Sid Lipton

Sid Lipton, age 99, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 at his home in Petaluma.



Born in San Francisco on April 13, 1926, Sid lived a full and active life defined by dedication, humility, humor, and love for family. He was known for his incredible work ethic and service to community. A perfectionist, Sid set a high bar for integrity, honesty and giving it your all.



While in high school in 1943, recruiters from Mare Island Naval Shipyard offered Sid a chance to learn a trade as a machinist, where he learned drafting and other skills that would serve him throughout his life. He joined the Navy and was shipped off to Guam through the end of WWII.



After the war, Sid returned to California to live with his parents, who had since moved to Penngrove, where they had become chicken ranchers. Concurrently, Gerry Bornstein moved from Chicago in 1946 to Petaluma to join her parents, where they bought a chicken ranch the year before. Both Sid and Gerry's parents were members of the "Jewish Folk Chorus," which led to their introduction. Sid met Gerry, "the love of his life" in front of the B'nai Israel Jewish Center and within a year of their meeting were married in 1947. In their early years together, Sid and Gerry bought a chicken ranch on Roblar Road in Petaluma, where they raised their family.



In the early 1950s, Sid began working as a laborer for Ben Oretsky. Over time, Ben partnered with Paul V. Wright to form Wright and Oretsky, which eventually became Wright Contracting. Sid played a key role in expanding the company's projects, rising through the ranks to become chief estimator and, ultimately, President of Wright Contracting. After retiring in 1997, Sid continued to lend his expertise as a consultant on special projects. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the construction industry, he was inducted into the North Coast Builder's Exchange (NCBE) Construction Industry Hall of Fame in June 2008.



Sid had unparalleled passion for community service. His work ethic, generosity and passion extended to his volunteer work. Utilizing his professional building construction expertise, he was invaluable in guiding and strengthening numerous non-profit construction projects. For over 40 years, Sid played a vital role on B'nai Israel's Building Committee. He served on the PEP Housing Board of Directors for nearly 20 years, offering steady leadership and a deep commitment to PEP's mission. He was a Rebuilding Together Petaluma (RTP) "super" volunteer and donor for over 15 years.



Additionally, Sid delivered Meals on Wheels, and was also a devoted volunteer for Westside Interfaith Food Pantry. In 2015, he received the U.S. Senate Service to Seniors Award from the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce. In true Sid humility he said, "I don't need an award, volunteering is award enough".



Up until his last months, Sid was still enjoying his poker group and weekly men's breakfast gatherings. He was grateful for his buddies who would pick him up so he could attend these gatherings.



A wonderful role model, husband, dad and Poppy, Sid is survived by his wife of 78 years, Gerry, son Marcus Lipton (Serena), daughters Deborah Perel (Geoff), and Linda Abernathey (Harvey), granddaughters Elana Perel, Marisa Craigmyle (George), and Samantha Abernathey (Nick Ward), and great grandson Harrison Craigmyle.



The family plans to honor Sid's 100th birthday with a community Celebration of Life in mid-April. Email debp0523@gmail.com with your name and email address for upcoming details.



Memorial contributions may be sent to: Rebuilding Together Petaluma, Inc., 301 Payran St. Petaluma, 94952; PPSC (Home Delivered Meals), 1500 Petaluma Bl S, Petaluma 94952; B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave. Petaluma, 94952; or the charitable organization of your choice.