Mike Isaacs was one of the founders of the Glen Park Association. The GPA was formed when some neighbors had concerns with the proposed larger scaled construction in downtown Glen Park. Many wanted to retain the character of the neighborhood whose homes went back to the early 1900s and some even to the late 1890s.
Mike served the GPA as Vice President and President in the mid-1970s. He was also one of the originators of the Glen Park Association Newsletter. Mike wrote monthly articles, and his wife, Dawn, sold ads to our local merchants. Dawn grew up in Glen Park. Her parents had Herb’s Grocery on the corner of Diamond and Sussex Streets. In 1975, six years after they were married, Mike and Dawn bought their family home across from Herb’s Grocery where they raised their family and where Dawn lives to this day.
Mike was also one of the founders of The Glen Park After School Program. For many years it served families attending Glen Park School. His son Jeffery was among the first to attend.
Mike, a never smoker, was diagnosed with invasive lung cancer in November 2022. He continued his walks in Glen Park through October 2023. He lived to see his first grandchild born, Ethan Michael. Mike was at home with his wife, his son, Jeff, and his daughter, Gina Butler, when he departed this life.
Mike grew up in the Inner Mission. During high school he moved with his family to Judson Avenue near City College. He attended Polytechnic High School and very much enjoyed the social aspects of the school (studying not as much). After graduation Mike worked as a shipping clerk, gas station attendant, and Safeway clerk. Deciding he wanted more challenge, Mike enrolled in City College and then transferred to UC Berkeley. After graduation he worked as a group counselor at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall and then as a juvenile probation officer in San Mateo County. Several years later, he was accepted to the University of Santa Clara Law School. Mike specialized as a commercial bankruptcy attorney representing court-appointed trustees. He was recognized in “Best Lawyers in America” from 1995 to 2023.
In the 70s, Mike earned a second degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He loved to travel, he loved his family, and he loved his dogs. Neighbors would often see Mike walking his Golden Retriever on our Glen Park sidewalks and in the Canyon. His most recent walking companion was Louie Panini, who has also served as a Reading Dog at Glen Park School.
Mike was a wonderful husband, father, attorney and friend. He was a strength for his family and a strong contributor to his community. He is so very much missed. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/michael-isaacs-obituary?id=53852672