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Richard Lawrence Pearl

Richard Lawrence Pearl obituary, San Francisco, CA

Richard Pearl Obituary

Richard L. Pearl DDS Mar. 13, 1939 - Dec. 25, 2010 Richard Lawrence Pearl DDS passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children. Born in Brooklyn, NY to Sidney and Flora Pearl, Richard grew up in the Bronx an avid athlete, student and Yankee fan. He is survived by his beloved wife Roberta of 44 years; sons Jonathan (Robyn) and Jason (Nikki) and daughter Rachel (Chris); grandchildren Ella, Ruben, Oscar, Harry, Isaac, Wallace and Bennie; brother Robert (Lisa) and sister Janet Kreshover (Jerry). After graduating from Alfred University, Richard went on to earn his DDS at NYU. He met Roberta when they both worked at New York Polyclinic. They moved to SF and Richard opened his dental practice on the corner of Fillmore and Union where his practice flourished for 40 years. A gregarious and talented dentist, Dr. Pearl earned the respect of his patients and colleagues. His lengthy list of patients included many who were part of his practice for more than 30 years and extended to their children and grandchildren. He established meaningful relationships with his patients and staff that went well beyond dental care. His interest in local politics, investments and sports made each visit to his office entertaining and engaging for his patients. A passionate athlete, Doc Pearl played tennis, basketball, softball, and eventually bocce ball, well into his 60s. He was known by teammates for his honesty, his sense of humor, his competitive spirit and true enthusiasm for the game. A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Pops loved being with his family, dancing with his wife, traveling and practicing dentistry. He leaves behind many who count him as a close friend. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., SF, on Thursday, December 30th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the UCSF Richard L. Pearl DDS Neurodegenerative Disease Research Fund, promoting the understanding and treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. http://makeagift.ucsf.edu or contact UCSF Attention: Jennifer Arnett

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Darryl T Woodson

February 14, 2024

I first went to Dr. Pearl in 1974 after 3+ years with a touring non-profit theater group based in San Francisco with no dental care . He was great. He really fixed my badly cared for teeth. I remember once when I told him I had dental care in high school in Vallejo CA from a certain well known area dentist. Dr. Pearl said he once went to a professional lecture from this dentist warning his fellow dentists about the use of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). He looked at me said "you want it?" "Sure thing" said I. He put the mask over my nose and mouth and in a few minutes I was laughing my a** off. He came back to my chair, smiled at me, and proceeded to do a wonderful job. What a great guy!

Sheila Delumpa

December 29, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the PEARL FAMILY for the lost of their love one.I don't know him personally, but since I work with Mrs. Pearl, He's like part of our family cause we treat everybody at work as extended family. Condolence.

Joanne Handy

December 29, 2010

I was 22 years old with an abcessed tooth the day I first walked into Dr. Pearl's office on Union Street....a random choice. Being both native New Yorkers, so began a 35 year relationship that extended to my husband and 2 children. He basically built me a new mouth. A great dentist and a wonderful character.

Joanna Migala Janssen

December 29, 2010

My deepest Sympathy. I knew Dr. Pearl because is office was above Isi Pharmacy where I worked during high school and college. He was a great customer and remember him dearly.
Joanna Migala Janssen

charles moore

December 29, 2010

I will miss him. He was a wonderful man

sandy baker

December 28, 2010

What a tragic loss! Richard was an extraordinary, compassionate guy - truly one of a kind. I am so, so sorry.
Sandy Baker

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