Donald Chaiken

1936 - 2023

Donald Chaiken
July 23, 1936 - May 8, 2023
Donald Chaiken, a renowned Jewish philanthropist and real estate developer, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Lafayette, California. Despite facing multiple strokes, his remarkable resilience and determination exceeded medical expectations during his five-month battle.
Born on July 23, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, the eldest of three to Charles and Ann (Lederman) Chaiken, Don excelled academically and helped support his family from a young age, even buying their first television set with his earnings from a newspaper delivery job. Don's journey from humble beginnings led to a life filled with travel, love, family, friendship, community, charity, and unexpected good fortune.
After graduating with top honors from the University of Florida, College of Business, in 1958 Don became a CPA. He moved to California in 1960, where met his beloved wife, Carole. They married in 1966 and raised three daughters. Settling in San Leandro in 1970, Don began his 53-year career in real estate development originally as part of Singer Housing Company and later Citation Homes. He founded Davidon Homes in 1982-now one of Northern California's largest privately owned real estate development companies. He established The Donald Chaiken Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA), a free construction-trade training program through the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF). He was also inducted into the CHF Hall of Fame in 2007 for his impact on the industry.
Don's passion for philanthropy led him to establish the Donald and Carole Chaiken Foundation in 1988 which has generously granted a variety of Jewish and non-sectarian charitable organizations locally and internationally. He created the first Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation, East Bay, where he served as its President of the Board from 1999-2002.
Don resided in Lafayette, CA, for 40 years and spent 30 years on Lake Tahoe's Southshore in NV. He found joy in hosting charity events and spending time with his family and friends. He had a zest for life, enjoying gambling, playing bridge, collecting art, skiing, and attending sporting events and the performing arts.
Don's daughters and spouses, Julie Chaiken of Tiburon, Dana Chaiken (Susan Roll) of Reno, NV, and Jen Chaiken, (Sam Hamilton) of San Francisco, and grandchildren Ethan and Zachary Chaiken Grigsby and Addie and Quin Chaiken Hamilton will forever be inspired by his remarkable life. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Carole, his parents, brother, Richard, sister Linda Segel, and recent partner of eight years, Frances Greenberg.
A celebration of Don's life will take place on Friday, May 12 at 11:00, at Temple Isaiah, Lafayette, followed by a graveside service at Oakmont Memorial Park. Donations in his memory can be made to the Donald Chaiken BITA program, www.mychf.org; Temple Isaiah, or any Jewish charity.