Joseph Francis Politz

1935 - 2025

Joseph Francis Politz
07/27/1935 - 10/15/2025
Joseph Francis Politz, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Novato, California, on October 15, 2025. He was born on July 27, 1935, in Oglesby, Illinois, to Samuel Politz (Polizzi) and Maria Grace Purrozzo, both born in Sicily. At the age of 10, Joe moved to San Francisco, where he attended Presidio Junior High School and later graduated from Washington High School. From 1955 to 1957, Joe proudly served in the United States Army in Korea. Upon returning home, he attended San Francisco City College before embarking on a lifelong journey as a visionary entrepreneur.
In 1958, Joe met the love of his life, Geraldine (Harjes), at a karaoke bar. They were married on Valentine's Day, 1959, at St. Thomas Church in San Francisco-a love story that would span 58 beautiful years.
At the age of 25, Joe opened his first business, Joe's Ice Cream, at 18th & Geary in San Francisco. He had a relentless work ethic, often putting in 18-hour days, which continued throughout his lifetime. Joe establish the store as a beloved Richmond District staple, which continues to serve the community to this day. Not long after, he purchased another ice cream store in the South Bay and entered discussions to franchise Joe's Ice Cream. Though Swensen's Ice Cream was ultimately franchised instead, partly due to Joe's youth and bold approach. His influence on the industry was undeniable.
Joe and Gerry were proud parents of two sons: Michael, who took over the family business, and Jeffrey, who became an Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon.
In 1965, Joe acquired D&M Liquors, marking a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. A true trendsetter, he was the first retailer in San Francisco to break from the Retail Clerks Union in 1970. First specializing in ceramic whiskey decanters, he designed and produced the "American Buffalo" decanter in partnership with Jim Beam. He later made waves in the champagne market by pioneering what became known in the liquor industry as the "Gray Market," eventually becoming the largest retailer of Dom Pérignon in the U.S. Always ahead of the curve, he recognized the rise of single malt whisky before it was widely popular, eventually boasting the largest selection on the West Coast at the time. In 1975, Joe established Polizzi Vineyards, which continues today in the Napa Valley.
Joe joined Marin Country Club in 1977, and in 1981, moved the family from San Francisco to their home on the 16th fairway. He loved golf, playing three times a week with a regular group of friends, and was the longtime host of the club's "Italian Open". He also had a passion for poker, his "game of skill", hosting regular games for over 40 years. Another passion was real estate. In the 1970's, he began acquiring commercial property in what was then known as "The Upper Fillmore", a risky investment at the time. Today, that area is known as "Pacific Heights", one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods. Joe had a remarkable ability to see opportunity where others did not.
Joe and Gerry shared a deep love for travel. Together, they traveled throughout the US, visited Tahiti, Hawaii, most of Europe, parts of Asia, Mexico, and made cherished trips to Yosemite with the Porsche Club. They were true companions, and their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them. Joe was intelligent, honest, deeply loyal, a great friend, devoted husband, proud father, and loving grandfather. He was a sharp and self-made businessman, a car enthusiast, antique collector, and captivating storyteller. A mentor and role model to many. He was deeply loved and will be missed eternally. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the businesses he built.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gerry; his parents, Samuel and Maria Politz; and his brother, Manfredi Polizzi. He is survived by his sons, Michael, and wife, Karen of San Francisco, and their son Kyle; and Jeffrey, and wife, Ellen of Napa, and their children Nicholas, Anthony, and Victoria.
Services will be held at Valley Memorial Park in Novato, CA on Thursday, October 30th . Visitation and viewing will be at 10:30am, Memorial at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to Hospice of Marin (17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939).