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DAVID BERENSON Obituary
DAVID A. BERENSON
David A. Berenson, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Tequesta, Florida on August 2, 2020. His professional and personal achievements were substantial and impressive (Captain, United States Air Force; Ernst & Young's National Director of Tax Policy and Legislative Services; lead witness before the House, Senate, Treasury and Joint Congressional Committees with regard to various tax legislation; former Chairman of the Board of Wolf Trap, the U.S. National Park for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and United States National Reporter for the International Fiscal Association (Cahiers du Droit Fiscal Internationale), author, professor and so on and so forth. A tax and financial genius who didn't suffer fools lightly, what's most important to remember about David is that he had a horrendous habit of telling awful jokes to his grandchildren, making breakfast shakes using foods leftover from the Cretaceous Period and creatively describing fish he imagined he caught from time-to-time. He was also, if we're going to be truthful here, dangerous at a barbeque unless you liked your food well-charred. Fortunately, it seemed that he lost his taste buds in the Air Force, so he never saw this as a problem. He was also the kindest friend, father, grandfather and husband anyone could ask for - protective and supportive to a fault, in a way no longer seen or appreciated in this country, unfortunately. An American, and proud of it. He taught his son everything a son should know and its hard to compliment a man more than that. An avid farmer, lover of all things Western and a world traveler with friends throughout the world. But more than anything else he loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. His life was so full it almost defies belief and could fill many books, but for those who survive him, we will forever miss his being here in person. David is survived by his wife Joan, his children Daniel and Aimee, and his grandchildren Josephine, Asher and Levi. Services private. Donations may be made to the Capt. David A. Berenson Endowment Fund at the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat or the JNF Tree Center.
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Memories and Condolences
for DAVID BERENSON
Sponsored by Ted & Anne Reiner.
Samuel Handwerger
March 13, 2025
I am a CPA now in my senior years teaching tax at the U of Maryland after a career as a tax accountant. I spent 3 years at Ernst under David's leadership and I still find myself quoting some of the things he taught me...to my students. He was a great leader, a friend to a fault, and a great teacher. A student of mine is going to work at EY tax dept. in NY and i was motivated to look up David's whereabouts...saddened to see he passed.
Isabel Kessler
July 31, 2023
Dear Bunny,
I treasure the times we spent together. You both always lifted our spirits, and laughing together was the best way to pass our time on this planet. I hope our 2 wonderfull tax men Stu & David see each other "up there, wherever "there" is. Love you & would love to talk. (My cell: 914-815-4229)
Isabel
Ted & Reiner
September 30, 2020
Micah teaches us that what God expects of man is to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with Him. With David, we are sure, God is well pleased. We loved him and know that the world is a better place because he walked with us.
Maryann Silvers
September 10, 2020
We knew him for just a little while , but loved him singing to us at Cardio Rehab!will miss him a lot! Rest In Peace David!
Elena Gozlan
August 10, 2020
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of our sweet friend, David. He was a regular here at Rehab and we will miss hearing him sing all his beautiful songs while exercising! May he rest in G-d's eternal peace.
Henry Scott
August 8, 2020
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Berenson. I didn’t know him well and it has been almost 40 years since I last spoke with him. Nevertheless, he told me a few things which I have always remembered.
I worked for Ernst & Whinney from 1981 through 1983 when Mr. Berenson ran the New York Office. He was located in the big corner office which could be very imposing to newly minted staff members who joined the accounting firm directly from school. However, I recall, very early on, he took the time to call me into his office for a brief chat – to get to know me better and to give me a small client assignment to see how competent I was. I recall that he knew that I was originally from St. Louis and a St. Louis Blues fan. One of the 1960’s Blues’ stars was Red Berenson. He told me that I could call him Red.
Over the two years that I worked for Ernst & Whinney, I did not interact with Mr. Berenson very much. But I do vividly recall my last day there when I announced that I would be leaving to go to Peat, Marwick, Mitchell. I spoke individually with all of the partners with whom I principally worked and debated whether I should go into the big corner office. I really didn’t know Mr. Berenson very well and I didn’t need another partner to give me grief about leaving. But, I mustered up the courage and knocked on his door. He welcomed me in and listened to what I had to say. Then he said, “Henry, you need to do what is right for you, and don’t let anybody tell you different.” I’ll always remember that advice.
My sincere condolences and prayers.
Sandy & Wayne Hite
August 7, 2020
It was always a pleasure to see Dave and Joan, our summer neighbors, in Augusta County, VA. We had some good times socializing at neighborhood gatherings. Dave will be sadly missed but fond memories will remain. Prayers for the family.
Deanna Belli
August 7, 2020
I did not know Mr. Berenson but read his obituary in today’s Post and was moved to find a way to express my condolences to his family. He must have been a truly splendid and unique man to have inspired such a loving tribute. I wish I had known him.
Simone Taylor
August 6, 2020
My sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one, Please except my deepest sympathies.
Janice Ridenour
August 6, 2020
My deepest most sincere condolences to Joan, DS & the rest of the family. He will be truly missed. - Janice Zollo Ridenour
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