Gary David Zweig
Sept. 1, 1949-Jan. 21, 2021
Palo Alto, California

Gary Zweig, a remarkable husband, father, brother, friend, physician, and photographer died at the age of 71. He was born in Rochester, NY to Edythe and Paul, who ran a collection of clothing stores with a pride and determination he carried with him all his life. He was known in his youth and thereafter for his sweet smile and uncommon combination of studiousness, creativity, and love of fun.

Gary fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician by attending Case Western Reserve University, the University of Rochester Medical School, and the University of Chicago, where he completed his training in Internal Medicine. In college, he met his wife of 48 years, Susan. Together they built a wonderful life centered on a shared love of family, careers, friends, community, and travel. Gary’s sense of adventure brought them to California in 1979, where they settled in Palo Alto and raised three sons, Eric, Jeffrey, and David.

Gary joined Sunnyvale Medical Clinic in 1979 and practiced Internal Medicine there for 18 years. In addition to his clinical work, he served as Chair of the Recruitment Committee, helping to expand the group to over 150 physicians. He was on the staff of El Camino Hospital and volunteered at the RotaCare Clinic. In 1998, he ventured into private practice in Palo Alto and associated with Stanford Hospital. His dedication to his patients, compassion, and ability to skillfully care for a wide range of medical issues propelled his career for 22 more years. He cared for multiple generations of patients and was as beloved as he was respected. He retired in September 2020.

Gary’s interests and talents extended far beyond medicine. During his 41 years in Palo Alto, he could be found playing baseball with his sons and coaching their youth sports teams, hiking and photographing in the Baylands and Foothills Park, swimming, mountain biking, practicing conversational Spanish, and walking with his dog, Tess. He was an adoring husband and father, extraordinary nature photographer, creative cook and gardener, trusted mentor, and loyal friend. His priority was always his family, for whom he exemplified love, commitment, joy, and presence.

Gary is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Eric, David, Jeffrey, and daughter-in-law, Ashley; brother, Richard, and sister-in-law, Julie; niece, Hannah; and nephews, Jacob and Aaron. His values, the life he created for himself and his family, and the many lives he touched are his legacy. Donations in his memory may be sent to Ravenswood Family Health Network, Ecumenical Hunger Program, or the ASPCA.

Tags: business, public service