In memoriam: Chandler W. Berliner

FFRF Member Chandler Wilson Berliner, 98, formerly of Canfield, Ohio, died Dec. 31, 2022, at Wickshire Senior Living of Poland, Ohio. He left FFRF a bequest of more than $20,000.

“Mr. B” was born July 25, 1924, in New York City, son of Gustav and Alice Berliner. He attended Riverdale Public Schools, and upon graduating from George Washington High School, he attended Columbia University. While enrolled, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army in 1944 to fight in WWII. He is a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. He then studied at the Shrivenham America University in Berkshire, England. After he returned to the States, it became clear to him that his passion was to lead a professional life that was dedicated to helping children. To further this enthusiasm, he enrolled and graduated from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., with a teaching degree.

His first job opportunity to work with youth was a position at the YMCA in Cleveland, Ohio. He transferred to the Youngstown, Ohio, YMCA and opened the Robinhood Swim Club in Canfield. He taught fifth grade and middle school math at Western Reserve Local Schools from 1958 to 1985. He also coached basketball and golf. He introduced many youngsters to golf with his self-proclaimed BGA (Berliner Golf Association). He was an accomplished pianist, loved to travel and appreciated the finer things in life.

He will be remembered for his smile, humor, nature loving, and his lifelong love of animals, especially dogs. He was never without the companionship of either a German shepherd or Labrador retriever.