Gilbert Gradinger

1930 - 2022

Gilbert P. Gradinger
Oct. 5, 1930 - Jan. 28, 2022
Dr. Gilbert Paul Gradinger was a beautiful man, inside and out. He died peacefully at his home on January 28, 2022. Though he suffered a stroke seven years earlier, his spirit remained and he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren until the very end.

Gil was born on October 5, 1930 in Waterloo, Iowa to Leo and Thelma Gradinger. He had a happy childhood surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, his older sister—Elaine, and the local Jewish community. Leo died at the age of 46 when Gil was only 16. Thankfully, Thelma was a strong, capable woman who successfully raised her two children.

Gil attended college at Northwestern University. After two years of excessive fun, Gil decided to transfer to Washington University so he could get serious about his studies. After graduation, he stayed for another four years to attend medical school. One spring vacation, he was offered the job of lifeguard for the AEPi sorority national convention in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It was there that he met the woman he would love for the rest of his life, Sally Ann Levit. When Gil went to meet Sally's family in Piedmont, California, Sally's 15-year-old sister, Rhoda, thought he was Rock Hudson walking up the driveway. And so began a long and happy relationship between Gil and his in-laws, Pearl and Al Levit, and his sister-in-law, Rhoda Wolfe.

While in medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, Gil and Sally's daughters, Lori and Jodi, were born 13 months apart. After medical school, Gil opted for a warmer climate and Sally got to return to her beloved California where Gil did his surgery and plastic surgery residencies at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). After Gil's training, he had two years in the military to complete and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. During this time, Gil, Sally, and their now 4 children (son Leo was born in 1958 and son Jeff was born in 1961), lived in Green Valley on the 16th fairway of the local golf course. With their family in tow, Gil and Sally made their last move to San Mateo, California in 1963 so Gil could join the practice of Dr. Raymond Kauffman.

Gil's career as a plastic surgeon was exceptional. He was a teacher, mentor, book and article writer, exam proctor, and presenter at conferences and meetings. He was admired and respected both locally and internationally, and most importantly, he loved his work until the day he retired in December 1999 just shy of his 70th birthday.

In retirement, Gil enjoyed woodworking, golfing, skiing, traveling with Sally, reading, and puttering around the house. By this time, Sally and Gil had 12 grandchildren (Joey z'l 1995) and their greatest accomplishment was unfolding as they created a unique relationship with each of their grandchildren by, among other things, taking them on annual ski trips to Tahoe and visiting the out-of-town kids regularly. The role "Papa" played in the lives of each of his grandchildren cannot be overstated. To this day, it is not uncommon to hear a grandchild ask, "what would Papa do?" when faced with a dilemma or decision.

Gil had a stroke on January 2, 2015. While it greatly affected his physical mobility, he pursued every available avenue of rehabilitation and allowed his brilliant and loving caregiver, Talia, to take care of him morning and night. His children, grandchildren, family and friends visited often. With the daily assistance of Sally and son Jeff, Gil remained in his home of 59 years until he passed away. He remained engaged with family, friends, and the 49ers and continued to be a gentleman and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather until the end of his life. He will be missed and remembered by so many.

Gil is preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Dorfman, his father, Leo Gradinger, his sister, Elaine Crystal, and his grandson, Joseph Wes.

He is survived by his children Lori Gradinger and her wife, Ann Marie Smith; Jodi Gradinger-Wes and her husband, Robin; Leo Gradinger and his wife, Melanie; Jeff Gradinger and his ex-wife, Mary. Eleven grandchildren, David Wes and his wife, Peri; Nicholas Gradinger; Rachel Groshong and her husband, Ryan; Zoe Alexander and her husband, Silas; Sam Dunnington and his wife, Hailey; Max Gradinger; Dr. Ari Wes and his partner, Leah Zuroff; Alex Gradinger; Lucy Gradinger and her fiancé, Alex Grieve; Gus Gradinger and his fiancé, Annie Sullivan; Lucas Gradinger. Four great grandchildren, Dylan Wes, Logan Wes, Miles Wes, and Chase Dunnington. Sister and brother-in-law, Rhoda and Sheldon Wolfe, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of good friends.

A private burial took place on February 3, 2022.

Gifts in Dr. Gilbert Gradinger's name can be made to Temple Beth El, San Mateo, California.