William Isackson

William J. Isackson
Sept. 16, 1927 - Aug. 28, 2020
William "Bill" J. Isackson was surrounded by his family when he passed away peacefully on August 28, 2020, a few weeks shy of his 93rd birthday.
Bill was born on September 16, 1927 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the son of Barney and Susie Isackson and younger brother to Robert F. Isackson. Prior to college, he enlisted in the Navy during WW2 but only went through basic training before the war was over. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1950, a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. He began his longstanding passion for retail as a salesman representing several clothing lines. While dining at a restaurant during one of his sales trips in Las Vegas, he met Barbara Epp, who would become the love of his life. They had 4 children and were happily married for 50 years until Barbara's passing in 2004.

In 1958, Bill purchased Ross, a single-unit women's clothing store in San Bruno, California. Over the years, he expanded it into a junior department store concept, with multiple locations throughout the Bay Area. In 1982, he sold his chain of six stores to U.S. Venture Partners, who changed the name to Ross Dress for Less and the format to discount retail. The Ross Dress for Less chain comprises some 1,400 stores today. Thereafter, together with his children, Bill turned his focus to the acquisition of real estate, forming the William Isackson Company.

Bill will lovingly be remembered for his gentle soul, kindness, terrific sense of humor, warm personality and easy-going disposition. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met and demonstrated compassion, integrity and an unwavering loyalty to those he held close. Throughout his life Bill loved playing and watching sports of all types; he was especially passionate about tennis and continued to play at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club well into his 80's. He lived the last 5 years of his life at the Peninsula Regent and devoted his later years to spending time with his four children and their families.

Bill is survived by his four children and their spouses, Bruce and Davina Isackson, Rob and Shellan Isackson, Lynn and Gary Goodman, Karen and Norman Epstein and his 12 grandchildren: Allie, Evan, Will, Lauren, Matthew, Samantha, Audrey, Cale, Theo, Leo, Ryan and Ama.

Donations in Bill's memory can be made to Jewish Community Federation: (415) 777-0411; 121 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.