So sorry to hear of Victor's death. We had worked together for many years on the 18th century London book trades and he was generous in sending me the results of many hours sitting in Brandeis University Library in front of microfilms of early London newspapers. He was always full of humor in his letters and I am sad that I never met him face to face. The extracts he collected are now on my website at http://bookhistory.blogspot.co.uk/2007/01/berch-introduction.html.

I am so sorry to learn belatedly of the death of Victor Berch, with whom I loved talking about the special collections at Brandeis (especially the Spanish Civil War collection that he so carefully and honorably curated).  Victor had a wry sense of humor, a smile for everyone, a personality of warmth and geniality.  I am saddened to learn of his death.  --Steve Whitfield

A candle pales in comparison to the bright light your life gave off, but it is a reminder of it. You will be loved and missed forever. I will strive to always make you proud. I love you Uncle Allen.

Victor was a wonderfully helpful and caring librarian and scholar. He helped me immensely, teaching me things no one else knew how to do when I began serving as a librarian at Brandeis. He was a role model for everyone. Victor was a delight to work with, and had a great wit and sense of fun. I will never forget his many kindnesses to me and will miss him.

So sorry to hear of Victor's passing.  I had the pleasure of knowing him from my time working at the Brandeis Library.  May he rest in well-deserved peace.

Victor was smart, generous with his knowledge, quick-witted, funny, and a joy to work with. His extensive learning, dedication to scholarship, and devotion to the life of the mind were outstanding examples to younger generations of librarians who had the honor to work with him. My lasting image of Victor is the tenderness and devotion he showed his wife during a visit to the library in her later days.

We are so sorry to hear about our loss of our cousin Victor.  May he rest in peace.

Cousins Marla & David Freedman

Victor was a gentleman and a scholar. I had the privilege of working alongside him in the Brandeis Treasure Hall in the early 90s and learned a great deal from him on many subjects. His work on the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War fascinated me, and his broad and deep knowledge on so much else amazed me. But his constant questioning on all topics, taking nothing for granted, was perhaps most characteristic of him. May his memory be for a blessing.

I have very fond memories of Victor! I can still see him now, dashing all around the library. My sympathies to his family.

Judi Lemay-Lusk

I cherish my memories of Victor, a faithful volunteer in the Archives at Brandeis following his retirement, and a perennial favorite at lunchtime when he would regale us with stories in the staffroom.  They don't make 'em like that any more. Rest in peace, Victor.

Victor was my mentor when I replaced him in Special Collectons. I learned  alot from Victor.  His contribution to the Brandeis Library was great. He  will be missed by all who knew him.

Victor dedicated his life to research and his love for all forms of literature and most specifically Popular Fiction.
I was so privileged to meet him and even buy the bulk of his collection.  We then stayed in touch for many years.   He was very helpful in digging out information for me. 

I did get to see him again about two years ago and was so glad I went out of my way to do so.  He was a great guy!   His research will go on at Brandeis and the other many places where his input can be seen.  I will always have found memories of him.

I do continue to collect and research etc.  We can only be caretakers in the end...Peace to his family.
He is at peace. 

Joe Rainone

Victor was a friendly and endearing presence who pursued his scholarly endeavors for many years at Brandeis and other libraries. My condolences to his family.

Victor, you had so many friends at the library who loved you.  I will always remember you as a friend, a true scholar and a mentsch. Years ago I met some men, who had been your friends from childhood.  As they fondly reminisced about you and expressed their admiration of how bright you were from childhood, they would shake their heads in a sort of awe and say, "That Spike, he was a smart guy!"  God bless you Victor.

OBITUARY

Victor A. Berch

18 October, 1924 – 30 October, 2015

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel

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