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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
Jerome Goldstein Obituary
April 5, 1942 - November 15, 2023
Jerome Goldstein, M.D., a San Francisco neurologist and gay-rights activist perhaps best known for the giant Christmas tree and holiday merriment he and his late husband offered passers-by for many decades at their Noe Valley home, passed away on November 15, 2023.
Jerome Goldstein was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 5, 1941, to Hyman and Mildred (Cherry) Goldstein. He was predeceased by his beloved husband of 47 years, Tomas Jesse Taylor, and by his sister, Rosalie. He leaves his niece Judith Weidman, nephews Sydney Weidman (Dianne) and Joshua Weidman (Amanda), great-nieces Samara, Zoe, Maya, Emma and great-nephew Paul.
Although he said his greatest desire was to become a musician, he followed his father's wishes and became a physician. In 1969-70 he moved to San Francisco, where he practiced medicine, becoming Chief of Neurology at St. Francis Hospital, founder of the San Francisco Headache Clinic, and a noted specialist helping people with headache pain. He was featured in the documentary film Born This Way: The Science of Sexual Orientation. Jerome Goldstein was a noted authority on HIV/AIDS-related neurological problems and lectured extensively on the subject worldwide.
Jerry and his husband gave generously of their time and resources to the nascent LGBTQ+ Equality Movement in the 1970s and 1980s, and he is regarded as one of the heroes of the battle to conquer HIV/AIDS. Among the many nonprofit organizations Jerry supported are Theater Artaud, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Frameline, Golden Gate Business Association and Human Rights Campaign. there is likely not one San Francisco LGBTQ+ or arts organization that has not benefited from his philanthropy.
As conservative as he may have found the medical field, Jerome was determined to ensure that his private life was anything but. If you invited Tom and Jerry to a party you could be sure of two things: that they would arrive late, because Jerry loved to make an entrance, and that Jerome would be dressed in something so outrageous, usually with lighting attached, that it was useful to warn other guests in advance what to expect.
Jerry and Tom, after decades together, were finally married in 2014 in a ceremony officiated by Bruce Vilanch, Gilbert Baker and chanteuse Sharon McNight. After Tom's passing, Jerome's health declined, perhaps in part because he never fully recovered from the loss of his dear partner. The City of San Francisco, and the LGBTQ+ community have lost an icon.
May his memory be for a blessing.
The funeral will be held in San Francisco at Sha'ar Zahav Synagogue on December 7, at 10:30 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Goldstein
Norman
February 5, 2025
I remember him all the time, friends since Sept 1959 U of Rochester, Upstate, and all the travels and excitement for the next 50 years. My entire family miss Tom and Jerry.
Barry Proner
February 4, 2025
I had known Jerry closely since we were and intern and a neurology resident respectively in SF in 1968-1970. We remained in contact for many decades and we visited him and Tom in SF, as they did visit us in London. We had our ups and downs but we remained in touch on and off for over 50 years. I'm extremely sad to learn of his death, as I was to learn of Tom's some years ago. Rest in peace, Jerry.
Teddy King
December 17, 2024
Jerry and Tom were the dearest friends of my parents. They are deeply missed this time of year.
Char (Laur) Soos
February 26, 2024
Although this is a little late since I just heard of Jerry's passing, I wanted to send my take of Jerry. I knew him in Jr High and High School. He was the nicest guy, very reserved and what I would call a brainiac. He was sooo smart and was down to earth, too!!
Once in a while he would send me an e-mail about high school and the teachers we encountered.
Will miss knowing he's out there!!
Rob Karlin, MD
January 24, 2024
Jerry Goldstein was such fun, such outrageous fun. Making rounds late in the evening at Saint Francis I'd run into Jerry, who never failed to have a joke to liven things at the nurses' station, but who could also, on occasion, could be very serious and caring: I lived on 22nd Street on the hill between The Castro and Noe Valley, and, yes, Jerry & Tom had the best streetside Christmas tree in all of San Francisco. Years later, while attending down in L.A., at least two other physicians and one nurse anesthetist were quite familiar with him, and, of course, we had to share stories and pictures. I'll say Kaddish.
malcolm davidson
January 14, 2024
Jerry was a good friend, classmate and most importantly, a wonderful human being.
Norman Lester Fienman
December 25, 2023
My close friend since Freshman week U of Rochester. Sept 1959 More than 60 years of exciting and wonderful memories
Mohammed Hill
December 8, 2023
He was my migraine doctor for several years at the SF Headache Clinic. He was fun but was very caring. I did not know he had such great parties! I have thought a lot about him over the years after my headaches went away. Truly a doctor who was in it to help people. RIP
Jack Schneider
December 8, 2023
Great friend and host ( with Tom) when visited SF
Fantastic Xmas celebrations
Joan
December 7, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dr. Goldstein at Saint Francis Hospital. He would come into medical records before they became electronic and in a very loud voice asking where is Joan? Spectacular person
David Bechtold
December 7, 2023
Jerry was wild & fun but also so compassionate, kind hearted and generous. We were truly blessed to have know him, share the wonderful parties and memorable times with both him and Tom for over 30 years. You are truly missed but your spirit lives on David & Abe
Jim Gatteau
December 3, 2023
So many memories over more than 20 years. From celebrations to fundraisers, funerals and weddings, public book signings to private hanging out, we did a lot together. It took a few years for our trust to build, but once it had, our doors were always open for each other. Jerry was family to me. Since the late 1990's. Rainbow flags, to leather brunches, to clothing with battery packs. He taught me about radical giving and inclusion from my 20s into my 50s.
Kathy Gray
November 30, 2023
Thank you for living. You are a hero. Rest.
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