Joel Stephen Coopersmith

Joel Stephen Coopersmith, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by loving family and close friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Justine; children Rachael Adler (Danny), Devorah Jacoby (Ben), Diana Coopersmith, and Peter Coopersmith (Veronica); grandchildren Amanda and Jack Jacoby, Sonya Adler, Lucy Planson, and Eli Coopersmith; sister Carol Shaw (Sam); niece Ruth Ducret (Luis), and nephew Stephen Shaw (Tiffany). He deeply loved them all.

Joel was born in the Bronx borough of New York City to Arthur and Ruth Coopersmith, and grew up there with his sister Carol and many cousins. He served in the National Guard as a young man and, after his discharge, set out on a cross-country drive in 1961 from New York to California. When he arrived in San Francisco, he fell in love with the city’s counterculture and freedom that were embraced in those days and made the Bay Area his home for the rest of his life.

Joel began his career working at the Pacific Stock Exchange before pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit. He built a successful career in real estate, developing and renovating properties, and participating in several restaurant ventures. He had a keen eye for opportunity and took great pride in the projects he created. A few of his notable projects were the Acme Cafe in Noe Valley in San Francisco, the Farrell House, and the River Cafe in Petaluma, and his children’s favorite: The Plaza movie theater in Petaluma.

Outside of work, Joel lived life with enthusiasm and joy as an extensive world traveler with many adventures. He was passionate about sports, spending many years as an avid skier and serving on ski patrol. He loved sailing, fishing, and scuba diving — anything on or near the ocean and rivers. He loved to play tennis, became dedicated to golf later in life, had a particular gift for strategy and competition, and enjoyed card games, especially poker, where his skill and sense of fun made him an enjoyable opponent.

Above all, Joel was a devoted family man and dedicated father of four, always making himself available to his children and grandchildren, taking them on trips and outings, such as to Woody’s for ice cream. Joel was dearly loved by his in-laws and extended family.

Joel leaves behind many dear friends who admired and cherished him, along with generations of his children’s friends, who always found him welcoming, engaging, and full of captivating stories.

His warmth, adventurous spirit, and love of life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.