Dr. Leonard S Berman's Obituary
Dr. Leonard S. Berman of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021. He was the beloved husband of 50 years to Charlotte Berman and father to Margaret “Maggie” Berman Ewell and Abraham “Abe” Berman along with their spouses Richard Ewell and Elizabeth Berman; adored grandfather to Sarah, Natalie, Erin, and Evan; and pet father to his malti-poo Danny-Boy. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Edward and Eleanor Holenport Berman, and spent his youth in Brookline and Newton. Len and Charlotte raised their family and resided in Huntington, New York, for 34 years.
Len was a quiet, humble, and gentle soul who had a profound impact on those who knew him as well as the world at large through his many contributions to science.
He earned a Bachelor’s of the Arts degree from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Yale University. His research in virology laid the foundation for many anti-viral treatments we use today. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia before settling into a role at Pall Biomedical Corporation on Long Island. During his long tenure at Pall, he served in various roles before retiring in 2014 as their Senior Director of Scientific Affairs. An expert in blood, intravenous and anesthesia filtration, he represented the United States with the International Standards Organization (ISO) and consulted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Through his work with Pall and their production of blood filters, use of donated blood by hospitals in the U.S. and abroad became safe from transfer of blood-borne diseases and anesthesia administration standards became safer worldwide.
Len loved spending his time with family and animals, enjoying music, playing tennis, sailing, and traveling extensively with Charlotte. Watching his children and grandchildren play sports and perform at concerts was a source of great joy for him. He also loved hosting “Camp Berman” in the summer, playing games and watching television shows to try to stay up with what the grandkids enjoyed. In recent years, he enjoyed sharing his passion for science, history, and travel with the “lights of his life” as well as supporting their interests. He was always amazed at their knowledge and talking about how smart each of the grandchildren were and what bright futures they had.
He and Charlotte traveled extensively together around the world, including trips to China, New Zealand, Europe and South America. They also enjoyed cruising on their 36-foot Catalina sailboat Trouble No More and as members of the Masthead Cove sailing club on Long Island. In recent years, they enjoyed living aboard their 2nd boat, Endless Summer, in Punta Gorda, Florida. Len’s last significant vacation was a memorable one with Charlotte, his children and their families taking a Princess cruise lines trip through the Inside Passage of Alaska during the summer of 2020.
Tennis was an important part of his life and he played in leagues in both NY and MA. He instilled a love of the game in both of his children. No matter what was going on, Len was up for grabbing his racket and running out to the court to play a couple of sets of doubles.
Len served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and had great respect for those in the military. He was also a strong peace advocate and believed that armed conflict was a last resort. He became active in politics in recent years, volunteering for Democratic Presidential and Congressional candidates as he believed in the need for sensible gun control, racial equity and justice, and a level social and economic playing field for all.
A feline lover, he had many cats, perhaps most remembered by all was Genevieve. In his 60’s, he welcomed canines into the family with Phoebe and then Danny Boy winning his heart. Due to his gentle nature, animals and children were generally drawn to him. He was widely known in the family as the go-to person to get a crying baby to nap or have a shy cat jump in his lap. His patient, transparent and logical approach to listening and problem solving led to him being considered a father figure by many in his life.
In retirement he was a member of Tifereth Israel Congregation of New Bedford.
There will be a virtual Shiva on April 22, 2021 from 3 pm – 6 pm Eastern.
In lieu of flowers, please send donation to one of the following:
Southern Poverty Law Center
Science Club for Girls (Cambridge, MA)
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