ALLEN BERK (1929-2020)

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V23 2020 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 23, Number 41, October 11, 2020, Article 7

New York numismatist Allen Berk passed away recently. Here's his online obituary, plus remembrances from World War II Remembered co-authors Fred Schwan and Joe Boling, republished with permission from the October 3, 2020 issue of MPC Gram, the email newsletter for collectors of Military Payment Certificates and other military numismatica. -Editor

Lover of Life and Family! Devoted and adoring Husband to Marylou Delfino Berk, Loving Dad to George, Pamela & Valerie, sons-in-law Shyam & Dan, Grandfather to David and Matthew, Brother-in-law to KC Delfino and Marshall Levinson, proud Uncle to Morgan and Fiona. He was a Pioneer Member of SGI-USA, Value Creation Society all while fulfilling his musical career leading the Allen Berk Orchestra in New York City since the 1950's.

Born October 13, 1929 in Detroit, MI and raised in Cincinnati, OH, early childhood hardships along with gross experiences of Anti-semitism led Allen to seek and overcome his own personal challenges while influencing countless people as a result of his Buddhist practice for over 55 years. He instilled the importance to break down the walls of differences, to maximize the potential of life viewing every person as a unique individual and unfolding the never-ending ability to make change in one's life. He wanted to know everyone personally that he met.

Allen was a learned and avid numismatist and collector easily encouraged by his curious mind, artistic talent, love of history and extensive travel around the world. Since his passing peacefully on August 28, 2020, there has been such an overwhelming response, that, in lieu of flowers, etc., Allen would have considered it an honor, if donations were made to Soka University, which is dedicated to students leading a contributive life through their own distinctive success. Donations can be made online at https://give.soka.edu/ (write Allen Berk in the comments section or select memorial gift), or call Linda Kennedy at 949-480-4072.

To read the complete article, see:
ALLEN BERK 1929 - 2020 (https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=allen-berk&pid=196750827)

Here's a remembrance from Joe Boling. -Editor

I don't remember how Allen and I met, but it was long ago. In 1998 I spent 3-4 nights bunking with him and his wife, Mary Lou, in their then-Upper West Side condo (they later moved to the Upper East Side of Manhattan). During that 1998 visit Mary Lou and I saw Madama Butterfly at the Met, and three nights later Allen and I saw The Tales of Hoffman. I don't remember why I was in New York that week (late February). I can't think of anything numismatic that would have pulled me out of Seattle.

In March 2007, during CPMX, we went to a community college outside Chicago to see his daughter performing in Proof. I have seen that play six times, and that performance is tied for the best of them. Why did a fellow who was 77 have a daughter of college age? Interesting story. Like Gene Hessler (whom Allen knew for decades), Allen was a career musician, playing percussion in club bands. One day in his middle age his group was rehearsing, expecting a singer to come by for an audition. In the middle of a set a young woman came in and sat near the front. At the break, they asked her what she wanted to sing, which confused her; she was just enjoying the music. Allen spent the rest of his life with her—the Mary Lou I have already mentioned. (The singer never showed up.)

Allen collected Japanese bonds, and I was feeding his collection from my sources in Japan for several years. Allen was a Fester. I recall him funning with us twice (Fest XII and Fest XV, and I believe he had his son with him at least once).

Allen was also a practicing Buddhist. I was a collector of all things numismatic from Japan. We were looking through my medal trays one day and he recognized the portrait on one of them—Ikeda Daisaku, leader of the Soka Gakkai sect of Buddhism in Japan. I was happy to place it into his collection. If you check the suggested donation target at the foot of his obituary, you will note a similarity to the name of the sect I just mentioned. I am sure it is not a coincidence. I will be making a memorial donation. Notice also the description of that school—dedicated to students leading a contributive life through their own distinctive success. I can't think of a better description for ALLEN BERK.

And here's one from Fred Schwan. -Editor

Allen Berk was a great collector, but more than that he was a genuinely good guy. I enjoyed collecting with him. I enjoyed chatting with him. He was also a great host as described by Joe.

I too cannot remember when I met Allen, but I can remember WHERE I met him. It was on a bourse floor in New York City. I can even remember that it was Ian Marshall's bourse table. I am not sure if it was at an ANA convention (aka World's Fair of Money) or Numismatics International show.

The very first time we met, we went off into some corner of the hall or building (again, I am not sure which) and chatted. I had a mixed World War II collection that I had bought from someone. It included a large proportion of Asian material. Allen bought the entire box. I suspect that a large part of that collection is still there, but I cannot be sure. Each year after the first meeting we met at the International. We did a little business, but we did a lot of chatting.

It was easy to like Allen. Every time we talked (usually on the phone) he would praise World War II Remembered in an extreme fashion. It is easy to like someone like that!

I am not sure why Allen did not start coming to the Fest sooner. Let's just say that it was my fault for not recruiting him more directly. Since Allen did not collect MPC, he did not appreciate the broad definition.

Once he started coming, he intended to come to all of them, but travelling became a problem. He called to apologize that he could not make it, and, of course, to chat.