Search by Name

Search by Name

BERNARD FUTTER Obituary

FUTTER--Bernard. On May 4, 2024, with his sense of humor and keen intelligence very much intact, our very dear and wonderful husband and father left us. Berney was born on April 27, 1929, in Berlin, Germany. He always said he had a lucky life. That started in 1938 when he escaped Germany with his parents and older brother, Ken and landed in New York City. Berney graduated from Horrace Mann, and Kenyon College and then joined Futter & Co., a wholesale lumber company established by his father. Berney joined the company in 1950, ultimately becoming President and serving until his retirement in 2009. In between, he grew the company into one of the biggest independent wholesalers on the East Coast, competing with such giants as Weyerhaeuser, MacMillan Bloedel, and Georgia Pacific. Berney was one of the biggest cargo importers and was a pioneer in transitioning the company from cargo to rail and into the reload distribution business. He was recognized by his peers as an icon of the industry. His luck continued when he met Bunny Grossman, married in 1956 and created a beautiful family - David (Doreen), Ileana and Jim (Michelle) which expanded with the arrivals of Alison, Lauren, Marlee, Sydney, Max and Marissa. In between there was travel, the arts, skiing, tennis and good times spent with good friends and wonderful Westhampton Beach. Berney was a devoted family man and loved time spent with siblings and in-laws, Jerry and Barbara Grossman, Ken and Lynn Futter, nieces and nephews. He will be missed and loved forever.

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

Published by New York Times on May 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for BERNARD FUTTER

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Stacey and Brayn Schwartz

Planted Trees

Charlie Loo

January 3, 2025

Rest in peace, Bernie.
When I joined the wholesale lumber business in 1971 you were one of my first contacts and you taught me many good things which were a benefit to me in later years. We traded many millions of board feet to our mutual benefit.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in BERNARD FUTTER's name

Memorial Events
for BERNARD FUTTER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support BERNARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor BERNARD FUTTER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more