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BORN
1948
DIED
2020
John Bielenberg Obituary
September 8, 1948 - August 28, 2020
John Bielenberg, 71, of Berkeley, California, passed away on August 28th, 2020. John was the beloved father of Aaron (Karen Young), Ben (Julie) and Toby (Tracy), cherished grandfather ("Pops") of Alma, Hank, Dora, Beatrice, Adlai, Dawson and Dezy, loved "little" brother of Pat Smith (Art). John was the devoted partner of Ellen Greenblatt and beloved by her family. Born in 1948 in Western Springs, Illinois, John lived throughout the Chicagoland area, raising his family in Highland Park, before moving to San Francisco in 2002. John started in the sanitary supplies industry at Bolotin Inc. building the business into a regional leader. His reputation as a trusted and skilled business man created lifelong friendships with clients, suppliers and colleagues. In 2015, He retired from Waxie, Inc. after 45 years in the industry. Following retirement, John was a passionate and devoted volunteer Ranger at Point Reyes National Park, loving every minute in a place he so cherished. He was about to begin a course to become a Certified Naturalist so that he could contribute even more to helping kids and adults enjoy and protect that special place. John was a committed leader in the Jewish Community, leading missions to Israel and the Soviet Union, and volunteering his business experience to help Jewish communities operate sustainably, and living a life that embodied the ethic of Tikkun Olam – giving and repairing of the world. An online memorial service and a virtual Shiva will be held for family and friends.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Bielenberg
Ronald Cipolla
August 26, 2025
May God be with you. Rest in peace.
Ron Cipolla
August 26, 2024
Thank you. You gave me a chance hiring me. It meant so much to me. God is with you.
Ron Cipolla
August 26, 2023
You are in my prayers. May our Lord stand by your side.
Ron Cipolla
August 26, 2021
I worked for John at Bolotin for 15 years. He was fair and required the best from his employees. I respected his professionalism and his compassion. My sincere sympathy to his family on his anniversary of his passing.
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Ron Cipolla
September 23, 2020
I worked for John at Bolotin, Inc. in Hillside, IL for 15+ years. He gave me an opportunity to enhance myself in outside sales. He was a tough employer but fair. He always recognized a job well done. He took an interest in his employees. I always enjoyed seeing him light up a cigar after our company reached a million dollar sales at our warehouse sale. My deepest sympathy to the Bielenberg family.
Joanie Leopold
September 10, 2020
John was a wonderful mentor during my time at Bolotin. Though I haven’t seen him in years, I still use many of the sales lessons he taught me every day. He will be missed.
Jennifer Jones
September 8, 2020
Incredibly sorry for your loss. May you see his traits in you and your family throughout your life.
Jennifer Jones
September 8, 2020
Incredibly sorry for your loss. May you see his traits in you and your family throughout your life.
Rich Nisula
September 7, 2020
John is my cousin. We didn’t see much of each other growing up, as I was in NJ, he in Illinois. We did spend time most summers at our grandparents home in Iowa. I have fond memories of those times.
As we both started careers, families, etc we didn’t have much contact other than occasional emails, etc.
In plater years, we did reconnect as my mother, his aunt, was placed in a continuing care facility. John, as well as Pat would inquire about her condition. Occasion visits were made.
That’s what made John special. A caring person.
RIP John
Rick Schuster
September 3, 2020
John loved his family, loved his Cubs, loved his friends, loved his Judaism, loved his industry, loved to travel, loved the live large. He was sophisticated, smart, and dedicated to to the many causes and people that were important to him. I had the pleasure of spending countless hours with him sharing various business, association and social events. He was the type of friend who would both challenge you and make you laugh. He leaves a lasting imprint on my life.
--Rick Schuster
Melissa McPeters
September 2, 2020
John was very supportive of City College of San Francisco's custodial program. His insight in our advisory committee meetings was very valuable. He is already missed greatly.
Barry koziol
September 2, 2020
I worked for John at Bolotin from 1985 -1997 he was a great mentor and trainer. Teaching me that you don’t grow customers you make new Friends. I was blessed to know him. He was a talented man. One of a kind. I will see him in heaven. And we will share stories. God bless. His Family cherish his memories. Love Barry and. Roseann Koziol family
Bruce Behrstock
September 1, 2020
I remember John fondly.
We met in the 70’s thru the SOB, later called the Chicago Family Business Council. One year John was president.
He was a good guy and a good salesman.
My condolences go out to his family
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