Eugene ‘Don’ Haselkorn

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Eugene “Don” Haselkorn on May 16 at age 93.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, “Uncle Donny” (as he liked to be called) was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, friend, mentor, pharmacist, business consultant and so much more. He loved life and showered all who knew him with his generosity, humor, fun-loving spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, friends and community.

Don moved to Santa Monica as a teenager and attended Samohi. After serving in the army during the Korean War, he was the first in his family to go to college, attending UC Berkeley where he met his adoring wife Carolyn. He graduated from UC San Francisco Pharmacy School and UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Don and Carolyn spent their first few years together in Berkeley, the San Fernando Valley and then moved to Pacific Palisades in 1964, after he bought Knoll’s Pharmacy. As a 60-year resident of the Palisades, Don often compared living there to being on a vacation.

Don loved music and played folk songs on his guitar in between filling prescriptions. He was a leader in his beloved Palisades and served the community as president of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association, Honorary Town Sheriff, Optimist Club president, Kehillat Israel and Optimist Youth Home board member, as well as a proud member of the American Legion.

He was an advisor to so many people and gave many teenagers their first job at the pharmacy. He loved the Dodgers and UCLA basketball and football. He put his full heart into everything he did whether it was fishing, boating, scuba diving, golfing, telling jokes, photography, playing poker, or making playlists and video montages for his friends and family.

In September 2023, he moved to Belmont Village – Encino, where he made many new friends and was popular with both residents and staff.

Don is survived by Carolyn Haselkorn, his wife of 71 years, his daughters Mimi Haselkorn, Francine Lis and Faye Haselkorn, and grandchildren Michael Lis and Liana Lis, sister Joyce Strassberg and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by parents Fay and Murray Haselkorn and sister Marla Osband.

A funeral will be held at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Los Angeles Jewish Health, KI Community Palisades Fire Assistance Fund or the American Legion Palisades Fire Relief. 

For more information, please contact Francine at fran91436@gmail.com.

May his memory forever be a blessing.