Edward B. Bergman 5683-5767
With sorrow we announce the passing of our father, husband, brother and grandfather, Edward B. Bergman, Today Yud Teth Tammuz 5767 (July 5).
We are making arrangements for his burial here in Eretz Yisrael, tentatively on Monday.
Dad was born in Philadelphia in 1923, first of two sons to Gerson and Leah Bergman, both of whom were pharmacists in Philadelphia at the time.
Dad, “Sabba Eddie” as we called him here, Ed as everyone in the States called him, was a precocious child, skipped a grade, graduated from Overbrook High and got his degree from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. he was then drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, trained as a meteorologist and was sent to England until the war’s end. Following the war, he was a vice consul at the American consulate in Liverpool. Around the time of my birth in 1948, he started Law School at Yale, completed in 1951 and was called up by the U.S. air force and was stationed in Prestwick, Scotland for a year. Larry was born at the end of that year in the U.S. naval hospital in Philadelphia.
Dad was a staunch Zionist from his early years. In fact, he met my mother, Sylvia Sable at the United Jewish Congress office in Philadelphia and started becoming traditional during the war years. He was among the first parents to enroll his children in the fledgling Solomon Schecter Conservative Jewish Day school in Philadelphia, a very non-conventional step in the years before Jewish day school education became wide spread. Dad was an active and strong supporter of Israel throughout the years, president of his Bnei Brith chapter the year before I made Aliya in 1970. He was a successful attorney specializing in labor relations.
Dad was proud that both of his boys made aliya and came to visit nearly every year until his health deteriorated four years ago and had serious plans to make aliyah himself one day and said so on our last phone conversation. Unfortunately Gilda, his second wife (he divorced our mother in 1979) wanted to stay in the States and was not in favor of the idea. We were ready to facilitate his coming to nursing care here in Israel. Gilda was a devoted wife of over thirty years. Her grandchildren, Tyler and Trevor called Dad “Sabba” just like Dad’s own natural grandchildren in Israel did. To Dad’s grandchildren here, Gilda was an inseparable part of him, accompanying him on nearly all of his visits to Israel and being another caring grandmother. Dad was known for his healthy sense of humor and had many many friends wherever he lived, in Philadelphia, in Atlantic City and Ocean City NJ and in his last years in Boston where he passed away.
We’ll surely have plenty to say at the shiva, but one story I want to relate shows how devoted Dad was to Israel. I came to Israel in the summer of 1970 and Dad came for a visit several months later. I told him that I had volunteered for combat service in the IDF and wanted him to meet the representative of the Jewish Agency who handled the Machal program for boys like myself doing volunteer service and with no family members in Israel. The Jewish Agency man gave Dad a clear description of what his son was going in for – grueling combat service in the paratroopers, with the ensuing danger. There would be no way for me to quit in the middle of the service were I to change my mind. The Agency man asked Dad, with some obvious concern that at this point Dad would react like a normal American Jewish father, taking me by the hand and saying (as Dad often did) “Let’s get the hell out of here”. Dad’s reply surprised the guy. “I have a question” he said. “Go ahead” answered the Jewish Agency rep. “I have a second son who is 18”, said Dad, “Do you have room for them both on the program?”. It was many years until I myself became a father to combat soldiers in battle and fully realized how much strength and determination that statement took.
Dad, Yissachar Dov Ber ben Leah and Gershon is survived by his two sons, Larry and myself, his second wife, Gilda, his younger brother, David Bergman in Philadelphia, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren all in Israel and all of whom he was infinitely proud. Upon seeing them, Dad would rub his eyes in disbelief and say: “I don’t know what happened, but I must have done something right by mistake somewhere along the way”. Details of the shiva will be forthcoming.
Yehi Zichro Baruch.
Yitzhak and Avital Bar Geva & family
Larry and Ruhama Bergman and family [Larry went to the States until Sunday (we think) to help with the arrangements of bring Dad “home”]
28 Responses to “Edward B. Bergman 5683-5767”
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July 6th, 2007 at 02:28 PM Yitzchak, I remember Ed well -- his sense of humor, his intelligence, his warmth, his acceptance of me in your home and at your family table. T'hai nofsho tzurara b'trzor hachayim. Mark
July 6th, 2007 at 03:45 PM Yitzhak Shalom Please accept my condolences on the passing away of your father. Also just to share with you, when my Dad passed away the only picture he had in his wallet was of me in the paratroopers. We are lucky that we were able to give our parents that nachas. Best to your family, Edna and Jerry
July 6th, 2007 at 03:48 PM Dear Yitzchak, I am so saddened by the death of your father, my Uncle Ed. I have very fond memories of him growing up - he always seemed to be the most normal of the grownups and these past few years I had the good fortune to speak to him from time to time when Larry came to visit. My heart is with you and Larry and we should only have good things to share with each other. Love, Judy
July 6th, 2007 at 05:17 PM DearYitzchak & Larry, The passing of your father stirs mixed emotions. May we all live as long and enrich this world with as many, productive decedents. I pass on the condolences for Daria, as well. Very often, I recall our Friday dinners on 15th Street and how your parents admired the goy who passed up the meat, but ate his veggies. I also recall with a smile, all the times he kept trying to have me buy his friend’s electronic-photographic business, and your father’s descriptions of his overseas professional life. He had a very good broadcast radio voice reminiscent of Author Godfrey, I could listen for hours to whatever he discussed and that could be a subject he was well versed in, or had just stimulated his interest, making his enthusiasm part of the dialogue. His love and understanding for you and Larry is remembered by his having me purchase the Swan Transceiver for your wedding present, and carrying it all across Europe as I traveled to Avital’s kibbutz. With deep sympathies and prayers, as always, Moisha Z.
July 7th, 2007 at 07:16 AM My heartfelt condolences. We (Yitzhak and I) just spoke last week about your visit last month to spend time with your father and I'm certain that you will remain with those memories of your week with him. Among my fondest memories are the discussions that I always had with your father during his many visits to Israel to spend time with you and your families here. On his trips here he always found time for us to spend an afternoon together, having lunch or a drink and discussing Israel's situation.Yihye zichro baruch. Julie
July 7th, 2007 at 08:52 PM Dear Yitzchak and Avital, Aviva and I returned yesterday late afternoon from Holland and were unpleasantly surprised with the announcement. Please receive our condolences for you and the whole mishpacha. We met your Father z.l. just one time at one of the bar-mizwa's.We sat next to him and overheard his conversation with some other elderly person. Both of them came to the conclusion that "their overall knowledge and understanding is much higher and greater than that of a lot of others especially the new generation, that only plays on the computer and does not read" Your Father agreed completely and added that he knows all the answers but no-one asks him ... Shelo tidoo od za'ar. Dani and Aviva
July 7th, 2007 at 09:26 PM Yitzhak- I have fond memories of your dad, his warmth, his enthusiasm for projects that caught his interest, and his genuine interest in us as teenagers, what we were thinking and doing. I thank you for the biographical note. I remember him as a modest fellow who didn't speak much of his accomplishments but was especially proud of yours and Larry's. With my sympathy and condolence, Shelley
July 7th, 2007 at 10:54 PM Yitzhak: My sincerest condolences on the passing of your father, Z’L. My fondest memories of your father were as a devotee of all things related to fitness and the outdoors. His contribution to Jewish education, however, probably remains his most underappreciated quality. I recall not only the constant encouragement we received from your father to be active --join Scouts, hike, ski and bike -- but also his leadership by example. Before Kennedy made fitness a brief national obsession, your father was ahead of the crowd. I recall struggling on many an outing to keep up with you, as you in turn struggled to keep up with your Dad. With regard to Jewish education, I credit your father, as much as anyone else associated with the early years of Schecter, for making it acceptable to send your kid to a Jewish Day School. As you recall, many of our classmates in those years were the children of Rabbis and Cantors, whom their parents expected to follow into the family “business”. Others were the children of real business owners, again with something to fall back on. None of these parents were taking as much of a “risk” as a Wharton grad and Yale Lawyer who relied on the quality of his kids’ educations to open as many opportunities for them as it had done for him. Again, your Dad led by example. I’m sure many parents reasoned that if Schecter was good enough for Ed Bergman’s two boys, surely it was good enough for their kids who aspired to become lawyers, or doctors, or even … engineers. Zecher Tzaddik Le’vracha
July 7th, 2007 at 11:15 PM יצחק שלום קראנו בצער את הידיעה על פטירתו של אבא. תמיד אהבנו את אד ומאד שמחנו לפגוש אותו בארץ באחדים מביקוריו אנחנו העדים הותיקים לאשר את אהבתו לישראל כאשר הביא אל אלה את שני ילדיו הקטנים -אתה ולארי ללמד אותם עברית בגיל כה צעיר מי יתן ולא תדעו עוד צער. אנא הודיענו את מועד ההלויה ומיקומה אורי ואלה
July 8th, 2007 at 02:08 AM Dear Yitzhak and Larry, We send our condolences to you and your families on the passing of your father. Yes, I have memories of your father - his voice and what he looked like - from the time we were children and teenagers. May your memories be a comfort to you. Love, Esther and Mark
July 8th, 2007 at 05:18 AM Dear Yitzhak, I am so very sorry to hear the sad news about your father, my cousin. For years now, we had been exchanging greetings, jokes, stories and news. I will miss him, his humor, his warmth. Please send my condolences to your brothers. May his memory be for a blessing. Janet Bergman Intrater Dobrer
July 8th, 2007 at 05:47 AM Dear Yitzhak and family: Sadness which fills your heart will be turned into fond and joyous memories as you recall Ed's love for you all. I met your dad when I used to go downtown to visit you, my Central roster-buddy. He always made me feel welcome. In fact, after you made aliyah, I never heard from him. Then after Wes & I visited you in Israel, Mr. Bergman would call me after his visits to you to give me reports on his proud zayde visits. He was always saying, "I'm just across from Bryn Mawr Hospital, come visit." Ira, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. I loved reading your reflections. G-d bless you all! Albert & Mardie
July 8th, 2007 at 08:29 AM Dear Yitzhak and Larry We have known Ed and Gilda and her two children, Linda and Robert for only 25 years, and I want to express my sorrow at hearing the news. There are few people that I have met that could share his clear thinking and insightfulness like Ed. His forward thinking has been a constant inspiration. Via con dio, go with G-d my friend... larry and den of Atlantic City
July 8th, 2007 at 01:21 PM It is wonderful to read these warm remembrances of Ed--- who was in our lives as husband, step-father, and grandfather. We were fortunate to have shared our lives with him. When Ed’s and Gilda's health began to decline several years ago, we moved them here to Boston so we could be nearby and help them with their needs. We had the opportunity to see them several times a week and speak on the phone daily. We all miss him dearly. We will forever remember his intelligence and wonderful sense of humor. Ed and my mom enjoyed each others’ company and were always amazingly active – they always had a calendar on their table with clippings of events they would attend each day – museum exhibits, lectures, and plays, Just a few months ago, they were featured in the weekly newspaper at their senior-living complex with tales of their many and varied interests. Gilda is heartbroken by the loss of Ed. She traveled every day to spend time with him these past few months as he was in the hospital and then the Rehab center. Ed’s grandchildren here in the states, Tyler and Trevor, miss him as well. Just last weekend, they took turns pushing his wheelchair through the Arboretum. Once we found a shady spot, they read to him from a book they brought of jokes and puns. We will cherish this memory. Cindy, Gilda, Robert, Linda, Tyler, and Trevor
July 8th, 2007 at 05:41 PM Yitzhak - I was shocked and saddened at hearing the news of your father's passing. One of the first thoughts I had when hearing stories about your father, seeing the photo, was sorrow that I never had the chance to know him. But I'm not sure that I didn't - at least a little, because I know you. So it's clear to me now that your father was a wonderful man - a good friend and a man of strength and wisdom. I think I do know him, at least a little. יהי זכרו ברוך.
July 8th, 2007 at 11:57 PM Dear Yitzhak; I am writing to send my condolences to all your family for the sad passing of Ed. He was a good friend of mine personally, and of all my direct family. He and Guilda attended most of our family gatherings over the past years and we considered him 'family'. What can I say? There was always friendly banter, jokes, discussions of current events. He was a smart, smart man. There was not a topic that he couldn't comment upon with knowledge. It was always a treat to see him coming up the walkway, knowing that we would have some good company for the afternoon. For the last few years we watched Ed's health deteriorate. He went from riding his bike through the city for temple or for line dancing, to tremors, a cane and a terrible knowledge that this was irreversible. He never lost his sharp thinking or his wit though. He and Gilda took 'The Ride', a senior bus, to lectures, museums, theatres and all the city has to offer. I know that there was talk of him going to Israel for his last years, and we will never know if that would have been a good idea or not. He loved Israel and all his family, about whom he talked to me on many occasions. I do know that Gilda would be and is now lost without him. They were interested in everything cultural and they complimented each other. He could not be in both places at once and she needed him. You have the sad duty of his burial. I would be interested in what that entails. I know nothing of Jewish burials especially in Israel. I send my best to you and all your family at this sad time. Sincerely, Valerie Baier (Linda's mother)
July 9th, 2007 at 03:00 AM Hi Yitzhak...I am still in shock at Ed's passing. We have been the best of friends from high school to the present time. I spoke to your father at least once weekly and many years ago, we went to Camac Baths and played squash as many as 22 games at one time. We were both in excellent shape then but gradually our health deteriorated and slowed down to practically a crawl. We had lots of memories that included the war years in England. I think we lived through the best years this country has had and enjoyed every minute of it. I notified Jerry Shestack as soon as I heard about Ed's passing. Jerry, your dad and I were always together and played on the chess team. We won the Philadelphia Championship in 1940. We road our bikes in Fairmount Park often. When we graduated, the USA was at war and many of us were 1A and knew we would be going into the service sometime after we graduated. If you have a book I wrote called HELL FROM HEAVEN about my experience during the war as a B-17 Bombardier in the 8th Air Force. There is a picture of Jerry, Ed and myself in our uniforms on page 33. There is another of Ed and myself on page 14. I mentioned him several times in the book. I notified Jerry as soon as I heard about Ed and spoke to him. He wanted to know where your mother is and I couldn't help him. If she is in Israel, please give her my condolences. That's about all and I will be thinking about the funeral service on Monday and wish I could be there. Very best...Len
July 9th, 2007 at 09:27 AM Dear Yitzhak, My heartfelt condolences to you, your brother and all the family on the passing of your father. I am sure that although you were in constant contact, you must be really thankful for having had the opportunity to meet him recently. Your dad sounds like someone who had a real zest for life, a great sense of humour and a love for Israel that he was able to fulfill through his sons and their families - although, regrettably, not by himself. I know you and your brother can be proud of the way he brought you up and for having been able to realise such a great part of his hopes and dreams. My heart is with you all at this time of thought, introspection and sadness. Mickey also conveys her condolences on your loss. Danny
July 10th, 2007 at 12:54 PM My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father Ed. I have many fond memories of the times I spent with your family and recall your father's kindness to me, my brother Al, and to my parents. Your father's wisdom and knowledge in so many fields was impressive. I hope his memory will be a blessing for you and may G-d comfort you among all the mourners of Israel. Bernie Hoffman
July 11th, 2007 at 04:08 PM Dear Larry: I was saddened to learn of the passing of your dear father. I came to know him when we sat side by side at LMS. He struck me as a kind, considerate and loving person with much wisdom. I cherish my memories of him and the interesting conversations we had. Allen
July 12th, 2007 at 11:13 PM Hi Yitzhak I was very sorry to hear of your father's death. He was a truly gentle person - a real mensch. The world has too few of these people. I have not seen him for a long time but I hope his last years brought him naches or happiness. Please give my best wishes to your brother. Our computer crashed and we lost our e-mail. Love, your cousins Allan and Phyllis
July 15th, 2007 at 07:48 PM Yitzhak and Larry, I wanted to express my sympathy to the two of you. I always knew that your father was one of my mother's favorite cousins, but she never shared with me so many of the details that were mentioned in his obituary that you emailed to me. Your father was truly an amazing man, and I know what a difficult time this is for you and your families. It's been a while since your father and I regularly exchanged emails, but when we did, it was obvious how proud he was of both of you. Please know that my thoughts are with you both. Take care and be well, Jan
July 16th, 2007 at 07:34 AM Dear Yitzhak, I was sorry to hear of your father's death. It was a beautiful story you related about him. HaMakom yinachem otcha betoch Shaarei avlay Tzion v'Yerushalayim. Sincerely, Reena (nee Rothenberg) & David Makover
July 16th, 2007 at 02:30 PM Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sha'ar aveilei Tzion virushalayim. Sorry we were unable to call, but the times were never in sync. I don't know if I ever told you, but as a starting lawyer, I went to hear your father try an injunction case that had to do with the trucking industry. He, of course, represented the union, and there were several large corporate firms arrayed against him. While he did not win the injunction, he did a masterful job, which eventually led to the case being settled. As a neophyte, I was amazed by his ability to respond to every challenge thrown at him. He set a great example to follow. Yehi zichro baruch, and may you have only good memories, Jerry and Shelley
July 18th, 2007 at 05:05 AM dear yitzhak the few times that i met your father i was too shy to make much contact. and he was a quiet person who did not take up much room. reading what you all wrote about him, i wish i had gotten to know him better. may you have only good memories and may you not know any more pain. yours, david
July 26th, 2007 at 09:25 AM Sabba to me means so much. In the past couple of weeks since he past away, I have been trying to think of all the times that I spent with him. Being one of the grandchildren that lived in the states for a while I had the great privilege to spend lots of time with him. Some of my first memories of sabba are of course: bike riding; many times did we go with sabba, my dad, and sometimes other friends out to bike trips that lasted between a few hours to a few days. Riding on the Schuylkill was always lots of fun. In between these bike rides, Sabba would come over to our house talk to my dad and sit down and play chess with me, long hours of chess got me to think a lot, which was probably the reason sabba played with me. He always wanted us to think and learn as much as we could, be it riddles, news paper aids and what not. Even after I had finished high school sabba always wanted me to go ahead and expand my knowledge. The love for knowledge that I have to this day can be traced back to all the times Sabba gave me a riddle, asked hard questions, or got me to think. Some thing that always puzzled me was the beach house that Sabba had. I remember using the house every summer. A bright green apartment building at the end of the Atlantic City board walk. We loved going down to the shore to spend time there. I could never figure out why Sabba never came down to the beach and instead spent all his time running on the board walk. As much fun as running on the board walk was, it did not beat being in the water in my opinion. Sabba was always the “boss”, when he came over to our house, when we went out to do something. He had a tough air about him, but was always happy and ready to laugh. Toughness, being serious, but laughing at the funny things in life, staying healthy and getting lots of good exercise, a love of the out doors, and of the nation which I belong to. All of these things and much more are what Sabba means to me. Amichai Bergman
July 28th, 2007 at 12:51 AM I was so sorry to hear of Edward's death. He was my mother's first cousin. Our families were very close many years ago. I recall their hospitality to me when I moved to Center City. I extend my sympathy to Yitzhak and Larry and all their family.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:23 PM יצחק, התעצבתי לשמוע על פטירתו של אביך. תנחומיי לך ולמשפחתך. יהי זכרו ברוך. דוד