William Rothschild

August 20, 1919-March 23, 2018

William Lansing Rothschild died peacefully at home in Oakland on March 23rd, in his 99th year. A native San Franciscan, he was related on his maternal grandmother’s side to Captain David Lansing, an early California pioneer who settled in Mendocino in 1852. He was the only child of Alma Lezott and W. Lansing Rothschild. The family founded Yellow Cab Company of San Francisco in 1922. It grew into the largest taxicab company on the West Coast and was sold in the early 1960’s. William retired from the firm’s operations and joined the board of Hood River Distillers.

He was a graduate of the Drew School and the University of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Lexington aircraft carrier, “The Blue Ghost” during World War II.

He was a proud member of the San Francisco Phoenix Society, having served at one time as a firefighter in the San Francisco Fire Dept.

William is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Rosita, two daughters, Lettie Haynes and Amy Friedkin, his four grandchildren David and Benjamin Sternberg, Lancia Herzog and Sharon Haynes Meakin and eight great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to William’s caregivers Chona, Bing, Elaine, Long and Raul.

Internment private. Contributions to the charity of one’s choice.