Jay Pidto

Jay Pidto

October 17,1938 - May 5, 2015

Jay Pidto died from complications of pneumonia on May 5th at the age of 76 in Edinburgh, Scotland while travelling with his wife. He is predeceased by his parents, Bernie and Rose Pidto, his sister Gail Schwartz, and his first wife, Marge Pidto. He is survived by his current wife, Lynne Baer, his children, Bill Pidto (Carol) and Liz Pidto (John Parker), his stepchildren, Lecia Kaslofsky (Thor) and Alex Smith, and six grandchildren.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jay graduated from Cornell University in 1960 and earned his MBA from Columbia University. He worked for a management consultant firm in New York and in 1972, was transferred to Palo Alto. Enjoying the California lifestyle, he and his first wife, Marge, made Palo Alto their permanent home. He was involved in a variety of businesses including partnering with his wife in a chain of children's clothing stores. Active in youth soccer, he started the Palo Alto Soccer Club, now known as CYSA.

Jay moved to San Francisco in 1991 after his marriage to Lynne. He served on the board of the San Francisco Art Institute for over 10 years. While on the Executive Committee, he acted as the interim President for 6 months and held the position of treasurer. Jay also served on the board of The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

In retirement, he enjoyed working out at the JCC, politics, and cooking. Spending time with his 6 grandchildren brought him great joy. Throughout his life, he was passionate about dance, movies and the visual arts, and an avid sports critic and fan.

Donations in his memory may be made to the SFJCC or UCSF Foundation designated for research in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 15 at 2pm, Congregation Sherith Israel.