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Paul Berenson Obituary
Born in Portland, Ore., he had resided in Newport News for the past 19 years. He earned his Engineering Degree and his PhD in Engineering and Nuclear Physics from MIT. While at MIT he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu. He started his career working in Los Angeles, Calif., at Garrett Corporation as an Engineer. He worked several years at the Pentagon before becoming Vice President for System Planning Corporation. He returned to the Pentagon as the Executive Secretary for the Defense Science Board. He spent three years working for S.H.A.P.E., Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and later retired as the Scientific Advisor to the Commanding General, U.S. Army, Training & Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe.
Paul loved history, classical music, natural beauty and the Mariner's Museum. In his retirement he took an interest in Global Warming Issues and Environmental and Wildlife Causes.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Susan Marshall Berenson; his daughter, Nancy McConnell and her husband, Mike of Santa Barbara, Calif.; his sons, Bradford Berenson and his wife, Susan of Bethesda, Md., Matthew Berenson and his wife, Erin of Los Angeles, Calif., and Randall Berenson of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; his sister, Sandra Spector and her husband, Avron of Los Angeles, Calif.; his aunt, Shirley Mark and her husband, Lou of Portland, Ore.; and seven grandchildren and many loving cousins.
A memorial service celebrating Paul's life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2009, by Rabbi Golner of B'Nai Israel at Weymouth Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UJC, United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula, 2700 Spring Rd., NN, VA 23606 or The World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, N.W., P.O. Box 97180 Washington, DC 20090-7180.
Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Berenson
Julian and Deborah Tepper
July 19, 2009
A death that produces an emptiness means that the life occupied some of that space.
The one who has left is at peace and without pain or worry. The sadness in those of us left behind is the prospect of him not being there when we want him, his voice, his thoughts - - his everything.
We get somewhat used to that, but not comfortable. And over time the void is filled with bits of memories; overflows, perhaps.
The memories are sweet and helpful, but they are no replacement for the real thing.
We are thankful for the opportunity we had to experience and enjoy the real thing. Paul Berenson, always, was the real thing.
With love,
Julian, Deborah, Aryeh (John), Shmuel (Greg), Rob, Taylor and Callie Tepper (spread out over Placitas, NM, Jerusalem and Nokdim, Israel, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY and Santa Clara, CA)
Lynda Browne
July 17, 2009
Susan - While it has been some time since "Papa Bear" and I have visited, I will always remember him fondly. We had some great times at SPC, both professionally and socially - he was just one of those people who was always invited to parties, and he always contributed to the fun...I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much joy you brought to his life; may those wonderful memories comfort you.
Best regards,
Lynda Browne
Mark Symons
July 15, 2009
Susan and Family
I was saddened to hear that Paul had passed. What an amazing life he lived.
He will be remembered by his "Australian" family for his towering intellect, ready laugh, and the kindness he always showed us.
My deepest sympathies for your loss
Anthony Barber
July 15, 2009
Very sorry Susan.
I really enjoyed my time with you both (many years ago) and I know my brother Luke enjoyed both of your company as well. We both felt welcome in your home.
I'm thinking of you and wishing your pain will fade quickly to warm memories of your lives together.
Love
Anthony Barber.
Susan Greene
July 13, 2009
Susan and Family:
I am deeply saddened to return from leave to find Dr. B has passed. I enjoyed hearing about your travels and our all too infrequent lunches. My very sincere condolences. If there is anything I may help you with around the house, Susan, please contact me at 788.3681, or [email protected]
July 13, 2009
Dear Susan, Nancy, Brad, Mat and Randy and their families,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.
May your special memories of Paul bring comfort to you all.
Dorothy & Colin
John Marshall
July 12, 2009
Dear Susan,
Maryl-Ann and I were deeply sadened to hear of Paul's passing. Not just your loss but all who were priveleged to know him, will I am sure mourn his passing but celebrate his life. All our love, see you soon.
John (brother)
July 12, 2009
Those of us who knew Paul at Beaumont Grade School were certain he would "be somebody" - and he was. We are sorry to hear of his passing, and offer our condolences. Gail Tycer
MORRIS MASHAAL
July 12, 2009
DEAR SUSAN,
MORRIS AND I ARE VERY SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF OUR DEAR FREIND PAUL.
MORRIS LOST A SPECIAL FREIND,DEAR CLASSMATE,FATERNITY BROTHER AND A WONDERFUL ROOMATE AT MIT.
I HAVE COME TO LOVE AND RESPECT PAUL OVER THE YEARS.I CHERISH MY FREINDSHIP WITH YOU.
PLEASE,SUSAN,ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND DEEPEST SYMPATHEIS.
EVETTE AND MORRIS MASHAAL
Claudette Joy
July 9, 2009
I am sending heartfelt condolences on behalf of myself and the Grant High School Class of 1952. We were all so pleased to meet up and visit with Paul and Susan at our 50th class reunion in 2002. Paul sent a very memorable note to the Committee following that event to tell us it was the one and only reunion he had attended and how glad he was that he had come. He expressed his feelings that he felt that no one would remember him from school days because he was "such a nerd." That "nerd" certainly went far in his lifetime. I think he was so very pleased that we were all moved by his attendance and have remembered him well since that event. We always hope he will return and he will be missed as we gather this summer for our 75th "Birthday" celebration. And we will lift a glass to Paul.
May he soar with the angels. And God be with you, Susan, and bring you comfort during this time.
Sonia Kline
July 9, 2009
Dear Susan,
It was with profound sadness that I learned of Paul's passing. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know.
Sonny Kline
Howard Freedman
July 9, 2009
Evelyn and Howard Freedman and Taya Saperstein Meyer and Ron from Portland, Oregon send their heartfelt condolences to Paul's family. We heard from time to time, through Irwin Caplan about Paul but had not seen him for many years. He was one of our childhood pals and buddies. Susan if you might send your mailing address, we would like to send a memorial contribution in Paul' memory. [email protected]
Robin Kemp-Tate
July 9, 2009
Hello
I was Dr B's secretary at Fort Monroe, VA when he was the Scientific Advisor and I really enjoyed working with Dr B. Dr B was intelligent, smart, and very proud of his accomplishments! Dr B was very much into the stock market and knew what he was doing. Dr B talked about his family often. I eventually had the chance to meet his beautiful wife, Susan and she is such a loving and caring person. We shared good times with both DR B and Susan. DR B loved life and enjoyed his time here up until he had his accident which lead him into a way of life that he wasn't use to living. Even though it's sad to lose a loved one, Dr B is free of pain and no longer hurting. Thoughts and prayers go out to Susan and her family during this difficult time and may GOD give you the strength to carry on.
Love Robin and Gary Tate
Robin Kemp-Tate
July 9, 2009
Susan
Gary and I were sadden to hear about the loss of Dr B.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Please accept our deepest sympathies and let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Love
Robin and Gary Tate
July 9, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Sally Smith
July 8, 2009
I was Dr. B's secretary at the Pentagon when we worked for OSD (Intelligence) and then at SPC. He was an incredible man to work for and everyone did their absolute best to please him. Together we lived through his mid-life crisis and the purchase of his oil-guzzling Jaguar. It was a special sight to see him get in and out of that car. It was my special duty to go to the snack bar every Friday to purchase a tuna salad sandwich for Dr. B's lunch. He was particularly fond of Bumble Bee tuna. For some reason, the Pentagon decided to purchase something other than Bumble Bee and he knew it and was not happy. I declined his suggestion that I go to the snack bar to tell them he was displeased and suggested he go himself. He did. It was, indeed, a privilege knowing him and working for him. My condolences to Susan and the entire family. He was a special man and I will remember him always. May you find comfort in the belief that those that live in the hearts of others have everlasting life. My thoughts are with you.
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