Obituary of Bernard Gerberg

Bernard (Bernie) Gerberg, age 89, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at his home in Schenectady, New York. He was the son of the late Bella and Kalman Gerberg. Bernie was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. He played the trumpet while attending Thomas Jefferson Public High School, Brooklyn which launched his lifelong love of music. After one year of college Bernie enlisted in the Army during World War II. He was stationed near Paris France with the 656th Engineering Topological Battalion developing maps in support of General Patton's troops in Europe. After the war, Bernie returned to Brooklyn, and completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering. During this time he met and married Dorothy (Zeveloff) Gerberg on May 23, 1947. He also completed graduate studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Bernie worked for over 15 years at General Electric's Space Program division located in King Prussia, Pennsylvania. In 1972 Bernie transferred up to the Schenectady, New York area and completed his career with General Electric's KAPL (Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory). He retired from General Electric in 1986. Bernard had many interests and hobbies. He loved to listen to music, study archaeology at museums and read books on many subjects. He collected many musical recordings, focusing on classical, jazz and Jewish music. Bernie was also an avid physical fitness enthusiast frequently jogging at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center where he was a member. In retirement Bernie volunteered with his beloved wife Dorothy in many WMHT fund raisers. He volunteered repairing library books and preparing taxes for disabled individuals. Bernie functioned as a Vice President of the Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library. Survivors include his son Elliot (Ann) Gerberg of Bedford, Massachusetts, Miriam Gerberg of St Paul Minnesota and Judith Gerberg of Latham New York. He also leaves two grandchildren, Laura Gerberg of Bedford, MA and David Gerberg of Miami, Florida. He is survived by his siblings Irving Gerberg, Larry Gerberg and Anna Widelock. Bernard was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Gerberg and his older brother Daniel Gerberg. Services will be at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave, Albany, NY on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 2pm Interment will follow in the Independent (Hebrew) Benevolent Society Cemetery on Fuller Road in Albany, NY. Those wishing to remember Bernard may make a memorial contribution to the Schenectady Public Library or WMHT. We would also like to thank the private nursing aides who supported Bernie through his final four years of his life.