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Edwin Berkowitz Obituary
December 21, 1933 - September 22, 2023
Edwin Lionel Berkowitz passed away at the age of 89 on September 22, 2023. He was surrounded by his family at his home in San Francisco, the city where he and his wife, Patricia Bransten Berkowitz, have lived since the beginning of their 63-year marriage. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, he studied in the United States from the age of 14. After graduating from Kentucky Military Institute, he obtained his BS degree from Purdue University and his MS degree in from MIT, both in Chemical Engineering.
In 1961, Ed joined the family firm of MJB Company, where he served as Executive Vice President until its sale to Nestle in 1985. Later, he became enthusiastically involved in the Asian Art Museum, serving on its Board of Directors. In that capacity, he served on the New Asian Project Committee, overseeing the conversion of the Old Main Library building into the Asian Art Museum at Civic Center, which opened in 2003. For many years, until the time of his death, he served on the Asian Art Commission of the City of San Francisco.
Additionally, Ed lent his considerable experience to numerous businesses and organizations, serving on the boards of Rolling Stone Magazine, The San Francisco Jewish Community Center, where he was its President, the United Jewish Community Centers, Congregation Emanu-El and The Concordia Argonaut Club. In later years, he focused on investing in early-stage companies with The Angels' Forum of Palo Alto.
Ed was an adventurous traveler along with his wife Pat, sharing a special interest in global art and culture. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed an expansive range of genres. He was known for his wide-ranging intellect, business acumen, forthrightness, and wisdom. He always said, "It's not what happens to you in life, it's how you deal with it."
In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by three children, Leslie van der Wal (Pete), Kay Berkowitz, Edwin Isador Berkowitz (Maryann) and seven grandchildren, Louis van der Wal, Lia Ramey; Summer, Jasmine and Maya Dow; and Allison and Jack Berkowitz.
Private funeral services have been held. There will be a celebration of Ed's life in the coming months. For details, please send an email to [email protected].
Memorial donations may be made to the Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Berkowitz
Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha.
6 Entries
Bob Mnookin
September 20, 2024
I remember Ed with great fondness. His wit, energy and intelligence made him such fun to be with. My most vivid memories relate to a time our families shared a visit to Guatamala where we each had relatives. Dale joins in sending our most sincere condolences to Pat and Ed's family.
Aidan O'Mahony (Ireland)
September 29, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Kay and the Berkowitz family on the passing of Edwin. May he rest in peace.
Sally Pearce McNulty
September 27, 2023
It was such a privilege to call Ed a friend. He and Michael seemed to have a meeting of minds and an appreciation for each other´s intellect. I had not known that Ed would say "It's not what happens to you in life, it's how you deal with it." One of Michael´s favorite expressions was: "It´s not the mistakes you make in life, it´s how well you recover". I send you, Pat, and your children, their spouses and your grandchildren my deepest condolences. With love, Sally
Susan Rothmann Seeley
September 27, 2023
Sending much love to Pat and her children...I have many fond memories of Ed and his family in Guatamala...May his memory be for a blessing. Susan Rothmann Seeley
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Dick Malone
September 27, 2023
I was a banker for MJB in the 80s & got to know Ed well. He was smart & fun to work with. A real class act.
I was sad to read of his passing. My condolences to Pat & their entire family.
Dick Malone
Bob Mnookin
September 27, 2023
Pat, we are so saddened by the news of Ed´s death. I have wonderful memories of Tilmes spent with Ed, especially in Guatemala when we were meeting I was meeting my Sittenfeld relatives. May his memory be a blessing. Bob and Dale Mnookin
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