Joseph Gitin

Rabbi Joseph Gitin, D.D. In San Francisco, Aug. 16, 2010, at the age of 104, the oldest Reform Rabbi in the world. Rabbi Gitin served in Buffalo, NY, Butte, MT, Stockton, CA and as Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in San Jose for over 30 years. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity from Santa Clara University. He was involved in -- and often in the forefront of -- numerous interfaith, civic, humanitarian activites. He fought for the civil rights act, civil rights for the gay and lesbian communities, school integration and equal housing. His career and his life exemplified his often-stated belief that "there is but one God and we are all His children." Beloved husband of the late Rosalie Carl Gitin, loving father of David Gitin (Eileen) of Arizona and Judi Elman Harris (Gordon) of San Francisco, devoted grandfather of Joshua, Michael (deceased), Mark, Lori, and Regina Ubag and great-grandfather of Noah, Gracie, Sylvia, Aaron, Jacob and Benjamin Joseph. Grateful thanks to Coventry Park Assisted Living and to the staff who continuously dedicate themselves to the respectful, dignified and compassionate care for all their residents. Many thanks to caregivers, Louisa Magante, Vilma Bollenger and Gerry Macaraee . A public memorial service will be held in San Jose at Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University on September 14 at 10:30 a.m. Private funeral services have been held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rabbi Joseph Gitin Memorial Scholarship Fund for Interfaith Families, c/o URJ Camp Newman, 235 Montgomery St., Ste. 1120, San Francisco, CA 94014.