Obituary
Norman Bercoon passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 25, 2020. He was 96 and maintained his keen sense of humor in his final days. He was born in Milwaukee on Jan 13, 1924, to Joseph and Sara (Dickman) Bercoon. The family moved to Chicago and eventually settled in Evanston for several years. Norman only spoke Yiddush until he started kindergarten. After moving to Buffalo and Olean, N.Y., he attended Olean High School, where he played clarinet in the band and orchestra. He became 1st chair clarinet in the Southwest New York State Orchestra and a member of the All New York State Band. He had the honor of performing with the band in the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and in the 1939 New York World’s Fair. This was the beginning of a life-long love of classical music. Norman worked to help support his family until he joined the Army in June 1943. He was part of the forward observer team in the 280th Field Artillery Battalion Battery "C" serving in the European Theater from Sept 1944 - May 8,1945. He was awarded a Bronze Star and served in Occupation Troops in Austria from May 1945 - Dec 1945. After an honorable discharge he returned to Chicago and attended DePaul University. He received a degree in Commerce and later became a CPA in 1954. Norman met Lorraine Rose from Buffalo, N.Y. and they were married on June 28, 1953. They made their home in Chicago where daughter Joan was born in 1958 and son Marc in 1960. The family moved to Skokie in 1969. Norman was a partner in two accounting firms before he became a founding and managing partner in Glick, Bercoon, Blonder and Greisman in 1970, which later became Brook, Weiner LLC. Norman was affiliated with the firm until he retired in 2008, ending his fifty-five year accounting career. Norman was highly respected by his peers for his integrity and dedication to his clients. Norman and Lorraine travelled to Europe, Mexico, the Carribean and all over the U.S. together. They attended the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera, plays and many cultural events over the years. They socialized often with their wide array of friends and relatives. There were many annual trips to San Diego (winter warm up) and to Atlanta to visit their grandchildren. They were able to attend four graduations of their grandchildren, see their grandsons, Nathan and Evan Berg graduate college and granddaughter Isabella Bercoon enter college. Twin granddaughters Olivia and Shelby Bercoon are juniors in high school. Norman was definitely an adoring and beloved grandfather to all of his grandchildren. Norman was an active member of the Illinois CPA Society and served many years on several committees as both a member and chairman. He joined the North Shore Veterans Club in 1946, was a board member at the North Shore School of Jewish Studies for four years and served on the Fairview Elementary School (Skokie) District Caucus for three years. The Bercoon family joined the Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center in Skokie when it first opened and Norman served on their board of directors for twelve years, presiding as president for two years. He remained a member until the center closed the health club. He would play racquetball, volleyball, swim and use the weight room. Norman was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ruth Dreymann, and his son-in-law, Dr. Richard Berg. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lorraine (Rose), brother-in-law Henry Rose, daughter Dr. Joan Bercoon, son Marc (Rhonda), grandsons Nathan and Evan Berg and granddaughters Isabella, Olivia and Shelby Bercoon, several adoring nephews and nieces and too many dear relatives and friends to list. The family is especially grateful to Agnes, Edna and Lily for their dedicated attention to Norman over the last couple of years. He was a trusted, kind, compassionate and generous man who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com