 February 2010Erwin Bernard “Bernie” Gershater PassesErwin Bernard “Bernie” Gershater passed away August 27, 2009 at his Potrero Hill home. He was born January 15, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York to Russian-Jewish parents, Harry Gershater and Anna Kaplan. After serving in World War II, Gershater moved to San Francisco and attended the California Labor School, where he met the love of his life, Nina Carloss, whom he married in 1949 and cherished until her death in 1996. While raising three children Gershater worked as a cabinet maker, remodeled the family home, and was active in his union and the civil rights and peace movements. In 1969, he attended law school at Lincoln University, where he earned his law degree in 1973, and taught Legal Writing. Gershater was a voracious reader who loved the written word, history and mysteries. With an acerbic, quick wit, he was a captivating storyteller, master Scrabble player, and deeply committed activist. He took joy in watching Film Noir favorites, dashing off daily crossword puzzles, and regaling his family and friends with an encyclopedic knowledge. In retirement, Gershater spent his days playing golf, lunching with friends, discussing politics, researching his genealogy, crafting beautiful bowls from wood, cursing at his computer and marveling at Tiger Wood’s athleticism and talent. Despite his later health issues, Gershater never lost his intellectual curiosity nor failed to laugh at the antics of Jerry Seinfeld and his cohorts. As a proud resident of the Hill, Gershater worked on the View, was a Potrero Hill Democratic Club member, a regular at the Potrero Hill library and supported the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House. He was a long-standing member of the American Civil Liberties Union, the State Bar of California and Carpenter’s Local Union 42, where he fought for the rank and file. Brother to the late Nessa Rosenblatt and beloved brother-in-law, Sam, and Pearl Brechman and brother-in-law, Lou, Gershater is survived by his children, Daniel, Paul and Lisa, granddaughter Minoria Franks and her brother Brian Orrick, daughters-in-law Julia Segrove and Sandy Gershater, sister-in-law Bryne Golec, nieces Diane Noomin and Bill Griffith of Connecticut, Ronnie Smith and David of Novato, Delia Wiener and Jeff of Las Vegas, Toby From and Jerry of Colorado, and Linda McCall and Mac of Connecticut, nephews Holland Golec and Carol of Sacramento, Gary Golec and Janice of Hayward and Roger Golec and Clare of Arcata. Gershater leaves behind an extended community of family and friends, most of whom he had known for more than 60 years. “Bernie the Attorney” will be remembered for his enduring love for Nina, his children, family and friends, a keen intellect, kindness, generosity, wry humor and dedication to his ideals, not to mention his delight in eating and in cooking some of his favorite cuisine, potato latkes and beef shanks. A private gathering was held at Gershater’s home to celebrate his life and contributions to family, friends and community. |
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