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ROBERT BERNE Obituary

BERNE--Robert, 84, of New York City died on January 24, 2023. Bob was raised in Great Neck, NY. After graduating from Columbia College and Columbia University Business School he began a lifelong career in real estate. His work at government agencies was some of his most rewarding. In the 1960s while at the NYC Rent and Rehabilitation Administration, he assisted in the financing for renovations of low-income housing. In the 1970s he was at HUD managing the financing of Operation Breakthrough, a demonstration program of modular housing. In the private sector he built one of the first luxury apartment houses in the Lincoln Center area, developed property on the west coast of Florida and spent more than 40 years as an associate of the Milstein family developing several thousand apartments in New York City. Bob loved New York and happily supported many of the city's not-for-profit institutions. He also loved Alta, Utah; Columbia; his many friends and his family. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Steffi, his son Alexander, his daughter Lizzie Berne DeGear, son-in-law Tony DeGear, his grandchildren Daisy and Freddy DeGear and his nephew Michael Bonine and niece Sophia Mokotoff. For information about a memorial to be planned visit: Berne.memorial@ hotmail.com

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT BERNE

24 Entries

bev simons morse

January 20, 2025

steffi - i'm sorry - this was a good guy - and a good friend when we were high schoolish young - such a ready laughter, and appreciation for and to others - good to know his life was so filled with 'mattering,' as my kids used to say when they were younger than we! stay well - bev & steve - shalom, shalom -

Thomas Fiffer

April 10, 2023

Offering my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to your family.

Stephanie

February 21, 2023

Steffi, Alex, and Lizzie,
Bob, always Mr. Berne to me, was such a wonderful influence on my life. Though it has been years since I have seen your family, I only have fond memories of all of you, and remember so well when I stepped off a plane to be met by Bob, whisked off in a cab to Park Ten, and began my amazing experiences with your children and family! Bob was so generous and caring, and dearly loved his family. My heart breaks for all of you. May we honor his legacy forever.
Stephanie Drayer Courington

Brenda Lehman

February 5, 2023

Dear Steffi and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Glad it was peaceable. He was a wonderful person and we are grateful and happy to have known him. Hopefully the good memories are helping you through the difficult times and will sustain you to better times.

Best,
Brenda and Burton Lehman

Ken Lauber

February 2, 2023

Bob was a generous and fun loving old friend. You are my heart forever.

Marty Meyers

February 2, 2023

Steffie and family,

I am saddened by Bob's passing and my thoughts are
with you.

I've spent many great times with my friend Bob running, skiing, bike riding and as we got older walking
as his friend in "the country".

I know how much he loved his family and watched
through his eyes as the "kids" grew and became
adults. He was so proud and enjoyed you all so much.

Whenever I pass by Steep Rock I think of Bob and the
many hours we spent there together. I think of him
often and he is a part of me.

Josef Sorett

Planted Trees

bev simons morse

January 31, 2023

with love and warm memories of laughter and caring since high school- shalom, shalom, bobby - may your memory be for a blessing. you were ... steve and bev simons morse -

John Daschbach

Planted Trees

Sathya

January 30, 2023

Dear Alexander, with heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your father. May the love, prayers and support of your family and friends bring you and your family comfort during this most challenging times. Much love and respect, Sathya ONS

Frank TIernan

January 29, 2023

RIP sir

Sincerely
Frank Tiernan

Jackie Judd and John Papanek

Planted Trees

Carina and Ciela Courtright

Planted Trees

Anita Hussey-Koschat

January 28, 2023

Dear Alexander and family, I send you all my deepest condolences at this difficult time. I didn't know your father, husband and grandfather personally but so admire his love for his family and the important work he did in the world, certainly leaving it a better place. One couldn't have a better legacy than love and service to others. I know that he will always be with you in spirit. Sending you much love, Anita

Steve Kutner

January 27, 2023

Bob and I met and became close friends at Columbia Business School and we´re roomates after graduation. He was my constant lunch partner. My deepest condolences to Steffi, Liz, Alex and the grandchildren.

Jennifer Berne

January 27, 2023

Dear Steffi, Lizzie and Alex, I am so sad to learn that Bob is gone. I will miss his humor, intelligence, stories, wit and warmth. I send my love to you all. And here's the smile I'll always remember. Love, Jennifer

Geoffrey Basson

January 27, 2023

Bob and I were classmates both in High School and at Columbia and managed to renew our friendship at occasional alumni events. He was, lifelong, passionately fond of Columbia and his philanthropy played and is playing a part in helping later generations of youngsters achieve their dreams. I´m grateful we had a couple of nice conversations in his last months, which he met with grace and dignity, and I send my most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to all the Berne family-may you all be comforted by memories of the many years you shared with this loving and remarkable man.

Joanne Ben-Avi

January 27, 2023

Bob was a dear friend. We met over 20 years ago at Columbia and stayed in touch over the years. Bob was a most generous, caring, intelligent and unique person. He often talked about his father as well as shared many `old´ jokes he recalled his father had told him. He looked forward to skiing every year and to watching sports, especially the Knicks. Heartfelt condolences to Steffi, Alex (who supported Bob throughout his illness in every way!), Lizzie and the entire family. I´m so grateful that I knew him and that I was able to visit with him during his illness. May Bob´s memory be some comfort to all the family during these sad and difficult days. He will be greatly missed by all who knew, respected and loved him.

Anthony oliphant

January 26, 2023

Bob and I were friends in Great Neck from our mid `teens. Whenever I was in NY, or he in CA, we got together, and he was always at our significant family celebrations. We kept in contact over the years. His humor/wit were legendary to his friends. He was generous to his family, friends, and the many organizations he was a member of and supported. I´m glad I was able to speak to him often the last few months, and that Alex told me he wasn´t in pain or discomfort. There is an emptiness in my heart, and I shall miss our calls on the first day of each season, as well as his birthday. Zichrono livracha, May his memory be a blessing.
Tony Oliphant

Carol Dudley Katzka

January 26, 2023

I owe the world to Robert - the kindest friend one could have - I send my love to his wonderful family

James Yasser

January 26, 2023

Candy and I send our condolences to Steffi, Lizzie and Alex during this time of loss.

Bob was a valued friend and colleague for many years, including the period of our work together for the Milstein family. Bob was known for his brilliant analytical skills, inquisitive mind and broad intellectual pursuits. He was always available to help solve a problem and to generously lend support to the Milstein team.

The countless hours spent with Bob and Paul Milstein on a wide range of projects and issues were always stimulating and memorable; Bob revered Paul and was proud to be known as his trusted "lieutenant".

I will always be grateful for Bob´s support and counsel during our twenty two years of shared professional experiences and for his wisdom and insights.

Bob had a huge heart and empathy for those in need; so many benefited from his compassionate support and charitable contributions. Such kindness was the essence of Bob.
James Yasser

JUDITH LUNGEN

January 26, 2023

Dearest Alex and family - my thoughts are with you at this tender moment. God bless Love Judy

Barbara A. Rehren

January 26, 2023

Dear Alex, Steffi, Lizzie and Family,

Here´s what "Robert Berne" meant to me. He was:
Bobbie, Bob, Brilliant, Clever, Generous, Humorous, Kind, Sincere, a good Friend, and a great Financial Consultant.

I´m going to miss you Bobbie, and your funny stories. May you Rest In Peace.

And, thank you Alex, for all your helpful words on visitation. You were an excellent caretaker. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Barbara A. Rehren

Anne & Koen

January 26, 2023

Dear Family of Bob / Robert Berne,

What an amazing exceptional and impressive man Bob has been!

You have been blessed to be his family!

May God bless his soul!

Anne Claeys &
Koen Byttebier

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