921 - July 28, 2010 Died peacefully in Palo Alto, California in the arms of his devoted wife of 62 years. Born in Mount Union, PA, George was a graduate of Mercersburg Academy and Cornell University. After serving in Europe in the U.S. Army during WWII, George married Dorothy Ruby in 1947 in Michigan City, IN. After their children were born, the family moved to Palo Alto in 1959 where George established a successful real estate development business. He was a long time member and past president of Congregation Beth Am and served as a respected board member of many organizations, including the Jewish Home of San Francisco, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Pilchuck Glass School, and California College of the Arts. He and Dorothy have become nationally known collectors of contemporary crafts, and have nurtured and inspired the careers of many artists and students. As a businessman, George was a generous and kind mentor. He and Dorothy believed passionately in the importance of philanthropy. George was a true community leader and visionary. He had a strong belief in the importance of family and created many opportunities for his family to be together. George is survived by his wife, Dorothy, son Loren (Shelley), daughter Ellen (Jerry) and son Joel (Susan), and grandchildren David, Aaron, Daniel, Dena (Gary), Rebecca and Shira. The burial will be at Hills of Eternity in Colma on Sunday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a contribution to Congregation Beth Am, California College of the Arts, the Jewish Home, or the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.