Born in SF at French Hospital to Lucy & Nom Hall on April 25, 1935 and died peacefully at home on March 19, 2020 with family at his side. He attended Commodore Stockton, Francisco Jr Hi, Commerce Hi and UCSF Pharmacy School. He lived a wonderful life until the past two years, dealing with the sudden death of his son and his own declining health.
Survived by loving wife Sharlene, daughter Julie Rohrer (Dennis), son David (predeceased), sisters Margaret Zavertnik (Len--Peter, Susan), Mildred Hall, and many relatives from the Hall, Tom, and Low families. He was "Uncle Al" to all the Spruce St. kids, extended church family kids and young people.
As a teenager, he was a member of the Cherokees-YMCA club growing up in the Cameron House youth program from 1949 into early young adulthood, where he met Shar. They were members of CH and the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown as leaders, teachers and elders of the Session and continued their service and support for many years. Al and Shar married on June 21, 1958, one of ten couples in a summer-long flourish of showers, weddings and banquets that year.
Al owned Hall's Pharmacy in the Richmond district for over 30 years; patients relied on him for information on their medication and sometimes made decisions even over their own doctor's advice. He taught first-year UCSF pharmacy students OTC classes as a volunteer teacher for over 30 years, mentored student interns who worked their required hours at the pharmacy. After closing his store in 1998, he worked for Safeway and Walgreens before retiring in 2012.
During his early years of retirement, he continued to teach at UCSF, volunteered at CH in the BAP program and helped cook for many CH events. He loved entertaining friends and family with gourmet meals paired with fine wines concluding with awesome desserts. Chef AL prepared amazing private party dinners for several CH fund-raisers.
He enjoyed symphony and sports, was an avid Bear Backer, attended Cal games, and a long time 49ers and Warriors rooter.
Al was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and faithful friend, whom we love and miss and shall cherish in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cameron House Foundation, Presbyterian Church in Chinatown or UCSF School of Pharmacy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Hall

13 Entries

Irina Graham

April 13, 2023

It has been a few years since we lost Al, and the void he left behind is palpable. Al was not just a boss but a kind, funny, and caring human being who touched the lives of many. I remember how I met Al in 1991 while searching for chemistry goggles, of all things, and to my surprise, I ended up walking out of Halls Pharmacy with a job. Al needed someone who could speak Russian, and I needed someone who could teach me English. Al became my first boss, but he was much more than that. He was my uncle, my confidant, and my mentor.
I learned a lot from Al during the time I worked for him. He taught me how to drink tea without sugar :) and how to appreciate good food. He explained the importance of SF Giants in our lives, but most importantly, he taught me how to be kind and respectful, pay attention to people around me, and take advantage of life. Al's wisdom and guidance shaped me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for the lessons he imparted to me.
Although it has been a while since I worked for Al, his presence still looms large in my life. His memory brings me a smile, and I often recall his pearls of wisdom in various situations. Al may no longer be with us physically, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for my time with him. Rest in peace, dear Al. You are missed deeply, and your impact on my life will never be forgotten.

Harry Chuck

March 22, 2021

Al was a childhood friend and a fellow "Cherokee" (YMCA and Cameron House boys' club). We attended the same elementary and Jr. High Schools and spent many summers as campers at the YMCA and Cameron House summer programs. We were also lifetime members of the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown where we served as Sunday School teachers and elders. Growing up in Chinatown, Al worked at his dad's pharmacy where he was known by his nickname "Alcohol". I'll miss his easy going manner and sense of humor and his appreciation for fine dining. But above all, I'll miss his sense of collegiality as a lifelong friend and colleague.

john lindberg

January 8, 2021

I remember him as a great teacher and boss. Was his student for OTC at UCSF and worked at his store. Remember how gentle and kind he was and his wife Shar as well. When I left they took me out to an elaborate Chinese hot pot dinner that I have never forgotten. And a Christmas dinner at House of Prime Rib as well. Took after him and my dad and opened my own pharmacy 15 years ago. He made in impact in my life.

Kenneth Wong

April 20, 2020

My condolences to the Hall Family. I had the opportunity of meeting Al Hall through his son (David Hall) whom I had worked with for many years. He will be sorely missed like his son. God Bless.

Kenneth Wong

April 20, 2020

My condolences to the Hall Family. I had the opportunity of meeting Alfred Hall through his son (David Hall) whom I had worked with for many years. He will be sorely missed like his son. God Bless.

March 31, 2020

We will miss your kind and gentle ways!
Eternal rest in love and peace...✝

Serena Low

March 31, 2020

My condolences.

Edward Louie

March 30, 2020

Al was my OTC professor at UCSF. Later, I had the pleasure of working with him when he joined Walgreens. Al was a wonderful person and will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Claudia Hawkins (Arguello)

March 30, 2020

Shar, my deepest sympathies for your loss. I worked for you and Al at the pharmacy while I was a teen in high school. To this day, I remember the nuances of customer service that were important to him. I learned a lot from Al, and when you're a teen, you don't really appreciate it, but as an adult you realize how important those small details matter and make a difference. Al made a difference.

Mary Glanville

March 30, 2020

Dr. Hall was my first mentor/boss as an intern pharmacist. Though I'd worked at my dad's pharmacy (King's Pharmacy in Oakland) during my childhood, this was different. King's Pharmacy had shuttered, so this was my first job in a white coat. I admired Dr. Hall a great deal, and he taught me so much! My deepest condolences to his loved ones, and to all who knew him. There's a picture somewhere of he and I standing outside the pharmacy on my first day. My dad loved that picture! If I find it, I'll post it.

Tommy and

March 30, 2020

Al was one of the adults that I looked up to and respected while going to Cameron House as a youth. He was truly one of the saints at 920 Sacramento Street.

Brian Chew

March 29, 2020

Mr. Hall was always nice to kids wandering in to buy candy, when some other stores were not. He was always patient, respectful and kind as I remember him and Mrs. Hall. I would like to thank them for showing me the way, as I later managed cafes in their consistent, fair and community-minded style. Thank you for your efforts were impactful and noticed.

March 29, 2020

Will miss his smile, wry sense of humor and friendship.

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