Courtesy Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives.

Mandell “ Bill
Bill”
” Berman » 1917-2016

Madge and Bill Berman in 1999

continued from page 16

Bloomfield.
“Bill always has been way ahead of
his time; he’s always thinking of the
future and of shaping the community
the way it should be years from now,”
declared Federal Judge Avern Cohn in a
previous JN story. Cohn has known Bill
since the early 1950s.
“Bill is unique in the Jewish com-
munity. He’s thoughtful and insightful;
he’s charity-plus. He thinks and acts
like the man who could live to be the
proverbial 120.”

In memory of

Bill Berman

and his service to the community.

May his commitment to helping others live on.

2148080

Mandell “Bill” Berman
1917 -2016

Your generosity has forever changed the lives of women,
children, and families by providing grants to the National
Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section through
the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Foundation.

You have made a difference and will be missed!

FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Although he was 99 when he died, a
general feeling seemed to exist that Bill
Berman would live forever. A regular
exerciser, napper and healthy eater, his
son, Jon, said he still had that bounce in
his step until his death.
“When one lives the good life for 99
years, he witnesses history as it hap-
pens for almost a century,” said Jewish
historian and Shaarey Zedek member
Judy Cantor of Bloomfield Hills. “But Bill
Berman did not just bear witness to the
unfolding history of the 20th and 21st
centuries, he made history happen.
“From a personal point of view, Bill
Berman was a warmhearted friend to
Bernie and to me, never forgetting a hug
and a huge smile that brightened the
day. His life was a blessing. We are lucky
to have known him.”
Lynda Giles said, “He was a fine, gen-
erous and caring husband, father and
friend. He will be missed by all whom he
touched. We are fortunate to have had
him in our lives.
“As Chanukah approaches, the lights
shining from each candle represent all
that he has given to us, one generation to

another!”
Her husband, Dr. Conrad Giles, cur-
rent World ORT president, said, “The
Jewish world lost a great leader. Bill
Berman was a singular visionary who
pioneered so many important initiatives
that will continue to impact all of us well
after his passing.
“On a personal level, he encouraged
younger leadership, supported us and
our journey to the national stage and
served as an important mentor. He was
a sensitive, caring, nurturing leader who
never lost his natural humility. To know
him as I did was to love and respect him.
I will miss him, his smile, his humor and
his intellect.”
Joel Tauber of West Bloomfield, for-
mer JFNA chair, said, “Bill and I have
worked together for over 50 years in the
local, national and international Jewish
world. What impressed me the most
about Bill was his critical, innovative and
creative thinking.
“The programs and projects he devel-
oped are legendary. In each, he was the
founder, motivator and operator. A truly
unique and unusual combination for a
philanthropist.”
Bill Berman always had a special affin-
ity for Jewish professionals working in
the community.
“The tears in the eyes of many of our
Federation professionals as they learned
of Bill’s passing is evidence of the love
and respect that Bill engendered,” said
Scott Kaufman, Detroit Federation CEO.
“From leading important local and
national initiatives or organizations to
mentoring young Jewish communal pro-
fessionals and students, he was always
here for our community.
“Beyond his generosity and leadership

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18 December 29 • 2016