Elliot Berkman, of Yardley Pennsylvania, passed away on August 15, 2026 at the age of 84.
Elliot was a wonderful, kind man who will be very much missed by his family and friends.
Elliot was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Alex and Sylvia Berkman, where he often helped out in
their mom and pop grocery store and also worked a paper route. After college, graduating in 3
years with his BA, he moved to Pennsylvania where he worked in the Pennsbury School District
for 31 years (taught a total of 33 years), teaching German and French languages. He had
always been at the top of his language classes throughout his early schooling. He also received
a masters degree at Temple in education.
He enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Europe and to Israel. Everyone loved his
boisterous laugh which, once he started, it was hard to get him to stop – and his laughter made
others join in with him. He was extremely devoted to his wife and children, providing every
opportunity for them as they grew up. He was a true family man who often got together with the
extended family members. He raised his children to be good characters in a loving, Jewish
home. Indeed, his family was everything to him.
Elliot was loved by everyone he met, and he was somewhat of a celebrity in the Yardley area,
having taught so many kids while living in the community. Almost every time he was out and
about, someone recognized him and stopped him to say hello. He had a special way of making
people feel important, and he always put others before himself. Indeed, he knew everyone’s
children’s names, so it wasn’t just How are your kids, but how is so-and-so, which demonstrated
how he really listened and cared.
Elliot is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Eileen Berkman, his children Anita Byk
(husband Kris), Stacy Kaplan (husband Gary), and Zalman Berkman (wife Ester) as well as 16
grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Elliot will be very missed by all but remembered for all the people and hearts he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia would be appreciated. Elliot
donated to over 100 charities yearly.
Funeral services and burial are Wednesday 10AM at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park,545 Eggerts Crossing Road, Ewing Township.
Arrangements by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.