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Peter K. Maier

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November 20, 1928 — December 21, 2021


A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. A man respected by all who knew him.


His accomplishments were numerous: Tax attorney, law professor at Hastings College of Law for many years, on the board of Fromm Institute for forty-five years and chairman for thirty-five. He helped shape it into the successful institution it is today. Peter was brilliant in his role as an investment advisor. He loved being involved in the stock and bond markets, and real estate. He took great care of his clients (as he did everyone in his life).


Born in Wurzburg, Germany, moved to Bingen on the Rhine where he lived until 1937 when he, his parents and sister fled Hitler’s Germany, first to Belgium then Holland, and on to the United States in 1938, arriving Thanksgiving Day. It became his favorite holiday. He had many jobs growing up in Chicago. He was a paperboy, a shoe salesman, a bellhop, and a dance instructor at Arthur Murray’s.


He often said being in the Air Force after law school changed his life. Stationed in England, he became a lover of theater and a lover of English women. This gave him the confidence he lacked until his tour of duty. He became a terrific dancer and raconteur in those early grown-up years that he carried into mature manhood. No one could cha-cha nor tell a joke like he could. As a friend said, he was the ultimate gentleman, didn’t suffer fools, and had a wicked sense of humor.


He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Melanie; his daughters Michele Fisher (Michael) and Diana Maier (Ethan Kaplan); grandchildren June, Jesse Kaplan-Maier, twins Max & Gabe Fisher; his sister Mrs. Eve Simon; and nieces Renee, Lori, Carol and their families.


A memorial service was held on Wednesday, January 5 at 1 pm at Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco. A livestream will be available at www.emanuelsf.org if you were unable to attend. Donations can be made in Peter’s memory to the SF-Marin Food Bank, By the Bay Health (hospice), or a charity of your choice.






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