In Memoriam: F. Warren Hellman

July 25, 1934 - December 18, 2011

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund mourns the loss of Warren Hellman, one of our community’s greatest leaders. His passion for philanthropy and dedication to improving life for San Franciscans and for the Jewish community locally and worldwide is a proud legacy and a virtuous model for civic engagement. Warren once said to his grandchildren, “There’s no such thing as being too philanthropic.” If everyone gave their time and resources like Warren did, the world would truly be a better place. Warren was Chair of the Jewish Community Federation’s Endowment Fund and a member of the Executive Committee of the Board. His contributions to our organization were vast. He enriched our lives and our community beyond measure, helping Federation evolve for success in the 21st century, working tirelessly by our side, never shying away from a good challenge. The JCF is but one of many organizations and causes Warren touched so significantly. As a dedicated student of the Torah, Warren was always finding inspiration and discovering life lessons, particularly in regards to how we treat others and use philanthropy to express our values. For Warren, the flaws and mistakes of the human condition were important to appreciate and to contrast with the tremendous potential for decency. We will miss our leader, our mentor and our dear friend. May he rest in peace, and his memory be a blessing for all time.