David Bronston Beales

David Beales passed away on January 29, 2026 at home in Elk Grove, Ca. He was born on March 3, 1951 in Oakland, Ca. The only child of Benjamin Beales and Anne Marengo Beales, he leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Charlotte Sato. He leaves behind many loving cousins in California, Ohio, Michigan and Florida.

David’s father passed away when David was 12, and his mother died in 1987. After graduating from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA, in 1969, he graduated from Pomona College in Claremont majoring in History. During the 3 years after college graduation, he worked in VISTA in rural Indiana and on Capitol Hill for Rep. Lee Hamilton of Indiana. He graduated from USC law school in 1979 where he met his wife. He was a member of the California and District of Columbia bars.

David resided for 4 years in Pomona (working for the firm of Jones, Mahoney & Brayton), 5 years in Anaheim (as a Deputy County Counsel handling juvenile dependency cases), and 35 years in Elk Grove, California.

David served as a volunteer Judge Pro Tempore in Small Claims Court while working for a number of state agencies until he retired from state service 11 years ago. He served as Chairman of the Elk Grove Water District's Board. Pre-Covid, David attended the fascinating presentations of the Elk Grove Civil War Roundtable. In addition to his interests in Jewish religion, language and culture (because of his father’s heritage), he was also interested in things Italian relating to his mother's Italian background. Years ago, David entered a winning essay on Columbus Day which was sponsored by the Italian Cultural Society. That essay reflects his respect for all cultures and his interest in and understanding of history.

David and Charlotte visited many states and countries together as independent travelers. Gardens and bookstores were always targeted. He followed his parents’ example of life-long learning.

David really lived two lives: One was pre-pancreatic cancer; the other was the nearly 12 months he chose to live by undergoing chemotherapy. The last 12 months were tough, but he and his wife spent wonderful times, including Christmas 2025, that were permitted by his fierce desire to fight for his life and to live it as “normally” as possible. His Christmas message included these words, “We have experienced so much kindness this year that the prospect of a good and peaceful world does not seem so impossible.”

St. Joseph Parish and the Elk Grove Chabad Torah class were foundations of David's nonmedical routine.

A memorial/celebration of life is planned. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.