Oscar "Joe" Berman

Oscar "Joe" Berman, 89, of Wellington, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014. Joe was born April 25, 1925, in New York City, the son of William and Norma Berman. He is survived by his daughter Norma Maraviglia of Las Vegas, NV, son Mark (Marilyn), of New Windsor, NY, daughter Terri Layman (David), of West Palm Beach; grandchildren, Christine, Nicole, Vito, Christine, Christopher, and Mary; and great grandchildren, Patricia and Samantha. Joe was pre-deceased by his wife Lola, and his son Daniel. Joe was a tremendous example of the "greatest generation". Joe began his working life when just a boy, and at the start of World War II, used his older brother's identification to join the U.S. Army Air Corps while underage. He served in the Pacific Theater, was shot down, and was imprisoned in a Japanese prison camp. After the War, Joe returned to New York City, and worked for the City as a police officer and a bus driver. Upon retirement, he and his wife Lola moved to Wellington in the late 1970's, where he continued to work, including owning the "Home Phone" telephone store in the old Wellington Mall. Lola and Joe particularly enjoyed dogs, and going out to dinner (where Joe would always leave a big smile and a generous tip). Recently, he was well cared for by the staff at NuVista, Wellington. A family visitation will take place Wednesday, June 11, 2014, from 7 – 9 pm at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411; and a memorial service will be held Thursday, June 12, 2014, at 2 pm, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 211 Trinity Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's honor to the charity of your choice.