On April 5th, William F. Berliner (Bill) died peacefully in Sarasota, Florida. He was 96. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 45 years, his children and their spouses: Joan Berliner Spear and William Spear, William Berliner and Alison Jobson, Louise Berliner and partner Stu Fried, his step-children and spouses: Gregg and Sandra Nodelman, Jill and Josh Baker, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Annie. His first wife Pat Lopin pre-deceased him in 1974.
Born on Long Island in 1924, he attended Woodmere Academy, a school his parents helped found, modeled on the principles of Ethical Culture. He received a degree in sociology at Yale and played catcher on the baseball team. He also received an MBA at Columbia.
He was a Captain and pilot in World War II and the Korean War.
He joined the family meat-packing business, Berliner and Marx, located where the downtown Whitney Museum of Art now stands. Known by those in the industry for his integrity, generosity and fine joke delivery, he carried the entire warehouse inventory in his head.
He took his kids camping, to ball games and Broadway musicals, played catch in the backyard and coached Little League. He adored the Symphony, Dixieland and Frank Sinatra. After retiring, he particularly loved his home in Armonk and fishing in the pond with his grandchildren. He took his job as grandfather so seriously, he changed his license plate to “IMGRAMPS.”
During his working life and through retirement, he was committed to creating opportunity for others. He supported several young people through college, helped bring separated families together, and knew the names and life stories of his FedEx, UPS and mail carriers.
He became an avid tennis player in his 50s, playing until his mid 80s. Following his lifelong passion for baseball, he attended Mets Fantasy Camp at 65 and 78, the oldest player each time. He volunteered with the Corporate Angel Network, and as a Guardian Ad Litem in the Sarasota Court System.
His warmth and humor were legendary, and he was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
The family expresses deep gratitude to his amazing caregivers for their devotion and loving care.
There will be a private graveside service with the immediate family, and a zoom gathering to celebrate his life in the near future.
If you wish to honor Bill with a charitable donation, please consider giving to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) or a charity of your choice.
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