Harry Ratner

1937 - 2025

Harry Ratner
12/08/1937 - 05/06/2025
It is with profound sadness we his family announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Harry Arnold Ratner.
Harry was the patriarch of four generations. With absolute devotion, kindness, generosity and abundant love, he guided us all. Each of his five children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild were better human beings for his presence in their lives. His humility, and strength of character were lessons to all who knew him of how to be a mensch. He was the foundation on which our family was built.
Born in San Diego to Sally and Nate Ratner, he left a thriving business to forge a new life with his bride of 62 years, Marcia Joy Ratner. It was a love story for over six decades. Harry was educated at Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad before going to UC Berkeley and Stanford. He received his CPA degree after attending post graduate studies at San Jose State.
Settling first in San Jose, then Saratoga and eventually Monte Sereno, he built his life around his family. A caring son in law to Marcia's mother - Bettie Hirsch- who lived with them for 25 years until her death, he was also a loving and supportive brother to Marcia's three brothers Robert, David and Merrill Hirsch, who predeceased him. His brother Dr. Lawrence S. Ratner also predeceased him.
He will be lovingly remembered as a dear uncle to Morris and Caleb, Alicia, Randy, Ricky, Mandy, Daniel, Geneen, Melanie, Benji, William and Rachel. He was a beloved great uncle to Matthew and Becky, Kayla and Ava, Juli and Kolby. He was a cousin to many. The loving friendships Harry and Marcia formed over the years became unbreakable bonds that enriched their lives.
Harry was the most adored father of Mimi (Josh Gispan), Maralissa (Glenn Ordons) Morris (Christopher Dydyk) Dawn (Ratner Hakim) and Julie (Matt Sachse). Adored Papa to Emma (Jackson Fondriest), Jake, Gabriel, Abby, Hannah and Lailie. Pops to Nate and Jacob and a doting great grandfather to Noah. He was a source of quiet strength with a limitless reservoir of unconditional love. He gave generations the wings to fly.
Private family burial Monday, May 12th, 2025
Los Gatos Memorial Park, Shalom Gardens.
Memorial Service for friends and family at Congregation Shir Hadash at 2:00 pm on May 12th followed by a meal of consolation at the synagogue. 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Donations in Harry's memory may be made to the Lucille Packard Foundation for Children's Health at Stanford Medicine (my.supportlpch.org)