Avner Naggar died peacefully at the age of 91, in Palo Alto, California on November 28, 2016. Avner was born in 1925 in Tel Aviv, Israel on September 27th, Erev Yom Kippur. Leaving his family (mother Dina, father Israel, and sister Ruti) at the age of 21, he enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley where he received his Bachelors degree and subsequent Masters in Architecture. While still a student, Avner met and married fellow U.C. student, Frankie, his beloved wife of 68 years.
Frankie and Avner lived a full and happy life together, raising five children, all of whom also graduated from the University of California. After college, Avner and Frankie made their way to Frankie's home of Detroit, Michigan where Avner began a distinguished career working with such notable architects as Eero Saarinen and Louis Redstone. From there, with family in tow, Avner returned to Israel as the Chief Architect of the city of Tel Aviv.
Three years later, Avner and Frankie returned to the U.S., settling in Burlingame. Working with developer Al Taubman, Avner pioneered design in innovative large-scale enclosed shopping centers such as Sunvalley Mall in Concord, Eastridge Mall in San Jose, Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, Hilltop Mall in Richmond, the Beverly Center in Los Angeles and Meadowood Mall in Reno, Nevada.
Avner was always content entertaining friends and family at home. An absolute chef in the kitchen, he loved to tell jokes, and travel the world with his devoted bride, Frankie. He displayed boundless love and generosity for his children, grandchildren and the greater Jewish community. We will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Mickey Naggar Bourne and son Auri Naggar. Avner is survived by Frankie, his children Ron Naggar, David Naggar and Tammy Naggar Donovan, as well as his grandchildren Jed, Sari, Josh, Danny, Elizabeth and Joseph.
Donations in Avner's name can be made to:
The Mickey Naggar Bourne Israel Trip Scholarship Fund
Jewish Learning Works
639 - 14th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118