Bruce Dantzker

04/19/1949 - 03/25/2024

Bruce Howard Dantzker 1949-2024 Bruce Dantzker passed away unexpectedly on March 25 in his home in Oakland, California. Preceded in death by his brother Steve, Bruce is survived by his sister Lynn Dantzker, her daughters, Anna and Sarah, his sisterin-law Jacqueline Moore and her children, Alicia, Nicholas, Elizabeth, and his beloved dog, Lulu. Bruce was the heart and soul of the Dantzker family; his keen wit, humor, and unwavering support of Bay Area sports teams and the Democratic Party will leave a big gap in family discussions.

Bruce was born to Mary and Morris Dantzker in Northern Virginia where he spent most of his young life, graduating from McLean High School in 1967. Early on, he demonstrated athletic prowess with great success in swimming and later tennis. An astute observer of life, Bruce’s interest in the visual arts eventually led him to a career as a photographer. Joining his brother and sister, Bruce moved to San Francisco in 1974 where he obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from City College of San Francisco. He pursued a career in portrait photography and eventually opened Mission One Hour Photo and Sonria Studios in the San Francisco Mission District. For many years, he photographed Carnaval San Francisco and became known for the binders of photos available to the public following each parade. As a colleague noted during this time, Bruce was always smiling and always working.

Bruce adored his nieces and nephew, traveling often with their respective families on vacations nationally and internationally. Uncle Bruce (UB) supported them with love and humor through the trials and tribulations of growing up and beyond as they became young adults. He also regularly chronicled the families through the lens of his camera.

Bruce’s family will gather privately to celebrate his life through pictures and, as he would have preferred, engaged conversation.