February 4, 1953 �" July 22, 2015
Tom Mayer died suddenly of a heart attack on July 22, 2015.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tom graduated from Boston University with a degree in filmmaking in 1974, and moved to San Francisco in 1976, when he became a co-owner of the Roxie Cinema, introducing an innovative programming of art and independent film. During that period, 1976-1984, Tom also saved the Victoria Theater from destruction through persistent campaigning. He was always passionate about preserving the unique style and architectural character of the City of San Francisco, which he tenderly loved.
In 1997, Tom founded Friends of 1800 Market, to save the Fallon Building, one of the historical landmarks of San Francisco, where today the San Francisco LGBT Community Center is.
Tom wrote film and theater reviews for several San Francisco newspapers, including the SF Odalisque, SF Call, New Mission News, SF Spectrum , Castro Star, East Bay Voice, BFI Monthly Film Bulletin, North Mission News, New Bernal Journal , and the Westside Observer .
Tom is survived by his partner, Luiz Netto.
Memorial services were held for Tom Friday, August 21 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and the San Francisco Zen Center.