Joseph Alfred Berman

Alfred Berman passed away on June 17, 2015, in Fresno at the age of 101. He was born and raised in Coalinga and graduated in 1932 from Coalinga High School. He graduated from Fresno State in 1936 with a bachelor's degree in merchandising. He was president of his fraternity and the Commerce Club. He joined his father's business after working for a chain organization in Fresno.

Alfred Berman's parents, Frank and Tillie Berman, operated a tailor shop at the Kettleman Apartments in downtown Coalinga. They purchased the Webb Building at the corner of Fifth Street and Elm Avenue from A.E. Webb in 1920. The building was built in 1906 and was destroyed in the Coalinga earthquake of 1983.

Alfred Berman purchased Berman's Department Store from his father in 1959 and continued to operate it until 1974.

Berman was the last living charter member of the Coalinga Elks Lodge, was a long-time member of the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce and was past president of the Horned Toad Derby Association. He was also active in the Red Cross and Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn two sons, Mark and his wife Laurie; Jerold and his wife Linda; grandchildren, Joel, Bethany and Hannah and their spouses, Stacey, Anton, and Steve; and great grandchildren Sofia, Riley, Noah and Maddison.

Remembrances may be made in Alfred's name to the donor's favorite charity.

Private Services have been held.