Dr. Bennett G. Zier
04/03/1946 - 12/24/2025
Dr. Bennett G. Zier, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco, California, on December 24, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946, Ben graduated from Hofstra University in 1967, before earning his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1971. He completed his residency in general internal medicine at UCSF in 1975, where he became the first primary care medical resident in the newly established Primary Care Residency Program. He was then recruited to serve on faculty at UCSF's Department of Internal Medicine, eventually becoming a Clinical Professor of Medicine. He maintained an active presence in the UCSF community throughout his career as an educator and mentor.
In 1976, Ben joined the California College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was appointed Chairman of the Department of General Medicine. He contributed significantly to the field of podiatric medicine, becoming a nationally recognized expert in internal medicine within podiatry and publishing the seminal textbook in the field, Essentials of Internal Medicine in Clinical Podiatry. While at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, he helped build the institution into a leading podiatric academic center and mentored countless future podiatrists. He also cared deeply about the surrounding community, securing a grant to establish a primary care clinic for underserved residents in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood.
In addition to his leadership and academic pursuits, Ben served the San Francisco community as a prominent physician for over 47 years. He practiced at multiple medical facilities, including Mt. Zion, UCSF, St. Francis, and St. Mary's. He developed a strong connection to the patients, providers, and community at St. Mary's Hospital, where he maintained a primary care practice for 20 years, became chairperson of the Bioethics Committee, and was awarded the Value of Justice for his advocacy and compassionate care of the elderly. During his years in practice, he also served as the medical director of multiple skilled nursing facilities in San Francisco. In 2011, Ben was recruited to the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, eventually becoming Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer. He retired from clinical care in 2023, but continued to teach at the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living until 2025.
Away from work, Ben was a cherished friend, a loving husband, and a wonderful father and grandfather. He met his wife, Cindy, during medical training at UCSF, and they were married at Tilden Park in 1978. They celebrated nearly five decades of marriage raising two sons, and helping to raise five grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan and particularly loved basketball, a game he learned as a young boy on the streets of Brooklyn. He continued to play into his 70s with his regular friends at his beloved Concordia Club. He claimed to have the best jump shot in the Zier family and was known for his physical, New York style of play, earning him the nickname "The Hadassah Bull." He loved Jewish comedy, movies, and music, especially Bob Dylan. He found the greatest peace in the beauty of the outdoors. He loved hiking in Marin and along Ocean Beach with his friends, and visiting Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows every year with his family.
Ben was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Helen. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his sons, Lucas (Katie) and Travis (Emily); his five grandchildren, Everly, Addison, Alina, Austin, and Callen; his siblings, Donna, Merry, Ricky, and Johnny.
Whether teaching a young physician, caring for an elderly patient, or cheering from the stands at his sons' games, Ben gave fully of himself to those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his warm smile, healing hands, and generous spirit.
A celebration of life will be held March 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Sherith Israel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living.