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Steven David Obituary

Steven Matthew David
Steven Matthew David was the man who put the Top of the Hill on the map.
A ubiquitous presence on TV and the radio during the 60s, 70s and 80s, David founded the first store in the San Francisco Bay Area to sell discount electronics. During its 25 years in business, Matthews approached retail uniquely: the store often had lines around the block while customers waited to be escorted around the store by a salesperson. In addition to campaigns featuring everyone from Davy Jones to Jerry Rice, Matthews became known for offering champagne and popcorn to customers as they waited.
David's legendary bicycle promotion-offering a free bike with the purchase of almost any product costing $150-became part of local lore and his tag line "Top of the Hill, Daly City" still remains known today. Matthews became the largest single store retailer of home electronics in the country and David among the first business owners to personally appear in his own ads.
A high school valedictorian who scored an 800 on his math SAT, David attended Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude. Though accepted at Harvard Business School, he opted instead to start and grow Matthews.
After a long illness, Steven Matthew David died peacefully on January 18th. He is survived by his two children, Ned and Anna, brother Anthony David, and sisters Barbara Dali and Linda Williams, as well as the many who remember him as an integral part of Bay Area history.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven David

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Al Fortis

February 11, 2026

He sparked my love for stereo. I bought my first pieces from him. I still own my 1975 pair of Klipsch Heresy speakers which still sound amazing. I remember be escorted through the store looking at all the incredible equipment he organized.
When the store closed I was very saddened. Thank you for such great memories.

Ray dulaney

February 10, 2026

He was way ahead of his time he had a Blk z28 out front of the store with 2 10" woofers in the back deck nobody had sepreats back then it was beating bass when people still were using 6x9 speakers always let the kids in the store to mess with the stereos an free popcorn rest easy SMD god bless you & thanks for the memories

Emily McDaniel

February 8, 2026

Will always remember this.

Stacey H.

February 8, 2026

Rest in joy, good sir. You brought happiness to countless people for so many years, with your store and your ads. You made shopping for electronics a fun thing to do instead of a chore, which was greatly appreciated. I hope you are enjoying a nice ride around the afterlife on a ten speed bike, listening to your favorite music!

Memorial Tree

Kevin McWilliams

Planted Trees

N. Vain

February 8, 2026

RIP. Thank you for contributing good business and fond memories!

George F.

February 6, 2026

A true Bay Area legend. Rest in peace sir.

PH

February 6, 2026

Absolute legend. The fifteen speed Firenze free bike was genius. Many of my friends had one.

Condolences to Mr. David´s family and friends. RIP.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Pete Palmer and Patricia Ward

Planted Trees

Chuck G

February 5, 2026

Condolences to family and friends, Steven was a man ahead of his time in the retail business. I can remember bringing in 3 of my cars at different times to have tape decks installed in the late 70's. I was surprised to be offered popcorn and champagne while I waited and it was only 10am in the morning having just finished breakfast at home! Those were without a doubt the good old days

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