Howard Berland

Howard Berland, Respected Real Estate Leader and Family Man, Dies at 80.

March 4, 1944 - November 27, 2024

Howard Berland, a distinguished real estate leader and the devoted heart of a multigenerational family business, passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on March 4,1944, in New York City, Howard's life was defined by his exceptional leadership, unwavering kindness, and steadfast dedication to his family and community.

Raised in Great Neck, New York, with his beloved sister Susan, Howard graduated from Great Neck High School before attending the University of Michigan, where he participated in the ROTC. After completing his studies, he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, and prepared for deployment to Vietnam. Howard's plans shifted when his son Michael was born just two days before his deployment. Instead, he served stateside, during the tumultuous riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968.

In 1966, Howard married Janet Piccirillo, and they welcomed two children: Michael, born in 1968, and Shari, born in 1970. After completing his military service, Howard earned a law degree from DePaul University in Chicago and began his career at Jennings Realty, Inc., the family business where his uncle Warren Peters served as his mentor.

Howard became a key figure in Jennings Realty, Inc., known for his ability to connect people and foster a positive and collaborative environment. Under his guidance, the company thrived, and he played a crucial role in transitioning leadership to the next generation. Today, Jennings Realty, Inc. continues as a family legacy with Jay Lapat serving as CEO, a testament to Howard's enduring impact and vision.

Howard was beloved by the employees of Jennings Realty, Inc., who respected his leadership and admired his unwavering support and compassion. He believed in treating every member of the team with kindness and dignity, creating a workplace culture that prioritized both excellence and community.

Later in life, Mr. Berland married Marlene Daniels. Though they had no children together, their marriage was marked by deep companionship. After Marlene's passing, he found comfort with her sister, Susan Fishbein, and continued to build his relationship with Susan's daughter, Ilyse Fishbein. He took great pride in seeing Ilyse marry Myron Mackoff and cherished his role as "Uncle Howard" to their children, Michael and Helena.

Howard's family continued to grow as his son Michael married Marcela Miguel, and his daughter Shari married Marcelo Presser. He loved to share stories with his grandchildren, Matthew and Isabella Berland, and Sofia and Luca Presser. Recently, he welcomed his first great-grandchild, Leo Rose Berland, a joyful addition to his family legacy.

In his personal life, Howard was deeply spiritual, dedicating himself to the study of comparative religions and immersing himself in Judaism. He developed a strong connection with the Lubavitch community, embracing continuous learning and reflection throughout his life.

Howard Berland is remembered as a man of integrity, generosity, and vision. His legacy of leadership, family, and kindness lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and the thriving family business he helped to nurture.

Service Sunday, 1:30PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Downtown Chicago, 1236 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, www.centerforjewishlife.com, Quick Pay with Zelle or PayPal to: Centerforjewishlifechicago@gmail.com. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com