March 25, 1923 - June 22, 2017
Oakland

Paul Danzig, 94, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017. Although his physical health declined in recent weeks, he frequently said, "I am happy. I have a wonderful family, and I had a wonderful life." Paul said he was lucky that he met his wife, Mary (Jetmore), 87, who "spoiled" him throughout their 67-year marriage. Mary's smile, humor, hats, and songs delighted him to the end. Paul's ability to remember dates, events, numbers, and to track family members' activities never faltered, and, in recent weeks, he took great pleasure in expressing his love and support for Mary and his family.

Paul was born on March 25, 1923, in Springfield, Mass., to William and Lena Danzig, Russian ŽmigrŽs who instilled in Paul a capacity for work and play, and treating everyone as equals. Due to the Depression, the family moved to Oakland when he was seven. As a teenager, Paul loved dancing as much as he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball at Oakland High School, where he was nicknamed "Bookie Dan." Throughout his life, Paul relied on his natural talents and intellect, rather than a formal education for beating the odds in business, gin rummy, and golf; betting on his favorite sports teams; and dispensing practical advice to his family.

After graduation, Paul worked at H.C. Capwell, the Kaiser Richmond shipyards, and several other places, always "improving my situation," as he liked to say. He was drafted and chose to serve in the Navy, because he heard that it had "warm beds and hot food." He served from 1943-1945 as a Chief Specialist, responsible for athletic instruction, and played on a Navy basketball team. After discharge, he returned to the Bay Area, where he held a variety of jobs, including car and truck sales, before Milt Owens invited him to join a mortgage service business in Oakland. Business leaders recognized Paul's skills and business acumen, and soon he had the opportunity to invest in and become the president of Guarantee Savings & Loan. After expanding and taking Guarantee public, it was purchased by Home Savings & Loan. Paul then co-founded and became CEO of U.S. Development Corp., and First Builders Bancorp, which developed planned unit residential properties in several states. He also co-founded the Bank of Contra Costa and served as a director for several corporations. When these businesses were purchased in the 1970s, Paul devoted himself to private investment. He was proud of his business success, but realized he was fortunate to have "had some luck" and to be in the "right place at the right time." Paul reminded his family that a person's reputation was "number one" and "couldn't be bought, only earned." They will always appreciate his wisdom, quiet good cheer, playfulness, and loving support.

Paul maintained close friendships throughout his life, and treasured the many happy hours spent with his buddies at the card table, on the golf course, or watching sports. Still, he most cherished his time with Mary; traveling the world with her and with friends; hosting parties; playing golf; dancing joyfully whenever and wherever possible; and being with his family.

Paul was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister, Sylvia (Danzig) Cohen. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Jay Danzig (Linda), Jill (Danzig) Stefani (Joey), Daniel Danzig (Dianne), and Abbey (Danzig) Massie (Stan); grandchildren, Lisa Christensen, Adam Frankel, Lauren Massie, Kaylan Grant, Christopher and Peter Danzig; great-grandchildren, Monica and Ali Wunderman, Claire and Lindsey Frankel, Riley Christensen, and Summer Grant; and his niece, Shayne Del Cohen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA, 941453; Jewish Federation of the East Bay, PO Box 370, Berkeley, CA, 94701-0370. Tourette Association of America, 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 205, Bayside, NY, 11361; Clinic By The Bay, 4877 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA, 94112.