Marshall Berman, Accountant, Volunteer, Teacher, Dies at 76

Almost 200 people attended a service for Marshall Howard Berman, husband of Chatsworth's Bea Berman, Friday in Mission Hills.

Berman passed away Tuesday at age 76 after a 25-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Chicago on March 23, 1935, he brought his family to Chatsworth after a particularly bitter Chicago winter. His son reminisced about the special drive with his father across historic Route 66 when the family moved west in 1969.

Berman was a certified public accountant in Chatsworth for 17 years. He taught accounting at California State University, Northridge, for 10 years and at Pierce College for 22 years.

His wife, Bea Berman, has been a longtime community leader and member of the Chatsworth Historical Society, the Chatsworth Community Coordinating Council and the  Chatsworth Neighborhood Council. She volunteered at her children’s schools and Scout troops and at the Chatsworth Library. For many years she has been in charge of the Historical Society’s spring Garden Festival and fall Pioneer Day celebrations, which are among the most popular events in the area.

The Bermans, who were married for more than 60 years, raised their four children in Chatsworth. Marshall Berman was a big sports fan, supporting Los Angeles Kings hockey and Chicago Cubs baseball. He was a great lover of dogs, word games and education. He was also an accomplished poet.

He was treasurer of the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce, the Chatsworth Friends of the Library and the Rockpointe Homeowners Association. He also provided pro bono accounting work for several local nonprofit organizations.

As his illness progressed and left the tall, lanky Berman unable to walk, he moved to Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park. Bea Berman became a fixture with the staff and residents as she shared lunch with her husband nearly every day for the seven years he was there. Family and friends spoke of the deep love the couple shared, and the hours spent holding hands, playing Scrabble and sharing time. Bea was a social maven who always had a smile and kind words for the other residents and the staff.

As a military veteran, Marshall Berman was honored with a salute from all the veterans at the funeral at Groman Eden Cemetery. Bea Berman was presented with an American flag sent from President Barack Obama.

In addition to his wife, Berman is survived by his children, Dr. Jeffrey Alan Berman (Nancy), Adrienne Gail Betita (Rico), Randi S. Bercow (Gary) and Mindy Faye Berman; and grandchildren Samantha and Kellie Berman and Jessica Bercow.

Among those who honored Berman Friday were the firefighters of Chatsworth Fire Station 96 on Marilla Avenue and several of the staff from Canyon Oaks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to American Parkinson Disease Association, Los Angeles Chapter. Contact 310-874-8722 or  info@apdala.org.