New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81

Union Beach, N.J.—Barry F. Berman, the founder of Fords Jewelers in Fords, New Jersey, died on July 8.

He was 81.

Berman passed peacefully surrounded by his family, according to his online obituary.

He was born on May 6, 1945, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

In 1971, he founded Fords Jewelers in the neighboring community of Fords.

As much as it was about the jewelry, Berman’s dream was to be part of his community, to celebrate the special moments in people's lives, and create a memorable experience, according to the retailer’s website.

The original store opened with five showcases, five wall cases, three watch lines, and “Barry’s Beliefs,” the values that everyone at Fords Jewelers practices and celebrates, said its website.

“For 55 years, Barry poured his heart into serving our customers and building a legacy he was so proud of, one he leaves behind for his loving family to carry forward,” the retailer said in a Facebook post about Berman’s passing, which garnered more than 200 comments.

Loyal store customers shared memories of milestone purchases Berman helped with over the decades, while others recalled his engagement with the community, painting him as a generous and caring neighbor.

One commenter, Joseph Britton, called Berman “a Fords original” who treated everyone like he knew them forever.

“I purchased my first I.D. bracelet [there] at age 15. Paid $5 down and $5 a week from my paper route. Over these years, I purchased diamonds, watches, and Lladró from him. May he rest in peace my friend,” Britton wrote.

Another comment from Jessica Rosenberg Schwarts said, “Barry was one of the most special people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He started as my client but more importantly, he became family to so many of us.

“He always greeted us with the biggest smile and a warm hug. He watched my children grow up and helped our family choose so many beautiful pieces of jewelry and meaningful gifts that we’ll treasure forever. More than that, he had an incredible gift for making everyone who walked through his doors feel welcomed, valued, and loved.”

Berman was inducted into the Edison High School Hall of Honor for his entrepreneurship.

In addition to running a jewelry store, Berman collected classic automobiles and vintage memorabilia, and he attended many car shows where he displayed his award-winning cars, sharing his love for them with others.

He was also a Master Mason, a philanthropist, and an avid fan of the New Jersey Devils, serving as the official jeweler of the hockey team from 1995 to 2017.

He loved going to dinners and family gatherings, traveling, and his dog, Sasha.

Berman was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Sadie Berman, and brother, Hartley Berman.

He is survived by his wife Roberta Berman; his son, Mark Berman, and his wife, Kristin; his daughter, Natalie Schulz, and her husband, Chuck; his stepson, Jason Rubino, and his wife, Trisha; his stepdaughter, Michelle Corcoran, and her husband, Martin; and his eight grandchildren, Samantha, Owen, Frederic, Giovanni, Sophia, Julia, Kai, and Colleen.

A funeral service was held at the Flynn and Son / Mitruska Funeral Home in Fords on July 12.

Donations may be made in Barry's memory to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kidney Fund.