Josh Genser was a long-time fellow Rotarian and co-manager with me of two real estate joint ventures that own properties in Point Richmond. Together (Interactive Resources and Richmond Development Company), we developed the properties known Mariner Square (where El Sol is located) and Baltic Square (where the historic Baltic Restaurant – next reincarnation Baltic Spice House Restaurant -- and Beauty by Nature Hair Studio is located).

Josh was a graduate of Stanford University with a Master’s Degree Economics as well as a law degree from UC Berkeley.  Josh was a passionate Democrat, but he was also a consummate example and champion of how the business community can play a critical role in advancing social and environmental justice and serving the community. He played a key role in Richmond’s unique and pioneering use of Social Impact Bonds by the Richmond Community Foundation to rehabilitate abandoned houses and sell them at affordable prices to new occupants.

In 2007, Genser & Watkins, Josh’s former law firm, was awarded the Chief Justice Ronald M. George Pro Bono firm of the Year by the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and Joshua Genser was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by The Law Center.

For a memorial slide show, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65olDL60Q4.

Joshua G. Genser
1958 ~ 2021
Joshua G. Genser died suddenly on August 23, 2021. Josh was born to Joseph and Clara-Rae (née Goldberg), in Richmond, CA, the city where he would live his entire adult life.

Josh spent 30 years as a business attorney in private practice. He was prominent in the Richmond community and believed in giving back, serving as an active member or board member of many local organizations, including Rotary, Kiwanis, the Richmond Country Club, the Richmond Community Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Grizzly Peak Fly Fishers' Club, Spencer Scholarship Trust, Temple Beth Hillel and the Council of Industries.

Josh worked closely with Jerry Overaa founding the Richmond Development Company. The pair teamed up again more recently when Josh agreed to become in-house counsel at C. Overaa Construction. He relished this role which allowed him to practice his profession part time while still pursuing his favorite hobbies. Josh lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing, camping, golf, bowling, reading, and most of all, spending time with friends and family. He was passionate about fine whiskey and often hosted Scotch tastings for charitable causes.

Josh leaves behind his loving wife of forty years, Elaina Spitaels-Genser of Richmond, CA; their son Joseph Genser and his partner Koji Outi of Emeryville, California; his daughter Janet Genser, of Ann Arbor, MI; his mother, Clara-Rae Genser; brothers-in-law Lynn Maack and Russell Pagle; Lidia Perez, who became a third parent to the Genser children; and his loyal dogs, Java and Cashew. Josh was pre-deceased by his father, Judge Joseph Genser, as well as his sisters Sandi Genser-Maack and Mori Genser-Pagle.

Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, close family and friends celebrated Josh's life with a private service. Donations in Josh's memory may be made to the Joshua Genser Memorial Fund at the Richmond Community Foundation
https://give.richmondcf.org/ge/joshuagenser.

View the online memorial for Joshua G. Genser
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