First there was this:
FALK, Ralph Alfred - Born in San Francisco, CA on June 12, 1913, Ralph passed away peacefully at age 92 in Burlingame on July 3, 2005. He is survived by Ann, his devoted wife of 63 years; as well as his loving sons, Robert, Ronald, and Richard; by his eight grandchildren; and by his 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerome and by many relatives and loyal friends. All will miss him dearly. Ralph, son of Emile Sampson Falk and Julia Reiss Falk, was a third generation San Franciscan and graduated from Galileo High School. During the Great Depression, Ralph worked for his father in the millinery business in Los Angeles where he met his beautiful future wife, Ann Wexler. Later, he worked in the steel business. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a drill sergeant training the troops and became a second lieutenant. After the war, Ralph wanted to expand the steel business to Northern California and found an opportunity with Pacific Steel and Supply in San Leandro. He built the business into one of the largest steel distributors on the West Coast. Ralph retired as the president of the company and continued as a member of the board of directors. He was an original member of Peninsula Temple Beth-El in San Mateo and lived in the communities of Burlingame, San Mateo and Hillsborough. Ralph, always a gentleman, was a devoted family man with a generous heart and winning smile. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service celebrating his life on July 24, 2005 at 1:30 PM at Peninsula Temple Beth-El, 1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo. Memorial donations may be made in the memory of Ralph Falk to the Alzheimer's Association of America, 2065 W El Camino Real, Ste C, Mountain View, CA 94040-2217.
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle from 7/13/2005 - 7/17/2005.
Then there was this:
FALK, Ann Wexler - Born October 3, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan and slipped away peacefully July 22, 2005 in Burlingame at the age of 83. Her devoted and adoring husband, Ralph, left this world nineteen days before her. Their loving devotion to each other was a bond that could not be broken. Ann, daughter of Isadore Wexler and Celia Berzinski Wexler, is survived by her brother Jack; loving sons Robert, Ronald, and Richard; eight grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all of her family and wonderful friends. Ann served as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Mills-Peninsula Hospital, and worked at various charities throughout the community. Within her social network, she was the belle of the ball, always perfectly attired. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the world, many times on cruises where they dined at the Captain's table. Ann will be in our hearts forever, never to be forgotten. She will be remembered for her beauty, her charm, and her gift of kind and generous friendship to all who knew her. The Falk family would like to extend a special gratitude to all their caregivers. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at 1:30 PM on July 27, 2005 at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 1299 El Camino Real, Colma. Memorial donations may be made in the memory of Ann Falk to the Alzheimer's Association of America, 2065 W El Camino Real, Ste C, Mountain View, CA 94040-2217.
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 7/26/2005.
And finally, this:
FALK, Jerome B. - Born in San Francisco, CA on October 23, 1909, Jerry passed away peacefully at his home in Los Altos on July 23, 2005 at the age of 95. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mimi Bernbaum Falk, and his brother, Ralph Falk, who passed away at the age of 92 only two weeks earlier. He is survived by his son, Jerome Falk, Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Nancy; his granddaughters Katherine and Susanna Falk; his grandsons-in-law Michael Arick and York Kennedy; and by his great-granddaughter, Pippa Falk Kennedy. Jerry was proud to be a fourth-generation San Franciscan, whose great grandfather arrived in the City in 1850, where he became the sixth member of the local police force. His uncle, Adrien Falk, was the first President of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, and presided over its creation. Jerry was a successful businessman until his retirement at the age of 75 as Vice President of the largest houseware distributing company west of the Mississippi. Jerry was an intelligent man with a keen interest in public affairs, an avid reader, an intrepid traveler (an interest shared by Mimi) and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a cheerful and optimistic view of life and events: a glass was half-full, not half-empty (unless it contained his evening Scotch-on-the-rocks). He was an unapologetic fan of a good pun and the creator of many a "groaner." Nothing made him happier than to spend time with his family, particularly if it was at a good restaurant over a half-dozen oysters and a tasty steak. Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jerome B. Falk Scholarship Fund, Haas School of Business, University of California at Berkeley, 2080 Addison Street, Berkeley, California 94720-4200.
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 7/27/2005.
