Marshall Berkowitz

BERKOWITZ, MARSHALL, beverage alcohol industry icon, 74, of Hollywood, Florida, passed away on March 5, 2007. After overcoming a series of setbacks related to a kidney transplant, Marshall passed away peacefully with his family at his side. Born in Salem Massachusetts, May 28th, 1932, a graduate of Salem High School and Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, Marshall was known for his ability to entertain people whether it was on the football field, golf course or comedy stage. He went on to become president of Old Mr. Boston Distilling Company, Glenmore Distillery, American Distilling Company, Austin Nichols, Burke Brothers, Mohawk and Marie Brizard USA. He initiated the president's forum for the beverage alcohol industry having introduced and helped pass legislation in favor of independent wine and spirits suppliers. Amongst his many accomplishments within the industry, Marshall was responsible for the successful introduction of Amaretto Di Saronno and other well known liquor brands to the US Market. During the last decade Berkowitz was a consultant for various distilleries, wineries and beverage alcohol importers. Known as "the blade" for his putting prowess by not only his friends, but professional golfers worldwide, he enjoyed playing the links from Miami to Marbella. He was a member of the Diplomat Country Club, Aloha Golf Club of Spain and a past member of Westview Country Club, Ft. Lauderdale Country Club and Kernwood Country Club. His love of his wife and children was so great that he reconfirmed his wedding vows to Sandra on their 36th anniversary. Beyond that, some of Marshall's proudest achievements include receiving the Flame of Truth and Brandeis Univer- sity Distinguished Community Service Awards for his philanthropic endeavors. He supported Cancer Aid for the Needy, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Project Newborn, Girls and Boys Clubs of America, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center of Miami Beach. Marshall's spirit and zest for life will live on through his wife of 52 years, Sandra, his loving children, Nancy (Richie) Knecht, Howard and Melissa (Robert) Netkin, and the star of his life, grandson Samuel Netkin. Marshall leaves his nephews and nieces Jeffrey (Yolanda), Richard, Nathan, Hillary Walling, and Stuart (Susan) Brenner and several other family members. Services will be held at Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 18840 West Dixie Hwy., NMB on Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at 2:00p.m., (305) 932-2700. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, 200 South Park Road, Suite 100, Hollywood, Florida, 33021 or the Memorial Healthcare System Foundation, 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, Florida, 33021, (954) 987-2020 ext 3454. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.