David Theodore Berg's Obituary
David Theodore Berg
May 28, 1934 to September 13, 2020
David Theodore Berg passed away peacefully on September 13, 2020 at the age of 86. He was born in the Bronx, New York and raised in Long Beach and Manhattan, by his parents Abraham & Hannah Jesse Berg. The pathway to David’s heart was through the things he treasured most - Family, boating and giving back.
He was a self-taught sailor who followed the sun to Coral Gables, Florida, where he attended the University of Miami, earning his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees. He met and married the love of his life Marlene Solar before serving in the US Air Force as a navigator instructor and retiring as a Captain. David founded his family law firm Berg, Ettelman & Berg, P.A. where he proudly worked alongside his children. As a new lawyer he was most proud of his role in shaping the law on the value of good will in the case of Yoo Hoo vs. Catroneo, 175 So.2d 220 (Fla 3rd DCA 1965). A fierce competitor and icon in the sailing community, David won the J-30 Nationals, the North American Championship, numerous Columbus Day Regattas, and hundreds of other sailboat races. Ahead of his time, he strayed away from the traditional all male sailing crew and trained women to be a part of his regular race crew.
He and his wife shared philanthropic passions and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of others. David achieved founder status at the University of Miami and was honored by Project Newborn, Diabetes Research Institute, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and named one of Miami’s 12 Good Men, among other recognitions.
David was so accomplished in life professionally, but the real power of his legacy is what he left in people; he made everybody feel like a somebody. He loved, embraced and accepted everyone no matter their differences. The ultimate storyteller, an amateur magician, funny, inclusive, kind, present and warmhearted. His laughter was infectious, his heart so incredibly large and his wisdom helped so many. He was adored by all and affectionately known as Popeye.
Survived by his wife of 64 years, Marlene Berg, his 5 children, Bonnie (Allan) Sepe, Cheryl (Howard) Ettelman, David, Jr. (Barbara) Berg, Charles Berg (Gary Bailey), Erin (John) Hager, 12 grandchildren: Jaclyn (Michael) Lohmann, A.J. Sepe, Lauren Sepe, Brandon (Ashley) Ettelman, Craig (Ilyssa) Ettelman, Jill (Jason Friedman) Ettelman, David III (Acelia) Berg, Garrett Berg, Ryan Berg, Elle, Sierra & Drew Hager and 3 great grandchildren, Logan & Liam Ettelman and Landon Lohmann. A loving brother to Carol & Harvey Gurland, Renee & Sherwin Gross and Annice & Lloyd Burak. A favorite Uncle to Eddie (Karla Ebenbach) Gross, Ilene (Tony) Abella, Brett (Anita Bergman) Gross, Evan (Jamie) Burak, Barbara (Joe) Feinberg, Terri (Carl) Levine and Harvey (Carolina) Gurland, Jr. A favorite Great Uncle to Sylvia, Andy, Becca, Sarah, Tyler, Maddie, Sophie, Jonah, Lauren, Leah, Eva, Janna, Brooke, Jennifer, Steven and Jocelyn. He was a favorite cousin to Richard, Jan, Mitch, Maddie, Max, Susan, Megan, Annette, Bryan and Michelle.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation made in his name to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at www.DiabetesResearch.org/Give or University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Link at www.tinyurl.com/DavidBerg
Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700
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