Bernard GUTMANN Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Bernard GUTMANN
Start: 2015-11-10T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Epstein Memorial Chapel - Columbus

News Death Notice

GUTMANN, Bernard 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2015, surrounded by his family at Zusman House in Columbus, Ohio. Bernie was born in Germany to Ida and Selli Gutmann. At the age of 16, he emigrated to the U.S. sponsored by his great uncle. He attended night school to finish his education while working in a shoe factory and saving money to help his family escape Germany. Bernie served in Patton's Third Army on the European front during the Normandy campaign narrowly escaping death more than a few times. He was the ultimate workaholic filled with determination and drive. Bernie never forgot where he came from and was grateful for his achievements in all facets of his life. He had a brilliant mind and natural common sense which led to his success in his professional and family life. He deeply loved his family as they loved him. Bernie worked his way up in the shoe industry beginning in a factory in Cincinnati putting labels in shoes. He traveled the ranks as a shoe store manager and then a district manager. He became prominent and highly respected in the shoe industry as President and Founder of CanMart Shoe Ltd. in Canada and then as EVP of Merchandising at Shoe Corp of America. He went on to become President of BeeGee Shoe Company. After retirement, he volunteered at SCORE, but missed working, so he formed T-Shirts and Uniforms by Bernie. He operated his business until two months before his death. He was a great storyteller and well versed on current events. Bernie had many friends and colleagues. He was a devoted family man and loved his family unconditionally. He was proud of the life he lived and not a day went by that he didn't talk about how lucky he was to find the love of his life, Mary, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Max Gutmann. Bernie is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary, their four children, Sandy (Jeff) Glassman, Norman (Gracie) Gutmann, Jeffrey Gutmann and Becky Gutmann, sister-in-law's, Rose Frank and Darlene Gutmann Marlowe, grandchildren, Erin Glassman, Matthew (fiancé Vicky Zhou) Glassman, Candi and Manny Holden, Melanie (fiancé Michael Emond) Gutmann, Jake and Zack Yablok, five great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 10 at EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3232 E. Main St. with Rabbi Misha Zinkow officiating. Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery. Shiva will be in the library at The Alexander, 500 S. Parkview, Bexley OH, 7-9 PM Tues & Wed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Zusman House at Wexner Heritage Village, 1151 College Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43209 or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook at www.epsteinmemorial.com

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Published by Dayton Daily News on Nov. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard GUTMANN

Sponsored by Epstein Memorial Chapel - Columbus.

10 Entries

Erin

November 2, 2024

I miss you grandpa every single day you were the strength that held our families together. You are so loved

Erin

November 2, 2022

Missing my sweet grandpa every single day. He was one of the most amazing men out there.

erin glassman

November 17, 2015

I love you grandpa your life will always reflect in all of us. You were and still are an inspiration to so many lives that you touched. All my children send their love to you always and forever. We will all watch over grandma for you

Sandy Azaroff

November 14, 2015

My deepest sympathies to you Mary, and to your family on the passing of Bernie. The Azaroffs always enjoyed visiting with all of you, and we want you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Sandy Azaroff

Marsha Scherr

November 9, 2015

To Mary and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Bernie's passing. He was a lovely man and very funny. One time he told me a whole long story about him being a used car salesman. I knew he wasn't but he told one heck of a great story.

When we would play mah jongg at their house, he always stopped to joke with us ladies.

I know this is a huge loss to your whole family.

My deepest sympathy to all.

Sincerely,

Marsha B. Scherr
Dayton, OH

Beverlee Keels

November 9, 2015

Friends are so special.. They share memories, both good and bad...
YOU are loved and will be deeply missed from our visible lives..

Xoxo Beverlee

Jerry Hatmaker

November 9, 2015

My sincerest condolences on the passing of Bernie. I know how close he and the members of his families were, those of his immediate family and those of his SCOA family. We all, who worked at SCOA, know that Bernie's politeness, compassion, knowledge, fairness and, yes, his persistence were legendary. He was a teacher's teacher, a man that commanded respect, not overtly but by being himselfquiet strength, that was the Bernie Gutmann I knew and admired. Rest in peace, Bernie.

Cheryl Simon

November 9, 2015

To The Family of Bernie: One fine gentleman. I worked at Elder Beerman and later at Simon Cadillac he bought cars from us. I loved listening to his stories and all about his family. Max was a customer of mine and Bernie was Chuck Curtins boss at BeeGee shoes, we all loved him vey much a vey proud person and loved his family. People like him don't come thru too often Bless your family at this time. time. Cheryl Simon

Samuel Press

November 9, 2015

Please know of my expression of sympathy and condolences on the loss of Bernie.
He was a friend, and neighbor and member of my congregation.
I share memories of Bernie~ his beautiful character, impressive accomplishments, his moving life story, and his devotion to Mary and his family.
His memories and influences remain to family and friends, as some solace.
Rabbi Samuel B. Press D.D,

David Bader

November 9, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to all family members. I worked with Bernie at SCOA and always admired his commitment to excellence in all that he did. He was a kind and courteous man who served as a mentor to many individuals in the shoe business. We continued our friendship over the years, and I always enjoyed seeing and talking with him. He had compassion for all people and shared his knowledge with others as a way of helping others become successful. I was fortunate to have known him and to have had the opportunity to learn from him as well. He always placed his family before any other obligations and was proud of his children's successes. I will miss him dearly. In the Navy we have what we refer to as a Sailor's prayer to guide shipmates who have departed. A Sailor's prayer to my dear friend and colleague - Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mate. Rest in Peace.

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