Harry H. Bernbaum

Harry H. Bernbaum, Dec. 11, 1917 - Jan 28, 2015, of Highland Park, IL and Longboat Key, FL. Beloved husband of 65 years to Harriet (nee Harrison); loving father to L. Harrison Bernbaum and wife Ann and the late Keren-OR Bernbaum; cherished grandfather of Alexis, Haleigh, Jonathan and Matthew Bernbaum; dear brother to the late Sandra Feigenberg and to former US Ambassador, the late Maurice M. Bernbaum; brother-in-law to Judith Harrison Leonard and the late Dr. Morton Leonard. Fond uncle of the late Louis Feigenberg and wife Tina, Edwin Bernbaum and wife Diane, Marcie Bernbaum-Zallman and late husband Eric, Dr. Morton (Tito) Leonard and wife Mary, Dr. Ellen Leonard Davidson and husband Robert, Jannifer Levin and husband Bruce, Robert Leonard and wife Valerie and great-uncle to all of their children. The Bernbaum family would also like to give special thanks and express deep gratitude to Harry's caregiver, Jessie Micabani. Harry was an avid music lover; a life trustee of Ravinia; and former chairman of Steans Music Institute. He was a philanthropist involved in many hospitals and the JUF in both Chicago and Sarasota. He graduated from the University of Chicago, 1939 and was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Force. Co-founder of Seaway Importing, he was one of the first American businessmen to travel to Japan in 1956 and helped to further pioneer manufacturing relationships between America and Japan for the American sporting goods industry. Following a brief retirement, he and his son, Hank co-founded the outdoor company High Sierra. Harry was greatly loved by his family and will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held Monday, 11 AM at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL, and will continue at Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Harry's name may be made to Ravinia Festival (200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park IL 60035) or to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. For additional information, please contact Piser Funeral Service, 847-679-4740