Gerald Rosenstein Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Gerald Rosenstein
Start: 2016-01-04T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Hills of Eternity chapel

Gerald B. Rosenstein

1927 - 2016

Jerry (as he was known to his friends), resident of San Francisco since 1949, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 1, 2016. He was predeceased by his brothers Hans and Ernst, his Father Max, and his Mother Sophie Rosenstein née Bendheim.

Born in Bensheim, Germany and raised in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he and his parents restarted their lives in 1945 in Paris, France after surviving Auschwitz-Birkenau, amongst many other concentration camps. (His early life is chronicled at www.jerryrosenstein.info.)

During the last 35 years, he frequently spoke to high school students here and in Europe, in English and in German, of his experiences during the Holocaust, and of gay rights, equality, and human rights. Those close to Jerry know he was not shy about expressing his political opinions.

Jerry had a successful career in international trade that involved extensive travel in Asia and the Caribbean. After 1980, he stepped back from active management and devoted much of his time and resources to causes dear to his heart.

He is remembered as a long time board and active member and supporter of Congregation Sha'ar Zahav, Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS), San Francisco Performances, The Merola Opera Program, and The Holocaust Center of Northern California (now relocated to JFCS). He was also a proud member of ACLU, Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Watch.

Jerry was a bridge player, music lover, avid traveler and nature lover with an unquenchable joie de vivre. He wanted to be sure that his many friends and large, extended family in the Bay Area and throughout the world know that they brought great joy into his life. And for us, he brought guidance, irreverence, and great delight.

Funeral services will be held at Hills of Eternity chapel, 1299 El Camino Real, Colma, CA on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm. In accordance with Jerry's wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

No flowers, please. Donations in his memory may be sent to Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that was very dear to his heart and which provided him superb care at the end of his life. (Online at www.jfcs.org or mailed to JFCS, PO Box 159004, San Francisco, CA 94115).

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 2 to Jan. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Rosenstein

5 Entries

Danny Andreas

April 16, 2022

Jerry and I have never met. We only had one facebook chat with each other. I live in Amsterdam in the apartment where Jerry and his family lived before they were deported to Auswitsch Birkenau. When I came to live here and found out what happened, I started to bring flowers to the war monument on the 4th of May to remember the horrors Jerry and his family had to go through. Across the street from Jerry's family, Mrs Miep Gies used to live. She was the caretaker of the family Frank when they were hiding in the attic. Anne Frank's friend used to live next door, so Jerry and she must have known each other. I am glad that regardless of the horrors during WWII he has had such a rich life and has meant so much to everybody. And even after his death. Enclosed is a picture of the Miep Gies park which is maintained by the neighborhood. The picture was taken from my appartment, from the same window where Jerry and his family must have looked outside. May he and his family rest in peace.

Alfonso Ballester

April 20, 2018

Jerry was a great business friend who taught me how the sardine business in asia is carried out. I will always remember fondly our business trips to Thailand in our quest for sardines. His visits to Puerto Rico were always a pleasure, whether visiting the trade or dining out. See you soon my friend.

January 5, 2016

Jerry was an enthusiastic member of the American Conservatory Theater family. He would bop into the VIP Lounge - usually with friends - and liven up the place with his presence. We will miss him.

Eran Bendheim

January 5, 2016

the last decent who was born in Bensheim Germany. My father cousin, I used to meet him once a year in tha past twenty years, he is also reponsible for some of my art learning in highschool. I will meiss him searly so long Jerey

Howard and Michele Bodenheimer

January 2, 2016

My father Fred S. Bodenheimer was his cousin. On the afternoon of my birth in Los Angeles, he and my father played cards. I am saddened by his passing and hope that his soul be in eternal peace.
Howard S. Bodenheimer

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