Marc Norman Gropper
Oct. 15, 1927 - July 29, 2017
Marc Norman Gropper, M.D. died peacefully on July 29, 2017 at the age of 89 years. He is survived by his beloved family, his wife of 40 years, Shari, and their son David, his children Claudia (Jay) and Michael (Lynn) and 4 granddaughters, Samantha, Gillian, Hannah and Rachel. Marc leaves behind his cherished “East Coast Gang”, his sister-in-law, Darline Lewis, brother-inlaw, Marshall Sugarman and nephew, James Sugarman. He survives his treasured cousin in Israel, Neomi Gropper Kopelman, and her wonderful family. He was born in Paris to Dr. Angel and Herta Gropper who returned to Vienna when he was an infant. The family departed Vienna in April 1938 after the Anschluss, eventually settling in San Francisco, California. At age 18 he served in the U.S. Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps during WWII, where he employed his native German language skills to interrogate prisoners of war in Germany. Returning to San Francisco, Marc completed his college education at University of California, Berkeley and then decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a physician. Marc was venerated for his compassion and warmth, practicing hands-on medicine at his private practice in San Francisco for 52 years. He was a respected and treasured colleague with an outstanding commitment to provide the highest level of care for all patients.
He had a lifelong love of opera and classical music (he sang with the famed Vienna Choir Boys), and served as medical advisor and physician to the San Francisco Opera for many years. As an Associate Clinical Professor, he was a wonderful teacher and mentor to countless medical students at the University of California San Francisco. He served as Assistant Director of Student Health Service, U.C.S.F. Marc was also a member of the Attending Staff of the Jewish Home, San Francisco, for 33 years.
He loved to travel with Shari, touring, hiking and skiing in many locales. Known for his kindness, wonderful sense of humor, puns and quick wit, Marc was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Marc’s family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Irene Swindells’ Residential Care and the staff of Hospice by the Bay. The family also wants to thank many wonderful friends for their support and love during his illness.
A private service will be held to celebrate Marc’s life. Donations in Marc’s honor may be sent to the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning (www.fromm.usfca. edu) #415-422-6805 or The Gropper Memorial Fund,
Merola Opera Program (www.merola.org) #415-9362324.