Delia Fleishhacker Ehrlich, a noted San Francisco philanthropist whose family helped develop the Comstock mines, bring electricity to California and contribute to the city’s culture with contributions to education and the fine arts, died peacefully at home on Sunday after suffering a stroke.
Mrs. Ehrlich was a fourth-generation San Franciscan, the great-granddaughter of Aaron Fleishhacker, a Bavarian immigrant active during the Gold Rush and in the development of the Comstock silver mines, and who made a fortune with the A. Fleishhacker & Co. Paper Box House, a box company.
Her grandfather, Mortimer, was a lumber, paper, banking and hydroelectric power entrepreneur who, with his brother, founded Great Western Power, which later became part of Pacific Gas & Electric.
The fatal genetic condition among some Eastern European Jews affects nerve cells in the brain, which the couple discussed in a 1974 Chronicle story to bring awareness to the issue.
After divorcing in the 1970s, Mrs. Ehrlich worked at Macy’s, establishing the department store’s personal shopping service and running its community relations in seven states for 11 years.
Mrs. Ehrlich was a supporter of the Little Jim Club’s Mardi Gras Ball, the San Francisco Opera, the Conservatory of Music, the Magic Theatre, ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation), and other groups, and served as president of the Fleishhacker Foundation from 1978 to 1988.
Among the most coveted invitations in her social circle was her family’s July 4 party at Green Gables, a folksy event with hot dogs, corn on the cob, lemonade and a Dixieland band.
Guests explored the manor house, the lawn and stairs leading to an immense Roman water garden with reflecting pool.
