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Robert "Bob" BERKMAN

FUNERAL HOME

Amherst Memorial Chapel, LLC, Funeral Home

281 Dodge Road

Getzville, New York

Robert BERKMAN Obituary

Name: Visitation for Robert "Bob" BERKMAN
Location: Amherst Memorial Chapel, LLC, Funeral Home

BERKMANN - Robert "Bob"
On July 12, 2023 of Buffalo, NY (Formerly of Cleveland, OH). Beloved son of Lee Berkman and the late Owen Berkman. Cherished Brother of Mark (Jackie) Berkman, and Laurie (David Trager) Berkman. Loving uncle of Emily (Rand Goldman) Berkman, Daniel (Claire Julian) Berkman, Adam Trager, and Emily Trager. Devoted partner of David Mavis. Bob is also survived by many friends and fans. Memoirial service will be held on Friday at 2 PM from AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL LLC., 281 Dodge Rd. Visitation to immediately follow services. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in Bob's memory to Buffalo String Works (Buffalostringworks.org), Hospice Buffalo (Hospicebuffalo.com) or a charity of their choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Jul. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert BERKMAN

21 Entries

Marc Leonard Goodman

July 7, 2025

I will miss
him forever

Gail Zeppetello

October 19, 2024

Oh my gosh! I just heard on WNED-fm that Bob died. I am so shocked and sad. I worked with Bob at QRS Music back in the 90s. He was an absolute joy! So witty, so smart and talented. I looked forward to working with him each day, respected him fully, laughed with him, and simply adored him. My deep condolences to his family and his partner.

Gregor Benko

June 26, 2024

Bob was all the things so many people have remembered here, and much more. It was a privilege to know him, for he was a real prince. Many may not know that he was a natural born writer. His chapter in Stephen Siek's compendium, "A Dictionary for the Modern Pianist" is the single best thing ever written about piano rolls.

Marty Wolk

July 31, 2023

I just heard the sad news about Bob and wanted to offer my condolences to his family and friends. I met Bob when I was a teenager, and although he was five years older than me, he always treated me as a peer and made me completely comfortable whenever I was visiting his home. When I saw him in later years, I always was struck by what a complete gentleman he was, with Old World-style manners. I never met anybody quite like him -- he followed his passions entirely and brought a lot of beautiful music into the world. He will be missed.

Roxanne Edmiston

July 22, 2023

To Lee, and your whole extended family, your son was a blessing in my life. A friend who always encouraged, supported, and made me smile. His laughter was contagious! He was a man of many talents, and he shared his wisdom and creative talents generously. My owm mother died a few days after Bob did. So I could not attend his service. But he left an indelible imprint on my heart! I loved him, and thank you for the joy he gave to the world. He was a delightful spirit whom I look forward to finding again in the life after this one.
My deepest sympathy for your loss,

Terry

July 19, 2023

Bob kept us laughing while creating music for pianos. He was a fine friend and will be dearly missed.

Marty Clayman

July 15, 2023

Smart, talented and funny. Almost forgot to say kind and generous. He was so multifaceted in school. He will be sorely missed. He was one of a kind.

Marc Goodman

July 14, 2023

PS He had a super sense of humor and was a wonderful cook and baker. I am so grateful to have visited him and his wonderful, caring husband, David about 2 months ago!!

Marc Goodman

July 14, 2023

A dear friend of 50 yrs and a tremendous loss to the world of player piano music.. He could pump a priano roll ona WELL restored inner player or a push up PIANOLA better than ANYONE and his knowledge of the Player piano was A+, and without emotion.

I will miss him forever

Laurel Freeder

July 14, 2023

Our families were friends; our parents had known one another growing up and Bobby and I went all through SE/Lynd schools from K to 12! we were in many classes together! I especially remember him from Creative Writing, where he entertained with comedy and dramatic readings of things like Edgar Allen Poe stories! He is one of those people who define your school experience and childhood, and it was a privilege to have known him. Deepest condolences to his mother, sister Laurie, brother Mark and extended family... may Bobs memory always be a blessing to you.

Laurel Freeder

July 14, 2023

I grew up with Bob from K to 12 at SE/Lynd schools! our families knew one another from way back when... our dads had been friends as kids. Used to play at his house on Lowden Rd. and our families would set off fireworks from his backyard over the Lowden playground! good times! I will miss him a lot; he was one of the most memorable of my classmates... brilliant, funny, talented at so many things. R.I.P., Bobby. Condolences to his family, siblings Mark and Laurie and his mother. May his memory always be a blessing to you.

Kerry Lipton Burton

July 14, 2023

Bob was smart, kind, & funny. Over 50 years ago, Bob used to entertain our chemistry class by doing voices while reading us the children's book Benji. Condolences to David and Bob's family.

Val Cromling

July 13, 2023

It is hard to believe a world without Bob. We were friends at Brush and kept in touch thru Facebook. He will be sorely missed. My love to David and all of Bob´s family
Val Cromling

Rob Perry

July 13, 2023

Half a world away, Bob's generosity of spirit and knowledge is appreciated and remembered.

Adam Miess

July 13, 2023

Fresh out of college, Bob hired me for my first grown-up job. Bob was a really cool guy - funny, interesting and a good mentor/boss. He almost certainly knew more about pianola rolls (player piano rolls) than anyone else. He used to do imitations of people at work and sometimes he'd hit the mute button during a conference call so we could goof off (usually it was just him - but we all laughed). He appreciated whimsical things, which made him the perfect person to run a player piano roll factory. I still dream about working in that old factory. It really was a magical place - like Santa's workshop accept the elves were a little crazy and we made toys for older people instead of kids. The pay and the benefits weren´t great, but the people, machines and products were amazing. That place was like a steampunk sitcom. I'm so grateful I got to work there with people like Bob Berkman. Thanks so much for all the great memories Bob!

Annette Russo

July 13, 2023

Bob was a great friend and boss I will miss him dearly. Prayers go out to his loved ones

Lou Skoletsky

July 13, 2023

Baruch Dayan Ha Emet.
May Bob´s memory always be for a blessing.
Thanks Bob for all the fun times at CWRU and your entertaining piano playing in the lounge with a sheet over the piano keys and being blindfolded! Many laughs from a kind, gentle soul!

Alice (Schultz) Shuman

July 13, 2023

Bob always made me smile. His intelligence, wit and kindness made him loved by all who knew him. So glad we got to talk at last year's choir reunion in Cleveland.
Until we meet again, my friend.

Sybil Puruczky

July 13, 2023

Bob has blessed so many people with his goodness, humor, and generosity over the years. So grateful to have had him in my life. Wishing you Godspeed, my friend.

The angels in heaven will never be the same!

Maria

July 13, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Holly Clemson

July 13, 2023

Dear Bob,
It was an honor to know you. Thanks for stopping by the Clemson house. You gave us such funny wonderful memories.
-H. Clemson

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