Adam Lee Burstein

Adam Lee Burstein passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015 (14 Tishri 5776), after having fought non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since the beginning of the year. He was 39 years old. Adam was universally loved, and he was an extraordinarily gentle, warm, and kind person. His friends, family, and colleagues cherished him for his loving personality, intelligence, wit, and drive. Adam was a lover of music and the outdoors.

Adam's funeral service will be Thursday, October 1, at 10 a.m. in the Eternal Light Chapel of Groman Eden Mortuary. Services will be officiated by Rabbi Edward Feinstein of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue, and will conclude graveside, in Eden Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Adam's memory to: (1) Cancer Research Institute, http://www.cancerresearch.org/; (2) Little Kids Rock, http://www.littlekidsrock.org/ and (3) Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue, 15739 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Adam grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He attended Valley Beth Shalom Day School, Walter Reed Junior High, and Taft High School. In 1994, he moved to Berkeley, CA so that he could attend UC Berkeley. He fell in love with the East Bay, ultimately settling down there. Later, he met Leah Sokolofski, whom he married in 2009 during an outdoor ceremony overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Their son, Sam, was born in 2012 and has been the source of their joy ever since.

From an early age, Adam was a gifted musician who learned the piano, guitar, and trombone with ease; later, he also picked up the clarinet, banjo, and drums (the last a particular favorite). He played music throughout his life, performing in his high school marching band, jazz duos, rock bands, and jam sessions with friends. Between 2009-11, Adam was the drummer in the Bay Area band, The Shants.

Adam enjoyed a fulfilling career in solar energy. He specialized in solar maintenance and operations, learning the trade as a technician and electrical contractor before moving into management at Powerlight and SunPower. In the fall of 2009, Adam became a successful solar energy entrepreneur by launching Next Phase Solar. He remained owner and CEO until 2014, when he sold the company to Enphase Energy, where he continued to work. He also had begun exploring his next projects.

Beyond music, Adam had a love of the outdoors, with a particular fondness for camping and hiking. He had worked at many camps that emphasized the outdoors, and it was one of the particular sore points of his illness that he remained confined indoors for so long.

Adam leaves behind his parents, Richard and Irene Burstein; his brother, Matthew (Athena Gavaris); his beloved wife, Leah, his cherished son, Sam, his grandmother, Pearl Barocas, his uncle, Lee Barocas (Sylvia), his aunt, Lisa Bruehl (Mike), his parents-in-law, Ed and Diane Sokolofski, his sister-in-law, Rachel Sokolofski (Geoff); a large extended family; and a host of friends from his childhood, college years, and adult life. May his name be for a blessing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Groman Eden Mortuary.