David Zisser
December 13, 1951 - August 15, 2023
David Herbert Zisser, 71, of San Francisco, California, passed away on August 15, 2023, after a stroke. He was born in San Francisco, California, on December 13, 1951, to Herbert and Helen Zisser.
David graduated from Lowell High School, Fall 1969, the University of San Francisco, BA 1974 and USF Law School, J.D.,1977.
David was a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association and maintained a private law practice.
David was a True Gentleman and a loving family member and friend to many. His memberships included The Olympic Club, Cogers, The 1805 Club, The English Speaking Union and the USF Alumni Association. David lived a vibrant life and is missed deeply by all who knew him.
David is survived by his loving Sister Claire Hess, Brother-in-Law David Hess, Nephew David Young and Step-Nephew Joshua Hess.
Per David's wishes, no funeral service will be held. In memory of David, please send donations to the Coming Home Hospice of San Francisco, The Heritage Foundation or Judicial Watch.
We will love you, David, until the end of Forever.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 31, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for David Zisser

Sponsored by Pacific Interment - San Francisco.

24 Entries

February 18, 2024

How shocked I am to learn of David's passing. As many have written, David epitomizes the gentleman and his passing is a loss for all.

I knew of David from my time living at 1600 Webster St, where we often passed each other coming and going, but never formally met.

Over a decade later, I ran into David as he was buying dim sum on Clement (Good Luck Dim Sum - David clearly knew the best and most authentic spots) and I finally introduced myself. David was courteous and, while waiting in line, we chatted about our shared experience as SF natives (born and bred) and alums of Lowell High School.

Later, when I sought David out for some legal advice, he invited me to discuss over drinks at the Olympic Club (where we took this photo). David ended up giving me a grand tour and I learned that he was a private club connoisseur, demonstrated by his 15-minutes of fame as the subject of a Wall Street Journal article.

Last October (2023), I came across another article (SF Businss Times) that seemed to reference David's work, so I texted to say hello. When he didn't respond, I assumed (wrongly) that work must have been keeping him busy. I realize now that I had only just missed him by a mere couple months.

For natives, San Francisco is a village. Everyone eventually and inevitably meets each other, if only in passing. I wonder whether, in the future, I might once again have the opportunity to come across David in passing.

May he rest in peace.

Nancy Hagosian

December 15, 2023

On December 13 we celebrated what would have been David´s birthday. Best friends enjoyed his favorite dinner in my home. Nancy H

Suzanne Nolan

November 4, 2023

I will always remember your wonderful laugh and joy in our days of study and fun today at USF together. Blessings on you your family on their loss. Suzanne Nolan

Richard Keller

October 31, 2023

Dave is missed by all who knew him. His photo could be used next to the word "gentleman " in the dictionary. Intelligent, personal, considerate and friend are just a few of the words that he exemplified. God´s Speed Dave.

Jim McCarthy

October 31, 2023

I was fortunate to meet David when I moved into 1600 Webster St in San Francisco. He was a really fun neighbor to have! What's more, David did so much for the good of the HOA and all of the residents there - he was truly generous with his time and commitment to our community.
I loved David's wit, perspective, and cosmopolitan spirit. It was great to meet one of the old time SF locals, who knew the city way before people like me arrived.
I, too, love to mix cocktails, so I was delighted to share a Martini or two with David. I'm grateful that he told me to the history of the Plymouth brand "Navy Strength" gin. I just found out about his passing a few days ago -- and made sure to have a toast with my wife to honor David -- with a Plymouth gin martini.
Cheers to you, David, my friend!
Jim

Giddings and Clark families

Planted Trees

HILLS Jack

October 20, 2023

David and I go back to 1979. We were both new hires at SP Communications in Burlingame. Though our careers brought us to different paths and geography (David stayed near to his hometown, while I ventured back to NY and subsequently Toronto), we remained very close. I will miss him.

Frank Dunnigan

September 20, 2023

I remember meeting David as part of our lunch group on the lawn in front of the Harney Science Center at USF in 1971 where he was always witty and spot-on with his humor. A year after graduation, he hosted a dinner party for classmates Alan & Ruth who were set to be married. In addition to organizing a wonderful sit-down dinner for a dozen of us on Robinhood Drive, David also demonstrated his skills as a bartender, offering to make everyone their mixed drink of choice-a Martini, a Manhattan, a Bloody Mary, and more, including for those guests who tested his skills by requesting a Bellini, a Singapore Sling, or a Tequila Sunrise. He was a master at the art of bartending and was perfectly stocked with everything-mixes, juices, olives, cocktail onions, grenadine syrup, peach puree, Prosecco, horseradish, Tabasco-and more. He was always the gracious host and set the perfect tone for any gathering. He will be deeply missed.

Lee bender

September 20, 2023

I am heartbroken to know David is gone--he was the loveliest man and the only friend I could always count on to come to my parties!

Jim Werner

September 19, 2023

Dave and I attended the same schools, church and he lived a few blocks away. When I would visit his house Claire would want to talk with Dave´s guy friends but he would have no part of little sister butting in and would chase her away.
I remember his first car, his orange Mustang that he drove us around in and occasionally raced the hot cars we encountered.
He was very smart and liked to laugh. He also was confident and wouldn´t shy away from debate. He treated people respectfully and was a kind soul.
I spoke with Dave at our class reunion and was so glad to have reconnected with him there. I thought he looked great.
I´m so sorry that we lost Dave from our world.
My deepest sympathy to Claire, family and friends

Barri Pivnick Lucero

September 19, 2023

David was a kind soul and a vibrant human being. He had an infectious laugh. He was a friend from my days at Aptos Jr. High School and Lowell High School. I recently saw him
at my Lowell High School reunion this past April, 2023. He will be missed by the many lives he touched. Sending condolences to his family. Rest in peace.

Tony Morgan

September 15, 2023

David was a very good friend
Many memories of our lunches
And dinners throughout the years. A true gentlemen and very witty. This is really a tough
One to handle. Another one of
The good guys gone. I am going to miss my great friend.
A bien tot

Marsha Monro

September 13, 2023

Am saddened to learn of David's unexpected passing. We grew up together at our parent's homes on Robinhood Drive. I recently saw him at our Lowell High School reunion. May he rest in peace w/ his unforgetable smile.

Gary Molitor

September 8, 2023

I met David once when I worked for his dad at his father's Shell gas station on Ocean Avenue back when I was going to SF State in 1964.

Diana and Arthur

Planted Trees

Sara Gaar

September 3, 2023

I am so glad to have reconnected with David in Reno. He was so very charming, witty and smart. I´m sure he is enjoying a heavenly cocktail now. My love and condolences to his beautiful sister Claire and her husband David as they deal with DZ´s sudden departure.

a friend

September 1, 2023

David was one of a kind. He was full of life and life of the party.

Lee Bender

September 1, 2023

You were the life of the party

LeeBender

Lee bender

September 1, 2023

Breaks my heart to know you are gone, David you were too damn young and loved life too much!

Paul Martin

September 1, 2023

Smiling thoughts of David - an exceedingly funny boulevardier from West of Twin Peaks. My own take on what I imagine to be David´s beatific vision upon his arrival at that heavenly Zuni Cafe in the sky: David is greeted by his beloved parents and many friends accumulated over seven "faboo" decades here, and Arthur Mejia, with a strengthening cocktail for David in hand, hailing David´s arrival with the greeting: "Nunc est bibendum!"

Farewell.

Judith Garvey

August 31, 2023

RIP to my USF colleague. David was one of the nicest guys at USF and very helpful to all of us in student government. RIP David.

Fellow Coger

August 31, 2023

So sorry to learn of David's passing. He was a good man.

Louise Lucchesi - USF

August 31, 2023

I'm so glad to have known David over the years. He will be missed by all of us at the University of San Francisco. Louise Lucchesi

Marge Donaldson

August 31, 2023

Dear Claire
I´m so sorry to hear of David´s passing. My thoughts are with you and the rest of the family.

Marge Donaldson