Richard Paul Magary

Nov 4, 1940 - Dec 20, 2021

Richard Magary, 81, community leader, active in both the LGBTQ community, restoration of San Francisco’s Buena Vista Park, and champion of minority-owned small businesses, passed away December 20, 2021 in San Francisco, California after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Magary was well known as a much valued and respected organizer in his community. Daniel Bergerac, former President of the Castro Merchants Association considered him his mentor and righthand man. State Senator Scott Wiener commended Magary for his decades of service and considered him a pillar of the community. Magary also volunteered at Conard House and was awarded a Certificate of Honor by the City of San Francisco for his outstanding service. Mr. Magary was a volunteer and President of the Buena Vista Neighborhood Association for fifteen years, increasing revenues and helping to accomplish many major improvements to Buena Vista Park.

Richard Paul Magary was born on November 4, 1940, in Canandaigua, New York, the youngest of two children of F. Donald and Olive (Hurlbutt) Magary. After the family relocated to Pasadena, California in 1943 he was educated at Catholic schools including Loyola High School and was awarded a scholarship to the University of San Francisco. Mr. Magary graduated from USF with a degree in Economics and went to work for Bank of America where he became a specialist in loans to minority - owned businesses. He also served as Chief Financial Officer for American Shared Hospital Services, the first company to lease mobile CT scan units to hospitals across the West.

Richard Magary will be greatly missed by his community, friends and family alike. All those who knew him will remember his wit and humor, his love of San Francisco and tireless work for others.

In addition to his sister, Phyllis Kessel, he is survived by his two nieces, Cleo Van Doren and Colette Wirtschafter and their families and his nephew Christian Wand.