Edward S. Berens
May 22, 1952 - March 13, 2021
Smallwood, NY
Edward S. Berens, a resident of the Hamlet of Smallwood – Town of Bethel, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 in his beloved home under hospice care from primary lateral sclerosis. He was 69 years old. The son of the late Lee and Gladys Berens, Ed was born on May 22, 1952 in Monticello and attended and graduated from Monticello High School in 1970.
Edward went to college in New Paltz and received degrees in Art, Education and Special Education. He retired to his Smallwood home after 30 years of service with the New York City Board of Education; starting out in the classroom and ending his career in an administrative position for Special Education placements. He was much respected by the professionals he worked with and the parents he assisted.
Ed had a life-long love for the theater and while living at home in Monticello, Ed worked as a costume designer for the Forestburgh Playhouse. During his years working in New York City education, Ed also found time to work with a professional theatre company, Opera Northeast as a costume designer with occasional roles. Before leaving Monticello he was a member of the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, and after his retirement, rejoined, having the same enthusiasm; playing many roles on stage and becoming an active member of its board.
Gardening and attending auctions were two activities which brought Ed much enjoyment and to many others who drove by to see the garden in bloom; the auctions filled his house with many surprising and beloved items. Edward was a type one diabetic, and even though it was a serious struggle at times, it never held him back from professional achievements and enjoyments of friends, family, garden and his various other interests and obligations.
Survivors include his beloved family: spouse; Thomas Peters, brother; Paul Berens and his wife, Mary Ann, Paul's sons: Daniel and Michael; as well as his late brother Larry's spouse, Lisa Cartwright and their children: Leah, Jeremy and Miles.
Ed was predeceased by his parents as well as one brother; Larry Berens.
A memorial service will be announced. Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to the National Diabetes Assoc. by visiting diabetes.org
Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - Monticello; 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com

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Published by Times Herald-Record from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Berens

Sponsored by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home.

5 Entries

Bernard

March 10, 2024

It is hard to believe that Ed is gone 3 years. Just a wonderful and talented guy with a great sense of humor. I knew him for almost 40 years and miss his presence. The world is a sadder place without him.

Bernard

January 17, 2023

I am finally getting around to composing some wonderful memories of you. I met you at a Fashion Institute of Technology theater performance of " Trixie True, Teen Detective" probably in the fall of 1983 and we kept up our friendship through the trial and tribulations of a thing called life. I visited you in the Bronx and Smallwood and you visited me in Boro Park, Brooklyn and we got together in Ft. Lauderdale and you visited me in Miami Beach. I thought you had a wild and droll sense of humor and were very talented in just about everything. We had many inside jokes and my parents lived in upstate NY. These involved "Lady Seymour Ironing Boards and Pink Bath Rugs" It was always wonderful seeing you and singing the themes songs from either the "Patty Duke Show" or "My Mother the Car". I was and am so sorry to lose you. Your dedication to your family and friends, students and the theater world earns you a place as an Angel to watch over us all. I am also very sorry I never got a chance to see you perform but I did keep up with all your performances and costume design through Facebook and all looked spectacular. And yes you made a Halloween costume for me too, Love, Bernard

Lynne Porter

March 24, 2021

Ed, you will never be forgotten. I always enjoyed our conversations. I always knew where I stood with you. You were so much fun to work with. Performing with you in The 39 Steps and Nevermore remain my fondest memories. I thoroughly enjoyed your sense of humor and will miss our discussions after rehearsals. The world is now a less colorful place. My deepest condolences to Tom and Paul.

Sally Gladden

March 18, 2021

You will be missed, dear friend. You were outspoken! You were funny! You were so talented. With LOVE.....Sally

Ira Steingart

March 17, 2021

Condolences to the entire Beren’s family.

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