The obituary of William Bregman (Bill) only touches on the basics of a man who lived a truly unique life. He lived life as it came with an optimistic spirit. Born on November 12, 1921, he lived in New York with his father and mother, Jacob and Ida, and his brother, Harold. Bill enlisted in the Coast Guard in World War Two and served in both the Mediterranean and Alaska as a radio operator. His ship, the destroyer escort the USS Menges, was torpedoed in the Mediterranean and Bill remained on the destroyed ship as it was towed back to Brooklyn. He was extremely proud of his service to his country and loved to talk about his experiences. One of his most prized possessions was his WWII caps and would always wear it when going out. After the war, Bill attended Brooklyn Polytechnic University and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. As an engineer, Bill worked for American Electric Power. In 1953, he married Frances Daly. Carol Dee soon came along and four years later Janet Marla made the family complete. In 1959, Bill took up new challenges and followed his parents and brother to Miami Beach, He bought an apartment house on Pennsylvania Avenue and The Majestic Hotel on 7th Street with his brother, The running of the hotel became a family affair with both children and adults chipping in to help. It was then that Bill got involved in local Miami Beach politics and helped run candidates and serve on civic boards. After selling the hotel, Bill ran two companies: American Food Equipment and Advanced Viral Research. In 1989, his dear wife Frances passed away. Bill was always sad that she died before Janet married David Berlin, and they had his beloved grandchildren, Forrest and Jessica. After retiring in his 70’s and moving to Aventura, Bill found a new passion: playing the stock market. Bill always faced life as it came and never let it dampen his optimism. He faced many hardships such as the early deaths of his brother, wife and daughter Janet with admirable strength. He supported his family in any way that he could such as putting his two daughters and granddaughter through college. Bill loved people and, though he had strong opinions, tried to always listen with an opened mind. He Bill is survived by his grandchildren, Forrest and Jessica, his son-in-law, David (who he called his son), his daughter Carol and his friend and companion of 27 years, Ida Camner as well as many friends who he loved as family members. Though Bill lived for 96 years, it was still not enough time. I (we) will truly miss him.
Love, Carol
