Alan G. Zacharia M.D.

I was looking at photo´s just now and smiled when I came across a picture of Alan. We worked together at Seton hospital for many years. He always had a smile, a joke and often an excellent orthopedic tidbit to share. I enjoyed him immensely as a colleague. His untimely passing was a blow. I am however grateful that we shared some good laughs and memorable moments. He had a special light about him.

You were the best, and you name comes up on a regular basis in my house! Miss you!, Bob Ghiorzi

U are missed... U were an Awesome, compassionate, knowledgeable, skilled provider.

a Gem of a man!!!! I will never forget you, Alan

Miss you still Dr. Z

I broke my ankle in three places when I was 9. I'm 27 nowadays and hiked a 29 mile day hike a few months ago. Full credit to Dr. Zacharia.

He also taught me a waiting room game that I play to this day; nimh!

I only recently learned of Dr. Zacharia's death; he put me back together so weel that I never had to follow up with him!
It is thanks to his work at the Seton ER on New Year's Eve 2003 that I can walk-unarthritically and pain-free today.

He told us that my tibia plateau surgery was as complicated a surgery that he performs and that a deacde earlier I might have been looking into amputation.

The best post-surgical advice I received from him was to throw away my skies and rollerblades and find something else to keep me active, possibly to swim as he did.

But beyond his professional care our discussions, from Buddhism to Ayn Rand, will be what I remember most about him.

How lucky I was to to come under his care!

Atque in perpetuum Medicus, ave atque vale!

He was one of the good guys. Smart, brash, debated every thing, gave honest answers, funny -- he gave me my life back. He analyzed my injuries and how I heal and worked with me to manage my issues on my own and prevent flare-ups. It has been 15 years and I'm still able to work. I never thought of Dr Zacharia as being "late," because I knew he didn't do the absurd 6-minute appt. He took the time to find out what was wrong and figure out what to do about it. I liked his wife, Sherry, very much. He was very happy with his family and his work. His smile in this photo is how I remember him. I hope his family finds some comfort in the fact that he was a happy man.

I love you Dad, and miss you terribly. Your loving son, and best friend.

Alan was a great man and the best doctor I have ever known. I was his patient and we became friends. Alan and his staff were great and I am very sad to hear the news. My condolences to Alan's family.

To the Zacharia family; my husband and I hope that blessings and peace are with you. We have a picture of Alan in our family collage of pictures. We always thought of him as family, physician yes, but family too. He was so much fun to go see, the stories, jokes and wit was always such a break from the physical pain and he knew that. We would talk of food, recipes, music and travel. We miss him dearly, but relish the fond memories and love of such a great man.
Many blessings to you,
Jon and Kim Olson

Our condolences to Alan's wife, Sherry. Together we were a foursome in our early 20s sharing many hours of cooking and enjoying our creations. We were stunned that Alan has passed away so prematurely. We wish Sherry and their children the very best.

I first met Al when he was a Resident at Mary's Help Hospital. I loved orthopedics and our team was something special. We worked together for several years and I moved on to another RN roll. A few years later, it was Al and several other doctors that recommended me for a management position that led me into asministration for some 15 years. You were something special Al, a real original and one of the smartest physicians I have had the pleasure of working with. You really werern't always right, but we both enjoyed the ride. I am saddened at your passing and wish the best for your family.

I was stunned to hear recently that Dr. Zacharia died two years ago. Over the years he helped me a great deal, plus we always had great talks. I really miss him.

Dr Z was my doctor for 18 years (when I had a hip replacement). As everyone has said, he was a very attentive doctor and always gave you the time of day. I only just learned today of his passing and I was shocked and saddened.

He was a great guy and he will be missed, not only as a great doctor, but also as a good friend.

What can I say about Dr. Zacharia. Always a professional, never at a loss for words, and a great story always to be enjoyed! I met Dr. Zacharia in 2007 after breaking my pelvis. I knew immediately he was different than the majority. Striving to be the very best not only in his own practice, but investing time and effort to improve the entire medical field in general. A man who not only could present and debate ideas with the most intellectual of people, but could enjoy good conversation with the most common of truck drivers such as myself. I learned of your passing only today. You and your family are in my good thoughts.

Thomas Lapuyade

I met Dr.Z November 1, 2008. I was in the office interviewing for a job. I had been talking with Kathy and while she went to go do something, Dr. Z and I had a little "impromtu" interview. For those of you who know him you can only imagine what he may have said! hehe. I knew right then and there I wanted to be apart of the family - what a totally awesome man. I did get the job and had the pleasure of knowing him for 6 months before I had to move out of state. He had alot of great advice before my move =) He always had great advice and great stories to tell, his patients as well as his staff loved him dearly.
When I heard he had passed i cried and cried.
Sherry, Kathy, Lanette, Saul, Lil, I miss you guys so much and am so sorry for your loss.

Love from Julie

So sorry to hear of Alan's passing...

I am a patient and friend of Dr. Zacharia for the past 20 some years. I first met him at his practice in San Mateo in a small office he had at that time. I also know Sherry and have followed the kids progress each time I would see Dr. Zacharia. I cannot imagine how much he is missed by all of them. My prayers are with them. He was a phenomenal physician and wonderful and unique individual. He is incredibly missed. I called for an appt. the other day and was told the tragic news and had to pull to the side of the road, I was so stunned and confused. I want his family to know he will not only never be forgotten in their hearts but ours as well.

Im so shocked by the sudden passing of an amazing man! He was my doctor for approximately 10 years and was just such a wonderful person. Im so blessed to have met him and experienced an outstanding friend and doctor that he was to me. My prayers go out to the family...Dr. Z, you will be missed.

Love, Marissa Chang Flores

I cannot believe he died. He helped me through all of my many struggles in fighting for my medical practice, and always was available to give me tons of encouragement. He was an amazing renaissance man, and I feel like a part of me is now gone. I spent long evenings discussing topic after topic with him, even late into the night, and I can honestly say that he has changed me, and the way that I interact with patients, forever. Kisses, Alan, you will always be with me!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Zacharia Family. I've just learned of his passing. He put our little boy back together 10 years ago and has taken care of our family as if we were part of his......We were very humbeled in his presence.

I am saddened to learn of Dr Z's passsing. He helped me tremendously when no one else could. His depth of caring was unmatched by any other doc I have ever been treated by. I felt like he became my friend. I wasn't a patient long, but his surgery will last a lifetime when all other docs said it couldn't be done.
Thomas "Toby" Morris, San Carlos

I was shocked and very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Z. I called a couple of days ago for an appointment and the news brought tears to my eyes. Although my appointments were always due to my pain, I always left feeling better after spending time with such a special individual. Dr. Z was kind, compassionate, knowledgable and never made you feel like you were just another patient. I have never felt this way about any doctor I have ever had before. My prayers are with you, the family of this sweet and wonderful doctor.

My sincere condolences to all family and friends. He was one of a kind.

Dr. Kelly Broderick, radiology

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Z. Between my sons and myself, we have been patients of his for about 25 yrs. I don't feel that any orthopaedust will ever compare to him. I moved from San Bruno to Colorado 3 yrs ago. I am back now for a visit, and mentioned to my friend that I was going to try to schedule an appt. to see him. That's how I learned of his passing. He always bragged about his kids, was a very caring doctor, and I will miss him. My heart goes out to his family and office staff.

Vivian Fox

We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Dr. Z's passing. He was so much fun to go see. He had our backs when nobody else did. Our love and prayers are with his loved ones.
Alex & Suzanne Vanisi

Dr Z was the "BEST" it was a pleasure
to have worked with him and Rosemary and Kathy. I am so sorry
to hear of his passing. To Sherry and his family and my ex-co-workers please
accept my condolences. know he is at
a better place and at peace.

Grace Moore

To the Zacharia Family, I was so sad to learn of Dr Z's illness and more sudden passing. He was my Worker's Comp Doctor for 15 yrs or so. As a 911 dispatch supervisor, we spoke a lot about the current state of our times and how we would 'fix' problems if we could. But it was because of his surgical expertise that I can still use my hands and that was his most wonderful gift to me. When I heard of the short time he had left, I wrote him a letter but I now know he did not see it as he passed on the day I wrote it (although maybe he did). When I went for my latest visit to his office (9/8) to see his partner Dr. Kim, I asked about him and that's when I learned he was no longer with us. I hope that the letter I wrote brought some measure of comfort to know just how many lives he touched. I will miss him so much but now he is 'riding high' above us and watching over us all. God's Blessings to all of you in this difficult time.

Dear Sherry, Heather, Daniel, and Shirley,

I never had the pleasure of meeting Alan but I'll never forget how I felt when I heard about how he found my very troubled cousin Beto Mizrahi. He had been missing for a long time and he was with him in his dying hours. I know Beto found comfort in knowing that Alan would be the one to reunite him with his family through Alan's words.
Alan's obituary is that of a giant and can imagine your heavy loss. I lost my father, Irving Zacharia ten years ago and I weep just typing his name. Although the pain has subsided, I know I will never miss him any less.
We all loved my Uncle Danny so much! He was the super star that breezed in to town, making us all wild with happiness. Only in his company did my father seem like an eager to please boy. After Uncle Danny died, I always connected that love and those incredibly joyous memories to those he loved. To Alan.
My deepest most heartfelt sympathy to his beautiful family. Long live the Zacharias and their loved ones! Michelle Zacharia

What a great loss for the Zacharia family and for his community. To all I offer my condolences

Dr. Zacharia was a brilliant surgeon. Words cannot express how greatly he will be missed. I wish the best to Sherry, Heather and Dan and the entire Zacharia family. I also extend my condolences to Dr. Zacharia's "office family" at West Bay Orthopedic.

Z was such a unique person. My husband and I have known Z for @16yrs. We're still in shock of his passing. He was our doctor but became more like family as time went on. He helped me through some really miserable times with his 'bearhugs' and his tenacity! He had his opera on in the OR. I asked him if we could change the channel and he said, "No, you're not driving! So, just lay there and shut-up!" His humor, wit, expertice and kindness was everything you could ever want in a physician and friend. Our love and thoughts go out to his family and office staff 'family'. May the love and time shared together comfort you during this sad time.

I am Isaac (Goody) Zacharia. MMy Wife is Bonita Elhai Zacharia. It has been years since I had any communications with the Zacharia Family. Danny and I worked for Uncle Sason in New York. I do not remember seeing Dr. Zacharia, but I did hear about him from other family members. Please extend mine and Bonita's condolences to his wife and children.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my first cousin Alan Zacharia. My sincere condolences to Aunt Shirley, Sherry, Daniel and Heather. Love, Lisa Zacharia

Sherry, Danny and Heather, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Alan was my first cousin and such a wonderful person. My father, Irving Zacharia, may he rest in peace, used to speak about his nephew with great fondness. I haven't seen Alan since perhaps the early 1970s, a question of geography, but my childhood memories of Alan were of a very sweet, quiet and intelligent young man. I think as a doctor Alan helped many, many people, and as a human being, helped them even more. Please know his memory will be very blessed. With Love,

Sherry, Danny and Heather, even though we only met once when Alan brought you to my home about 10 years ago, I will never forget that meeting. I loved my Uncle Danny very much and it was very surprising to me to see how much Alan looked like him. It was almost like seeing my uncle again, so I immediately felt close to him, but even before that I was grateful to all of you for taking my son Michael into your home when he moved to California for a job. He was alone in a new place, and you all welcomed him with open arms. I hadn't seen Alan since we were very young children, and really was happy that you all came to my home.

Even though we haven't been in contact for a very long time, I think about your visit and feel this loss more than you can imagine. My thoughts are with you all. With Love,

Sherry, Heather and Dan I am very sorry for your lose. I haven't talked to Alan in a few years and I will regret that. I was thinking about him last week and decided to Google him today to get his e-mail address. I was shocked to see that he had passed and wanted to tell everyone how wonderful he was. For those who don't know me, we were cousins and when I moved to California for a job, he, Sherry, Dan and Heather took me in for a few weeks and made me feel as though we knew each other forever, even though we had never met. He and my mother grew up together in Brooklyn, and I loved his father Danny who visited Florida every year to see his mother, but Alan and I never met until the day I drove from Florida. I loved driving over to his house and watching the 49er games and I brag to this day what a great doctor he was. He fixed my shoulder for me, but the most amazing thing he did was while we were watching a game. It was Jerry Rice's comback from an injury and we were watching him warm up. Alan said to me that the surgery he had required a shaving of the patella bone and that he shouldn't be returning that quickly. He said he should at least be wearing extra padding. I asked why and he said one hit on that knee and it could break in half. Well, the game started and Rice caught a pass, I believe a touchdown, and he landed on that knee and broke the patella not 10 minutes after Alan predicted it. I looked at him in awe. I was his patient too, so I encountered his level of expertise first hand and was proud to be related to such a great man. The world lost a special person and I will always regret I let that relationship fade.

Dr. Zacharia was truly a unique individual. He was a great surgeon who was caring and compassionate but always gave a straight answer. He will be deeply missed.

To the Zacharia Family.

He was the best, got great help from him, with my dislocated and broken wrist and my brocken leg.
Sinceres condoleances.

To the Zacharia Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

As a physician I could always rely on a solid answere to a medical question. He also provided me and my family with wonderful med-surg care. He was a wonderful audience to my Miami-New York jokes and a great source of the same. We oftened compared notes on who had the best corned beef or pastrami...
What a Mensche / What a loss to the universe

We are very saddened by the loss of Alan. We only just found out. Dr. Z took care of my back but we knew him through Kathy Rich. Our thoughts are with all the family.
Michael and Charlene Ozawa and Family

I am very sorry about Dr Z"s passing. He was such a great doctor, always warm and caring. Always worth the wait. My condolences to his family and staff.

The E.R. doctor told me as I lay on the gurney that he didn't think I would ever be able to use my left hand again(after a very serious M/C accident). Dr. Z. was called and with total confidence said he believed he could put me back together again. He fixed my badly dislocated and broken wrist and my mangled leg and was always inspiring and honest during a sometimes tough recovery. That was in 1995. I've raved about him ever since, with my wife so thoroughly convinced of his skill that she became a patient also. He was everything you would want in a Doctor, when you really needed a pro!
I was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing and my deepest condolences go out to your family. Dr. Zacharia is someone I will always remember and honor.

To The Family,
May his name be remembered as a blessing.I am a Jewish researcher
studying the Zacharia family with ties to Janow
Sokolski,Poland.

IPlease contact me if you are interested in learning more.You
can google Allen B. Saxe and it will direct you to my
website-Welcome to the Zechariah Family

Allen B. Saxe
2216 Dilworth Rd. West
Charlotte,NC 28203
704-333-9106
[email protected].

sherry, dan and heather,
not much could be said, that hasn't been said. Z was a special person who debated all. It was a pleasure to work with him in the daly city office and burlingame. my prayers are with all of you. always remember the good times with smiles on your face

I am very sorry for your loss. I have been a patient of Dr Z for 15 years. I have always enjoyed our talks in the office always forgetting why I was really there haha and never really minding how late he was =).
I wish your family the best & pray for your hearts to heal.

To the Zacharia family,

Sherry, Danny and Heather my prayers go out to you. Be blessed

I am very sorry about Dr. Z's passing. I enjoyed his company. He'll be sorely missed by a great many, that's for sure! Chris Corbett, SSF

Dr. Z. saved our arm and knee and at times, we forget that we even had surgery. He was more than a Dr. he was your friend. We never did mind that he was late, we would always bring something to read because we knew he was performing magic on some other fortunate patient.

He was an incredible man and we are the better for having him in our lives.

For over 10 years Dr. Zacharia was my Worker's Comp Doctor. He helped me through my worst days and got me to stop feeling sorry for myself. The "wait time" in his practice was well worth it ; when he entered the room, he was all yours until your last question or concern was addressed. We used to compare our personal reviews of the most recent SF Opera productions and talk about the joys of red wine, in particular, "a good bottle of Primitivo!" My Condolences to his loving family and office staff.

Dr. Z, I'll toast you at our next opera!

Dr.Z. Was just plain awesome. He has helped me with a bad elbow & a very bad knee that we were getting ready to fix.
I'm heart broken & Dr.Z will B missed by lots of people. My prayers go out to his family. To his children he was/ is very PROUD of u both & all that your going to do. Dr. Z. You will always be my Doctor but most of all my Friend RIP my old friend
Richard. McGhee & Family
Daly. City, Ca.

Dr. Zacharia was the best Doctor ever he was a miricle worker. He put my Dad back together after a terrible accident. My condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss.