Morris Berman

A true son of “the Greatest Generation," Morris Harry Berman, Moishe to his family and “Moe” to the customers at the pharmacy he owned in Roselle, NJ, for over 40 years, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2022, at the age of 97 at his home in Boynton Beach, Florida, surrounded by his family.

Born on August 5, 1924 in Edinburg, NJ, Morris was the oldest son of Rachel and Alex Berman. His two brothers and sister looked up to him as the family “war hero." He entered basic training at 19 years of age and soon headed into active service in Europe. He was wounded in action, and his list of decorations include a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. As part of the liberation of France, he was inducted as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.

After the war, he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from Columbia University. He met the love of his life, Paula Mahler, at a dance at the YMHA. They married in 1949, had five children and enjoyed 50 happy years together.

His pharmacy career spanned over four decades. As the pharmacist and owner of Lorraine Pharmacy, he doled out wit and wisdom along with the prescriptions he filled. After selling the store, he worked at Rahway Hospital as a staff pharmacist until he retired to Florida, where he didn’t really retire but instead continued to serve as a relief pharmacist for various pharmacies in South Florida.

After Paula passed, he met Sena Kovalle, who shared love and life with him for two decades and cared for him up to his passing.

Morris was an active member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Iselin, NJ, and later at Congregation Adath Israel in Woodbridge, NJ, before he moved to Florida and became a member of Temple Anshei Shalom in Delray Beach, FL.

As a veteran, he was active in the 14th Armored Division Association and the Jewish War Veterans. He would speak often of his pride in being able to serve his country. But his number one source of pride was always his family.

He enjoyed watching sports- especially his Giants, doing crossword and word puzzles and indulging his sweet tooth. Always interested in learning new things, he was an avid reader and had an interest in science and military history. He also enjoyed simple pleasures like dining out, playing cards or meeting friends for coffee and conversation. He loved to go on cruises with family and friends- spending time with his family and seeing them gathering together gave him great joy.

He is survived by his significant other, Sena Kovalle, of Boynton Beach; his children, Dr. Jack Berman (Margo) of Parkland, Florida, Dr. Joel Berman of Biggs, California, David Berman (Nancy) of St. Augustine, Florida, Dr. Ruth Berman (Dr. Michael Arra) of Lake Worth, Florida, Daniel Berman (Judge Wendy DePaul) of Tampa, Florida; and his 5 grandsons.

Funeral services will be held both in South Florida and Staten Island. A service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Riverside Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 7205 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday March 2, 2022 at 1:00PM at United Hebrew Cemetery 122 Arthur Kill Rd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Please contact the family for Zoom service information.

Donations may be made to Veterans Administration (VA) of West Palm Beach

https://www.pay.gov/public/form/entry/101/43270197/

or

Honor Flight of South Florida

https://www.honorflightsouthflorida.org/donate/