Murray Bernthal

I can't believe it's been 10 years already. We still miss you, Murray. It's just not quite the same. So glad you are not here to see this year--you would have a fit!!

I played doubles tennis against him over a number of winters and whatever his shortcomings were in striking the ball were made up for by his tactics on the court. He was a very difficult opponent to beat. He was full of tricks and fun to play against.

Murray always called ne when there was a magic show on the stage in Syracuse at the Landmark Theatre because he knew I was a magician as well as an actor in community theatre. The first time Van Cliburn came to Syracuse it was a sold out house at Lincoln Auditorium so he gave me a seat on the stage about 8 feet from where Van Cliburn played. I went to many plays at the Fayettevile Playhouse (now Wellwood School) and always had great seats for all of them the courtesy of Muray. I knew Rose well when she was the director of the Landmark Theatre where we did a magic show one time to benefit the theatre. The last time I saw him I asked him how old he was and he said I am 3 times 30 and 3 times 3. Ray Cerio

There will never be another Murry Berthal. I learned so much, working at the Civic Center with him for 18 years. He taught me the importance of putting the patron ahead of most anything that developed. They were the ones you had to make happy and he cetainly did. I will always remember his hugs around my shoulders each time he saw me and his warm hello. He even pronounced my name correctly! He was very respectful to my ushers and the people who worked for him.He did so much for the Famous Artist Series. I wish he could live forever, but he can't. Rest in peace, Murray, we will miss you. Our love and condolences to his family,
Eileen Rice (Coodinator of Volunteer Ushers at the Civic Center--1987-2005.

I enjoyed Murray’s friendship for a good part of my youth. As a teenager I worked for him tacking posters to telephone poles, collecting tickets at Lincoln Auditorium concerts and running the concession stand at the Fayetteville Playhouse. I was also privileged to spend some after-performance meetings with such stars as Roberta Peters and Robert Merrill. Exposure to all these artistic people and events enriched my adolescence and has influenced my life until the present.
Murray was a consummate raconteur and the most witty punster I’ve known. I just learned of his passing and am reminded of how much I’ve missed him.
Richard D. Hyman
221 Hemme Avenue
Alamo CA 94507-2146

(925) 820-8661
[email protected]

He was a dear friend and the foxiest tennis player I ever faced. Although I seldom saw him in the last few years, I will miss him

To The Bernthal Family
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bernthal. He was my string teacher at SU and a very good one at that. I taught music for many years and remember him with great affection. My prayers are with you.
God Bless

A dear neighbor and friend we will surely miss. Murray could tell stories and entertain us like no other. We have memories of Murray taking our boys on the back of his scooter for rides, can you imagine, and oh how he loved to give bisquits to dogs. Murray was truly an icon in this community and we will miss seeing you on stage at Famous Artists.
fondly,
Linda and Leonard Gerber

Bobbi: I'm so sad for your sadness. But, what a full and wonderful life your dad had! Please know I'm thinking of you and your family.
Fondly,
Cindy Sutton

Sorry to hear of my Uncle Murray's passing. He was such a unique man...Made me laugh quite a bit when I was in college in Oswego so many years ago. My sympathies to his children and their children. Cousins, so far apart...My thoughts are with you all. With love, Nessa Mae

What a loss of not only a wonderful producer but of a wonderful, caring man.
I have been an avid subscriber to the Famous Artists series for many many years and have thoroughly enjoyed them and appreciate Murray bringing such outstanding events to our city.
He will be truly missed by all (audience members and friends).
My condolences to all the family.
Carol Louise