Aaron Berman

Aaron Berman of Saratoga passed away peacefully in his home on Friday January 2, 2016. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday with all of his loved ones a month before. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on November 28, 1920 to Jacob and Anna Berman. His family re-located to the Los Angeles area when he was a young boy, then finally settling in San Jose in the mid 1930’s. There, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Berman where they married on Dec. 3, 1939 and would go on to spend 74 happy years together.

In 1940 they moved to Watsonville where Aaron started his own business from the ground up. Buying a small scrap yard on Walker Street for one hundred fifty dollars Berman’s California Salvage, which eventually became Berman Enterprises continued to thrive. Starting with only one truck, one scale, and three employees Aaron transformed himself and his company into one of the West Coasts’ largest suppliers of scrap metals…becoming known as the Copper King. Aaron’s innate ability to foresee great opportunities was even more apparent when he began to invest in commercial real estate. Catering to the growing needs of the business community, he created a successful commercial real estate entity which will continue to benefit the community for generations to come. This year Berman Enterprises celebrated its 75th anniversary of being in business.

Aaron enjoyed running his business, spending time with his family, and traveling with his wife. Together he and Evelyn spanned the globe, often taking their family on extensive cruises. Community was important. He was a proud Freemason for over 60 years and also contributed to many respected charities. Passionate about sports especially baseball, Aaron grew up playing in different softball leagues and eventually sponsored his own Watsonville team for which he pitched for and later managed. They won many trophies over the years. He also loved music - Sinatra being a favorite. Anywhere he went he was often signing or humming a song.

Aaron will be remembered for his deep love of family along with his caring and generous spirit. These endearing qualities will never be forgotten and through his family and friends his memory will be preserved. Our dear family friend and co-worker Rachele Toledo who played a major role in his life alongside him, we thank her for the many years of love, devotion, and support for him and his family. Additionally the Berman family would like to thank Aaron’s niece; Claudia McCauley and her husband Brian for all their love, comfort, and tremendous help through the years and during this difficult time. Special appreciation to his main caregiver, Anavelia Delgadillo, for her unwavering dedication, companionship, and love she provided to Aaron. They shared a special bond and he took solace in her incredible loving care. Also thanks to Graciela Jimenez, Florence Kuo Home Care, along with all of the many other wonderful caregivers, Dr. Kenneth Andrews, as well as Hospice of Santa Cruz for all they have done for him.

Although Aaron will be deeply missed by all of those that knew and loved him, his loving memory will carry on in all of our hearts and minds. Through future generations his spirit will live on forever.

Aaron leaves behind his two sisters Rosalie Spritz, and Sylvia Davilla; his son Leslie Berman; grandchildren Todd (Geoconda) Berman, Carrie Berman, Justin (Nicola) Berman, Brian Berman, and Elaine Berman; great grandchildren Joshua Berman, Colin Berman, Jayden and Van Hopkins-Santoyo. He was predeceased by his brother Bennie Berman; his son Steve Berman; and his devoted wife Evelyn Berman.

Services and burial will be held in the chapel of Roses at Oakhill Memorial Park on Tuesday January 12th at 1pm, located at 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose CA 95125. Donations may be made to donors’ favorite charity in memory of Aaron Berman or Temple Emanuel located at 1010 University Avenue, San Jose CA.

Please visit www.dignitymemorial.com to light a virtual candle and leave any condolences for the family and friends.