Funeral Details

Ronald Berliant, age 88.

For almost 64 years, he was the great love of her life for his wife Sandy, nee Lerner. Adored father of Jordan and Tracy, Alan and Ranee, and Leslie and Chris. Fun and loved grandfather of Adina, Dylan, and Rachael. Dear friend and brother of Ken and his wife Esther, and his sister-in-law Mickey. Special and admired uncle of Marcus, Ardath, Sharon, Shana, Joan, Linda, Bruce, Steven, and all of their partners and children.

Ron was a graduate of the University of Illinois, with a degree in geology. After serving in the armed forces in Germany, he began his career as a civil engineer. He was a partner at Mirza Engineering, and later joined Homart Development Corporation and General Growth Properties as VP of Design & Construction (which he humorously referred to as the “Malling of America”). Among the boards he served on, Ron was a past president of ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). He failed retirement and after a very brief respite, Ron returned to work consulting for firms including the Greeby Companies and Miller Capital Advisory. He worked well into his 80s, much to the chagrin of his family and the delight of his clients. He taught geology at Chicago City College, and was mentor and friend to many of his colleagues.

Ron was a lifelong supporter of social justice and progressive causes, a lover of music, art, theatre, and travel, and a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox. He stood in awe of nature and the universe. He died as he lived; with grace, dignity, and love. He will be missed by all who knew him but left a legacy of kindness.

In lieu of flowers and sad songs, memorial contributions made to any of the following organizations would be greatly appreciated: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 150 N Michigan Ave #600, Chicago, IL 6060, www.aclu-il.org or Habitat for Humanity, 1100 W Cermak Rd Ste. 404, Chicago, IL 60608, www.habitatchicago.org or International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10168-1289, www.rescue.org or Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825, www.savethechildren.org or Oxfam, 226 Causeway Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02114-2206, www.oxfamamerica.org or Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, 70 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601, www.chicagohomeless.org.

A memorial service will be planned at a future date.
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.