Michael (Mike) Alan Berkelhammer

Mike was the youngest of three children, born to Rebecca (Billie) and Irving Berkelhammer of Brooklyn, New York on January 14th, 1942. He was born 6 weeks prematurely at his home. Because he weighed just 4lbs and 15oz, he was placed in a makeshift incubator, in an open dresser drawer padded with towels and an electric heating pad.

He attended Madison Senior High School in Brooklyn where he met his wife-to-be Sylvia D. Goldstein. In New York, the family owned and operated United Brass Works, an industrial valve manufacturing company, which was founded in 1909 by Mike’s grandfather, Isidor Berkelhammer.

In 1957, Mike’s father, Irving, and his brothers, relocated the family business to Randleman, NC and the entire family moved to Greensboro, NC. Mike graduated from Greensboro (Grimsley) High School in 1958 and is a 1962 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. After college, he served in the US Coast Guard before beginning work at United Brass Works.

He and Sylvia remained in communication, corresponding through letters, and he proposed on December 31, 1965. They were married on July 2, 1966 and moved to Greensboro where they raised two daughters, Donna and Robin. Mike and Sylvia spent 57 years working tirelessly together on behalf of numerous civic, philanthropic, and religious organizations.

Mike’s entire professional life was devoted to United Brass Works, where he worked until the time of his death. As the youngest family member, Mike was the third generation of Berkelhammer men to work and grow Isidor’s simple machine parts business into a custom foundry and machine shop. Overtime, Mike rose to become the President and CEO. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of every part number, quote, supplier, and customer. He will be greatly missed by the 250 employees he worked with for decades.

Mike was especially active in support of the local Jewish community. He served in leadership roles for more than 50 years as President of the Greensboro Jewish Federation, Beth David Synagogue, and the Jewish Foundation of Greensboro. He was an incredible problem solver and an eloquent speaker, often called upon to support numerous projects. This included the design and coordination of multi-purpose buildings at Hillel, Camp Ramah Doron, and the Women’s Resource Center to name a few. He served on various synagogue committees over the years and as mentor to countless rising leaders in the Jewish community and business world.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sylvia, his daughters, Donna Berkelhammer of Durham, NC and Robin Berkelhammer Kranich of New York, NY, his grandchildren, Molly and Isaac Chmura of Durham, NC and Dylan and Max Kranich of New York, NY, his sister, Fradelle (Freddi) Kay of Los Angeles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was a no-nonsense, practical, problem solver with a sometimes-gruff exterior and a heart of gold within. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was always modest and humble; he emphasized the values of a good education, a tireless work-ethic and philanthropy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions in Mike’s memory may be directed to the Greensboro Jewish Federation, 5509-C West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410, or to Beth David Synagogue, 804 Winview Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 13th at 1:00 pm at Beth David Synagogue followed by a graveside service at the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery. Shiva services are in the process of being arranged.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGreensboro.com for the Berkelhammer family.