Jerald Zitzer

1934 - 2021

Jerald M. Zitzer M.D.
July 12, 1934 February 10, 2021
Jerald M. Zitzer beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at his home in Napa on February 10th, 2021 following a long battle with cancer.
Jerry, as he was known by all who loved him, born and raised from Milwaukee Wisconsin where his parents Ben and Libby (Edelstein) Zitzer settled and were very proud to be new Americans from Poland. They looked to the American way of Democracy that was freedom and education for all. Knowing that -Jerry was the first in his family to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison 1959.
Jerry married and moved the new family the Bay Area where he completed his residency at Highland Hospital, Oakland. He moved on to San Francisco and practiced at what was then St. Lukes Hospital, Children's Hospital and French Hospital then to Ross in Marin County. He eventually settled at Marin General Hospital where he served a term as "Chief of Anesthesiologists".
Following retirement from the hospital, Jerry continued to work. He went into private practice as an independent contractor for specialty practice. Jerry worked as long as he possibly could and when he couldn't he continued to help and give advice when needed or asked.
Jerry loved his work & he enjoyed his hobby garden. He diligently planned out the entire yard and it is beautiful with fruit trees, flowering trees, and vegetable bed. He & Marilyn gardened and loved to travel on European trips always stopping in Paris whenever they could.
One thing everyone knew about Jerry is his affinity for watching the news and staying well informed. He also watched PBS but most of all he never missed a night of "Jeopardy." He was amazing at his knowledge of so many subjects. His family would say he most certainly would win if he ever was a contestant on that show. Jerry's family would say he enjoyed fine wine, fast cars, good cappuccino and chocolate ice cream. He was gentle, generous, and a supportive father, stepfather, and grandfather. Jerry loved life; he was compassionate and hardworking. He was a wonderful loving father and stepfather who loved spending time with family and hearing about their lives, education and accomplishments. His new neighbors also enjoyed his company and will miss his smile and conversation.
Jerry is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sister Shirley Beilin of NY, his two sons from his first marriage (Barbara Goldman) Steven (Maria Nieto) and Gregory (Charmaine Spalding), his two daughters from his second marriage (Jeanne Davidson) Lara (Richard Schultz) and Shana (Samir Bulsara), his three stepchildren from his third marriage Veda L (David Putnam), Nina (William Snyder) and Eugene LY Orloff (Edrica Orlova), two nieces (Linda Pierson and Beth Beilin-Hoffer), and from his large blended family thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held in his honor in the future. Generous contributions have been made to American Cancer Society. We as a family are deeply humbled and grateful.