Dear Family and Friends:

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Robert “Bob” E. Berkman, former President, and Emeritus Member of our Board of Directors at Cure HHT. Bob’s impact on our organization and the HHT Community was profound, leaving an indelible legacy.

In 2006, I met Bob and his lovely wife, Lee, at the San Diego HHT National Conference. He personally sought me out to have lunch and talk about the foundation’s path into the future. Two hours later, excitement began to brew listening to his strong words and clear direction. Bob asked to join the Board and help steer our ship during that time. I knew it was a great fit but had no idea the true impact that Bob would have on me and the future of HHT.

Under Bob’s leadership and two terms as Board President, Cure HHT truly became the Cornerstone of the HHT Community. Our first strategic plan was created with Bob’s keen ability to stay laser focused and results driven…and boy, did we have results! We hired our first Medical Director, Jim Gossage, MD, followed by his Canadian counterpart, Marie Faughnan, MD, in the role as our first Scientific Director.

As a patient himself, Bob understood the importance of improving a patient’s access to care. When Bob joined the Board, there were only eight HHT Centers of Excellence. With Bob at the helm, we more than doubled the number of Centers of Excellence throughout North America in less than five years, landing at thirty-two Centers today. Bob predicted and planned that feat during his tenure—a statistic that holds a large place in his legacy.

After Bob’s two successful terms as Board President and his record number of achievements, it was only fitting to honor his accomplishments. Bob’s fellow board members unanimously voted him in as the first Emeritus member. Then, the Robert E. Berkman Leadership Award was created to be given to those who exemplified Bob’s drive and leadership qualities. Since its inception, seven recipients have been honored with this very special award.  

Our fellow Board members and I felt pride serving alongside Bob. He challenged us to think outside the box and look at the big picture. It was motivating to witness him at work. He was the consummate mentor and coach creating a team atmosphere among board members and the Cure HHT staff.  He was ever so thoughtful and took the time to praise board members, staff, and volunteers—always appreciative of their contributions, no matter the size. It has been moving to hear from former and current board members, staff, and families, about the impact Bob made on their lives.

I have been told by Bob’s family that he loved our organization and felt a deep sense of commitment, not just to our organization, but to the entire HHT Community. This was abundantly clear in his actions and words.

This foundation is deeply rooted in the practices and principles Bob taught us. Bob’s legacy will live on as we continue to change the trajectory of this disease.

Thank you for honoring Bob’s memory and work with your thoughtful donation. We are so grateful for your outpouring of love and support.

With sincerest appreciation,

Marianne S. Clancy, MPA

Executive Director

Senior Director Strategic Partnerships

We have set up this fund to carry on Bob’s legacy of dedication to the foundation and the HHT community. Thank you for your thoughts, words, and support. Bob will forever be missed but never forgotten. 

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Robert E. Berkman, age 86, passed away on August 9, 2024, with his wife Lee by his side. He was born July 27, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY to Sidney Berkman and Hannah Feld Berkman. The family relocated to Linden, NJ, where Bob grew up. Bob was a three-year basketball letterman at Linden (NJ) High School. In 1956, later entered Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from Brandeis he entered McGill University in Montreal, Canada to play and coach basketball while obtaining a master's degree in education. It was at McGill that he met Leora Brazeau. In June 1962, Bob and Lee got married in Montreal, Canada, and went on to have two children, Brent and Terry. After graduation from McGill, they relocated to the U.S. and Parsippany NJ, where Lee continued in nursing, and Bob became a teacher and Head Basketball Coach at Caldwell High School. After leaving education, he tackled the corporate world first consulting in the computer industry, followed by a long and successful career in corporate coaching for Fortune 500 companies worldwide.

Upon retiring in1998 Bob and Lee moved to Haig Point on Daufuskie Island. They lived on the Island for 10 years making lifelong friends. Bob and Lee relocated to Belfair from Haig Point in the mid 2000's. At Belfair they once again established great friends, golf and travel partners. Bob loved the golf opportunities in the area as a member of Haig Point, Bloody Point, Belfair, Succession, and Berkely Hall at different times in the 20+ years in the low country. In 2020 they moved closer to family in Atlanta.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Leora, his daughter, Terry Conway (Steve Conway), his son, Brent Berkman (Liz Hayes), grandchildren, Sean, Tim, Nick, Rachael (Connor Sinclair), his great grandson, Guy. Brother Dr. Ronald M. Berkman (Tricia).