Bertram Dale Greenberg

June 11, 1928 — February 12, 2023

Bert Greenberg, loving husband of the late Lila (Friedman) Greenberg, died peacefully in his sleep, at home in San Jose, on February 12th after living many years with the complications of congestive heart failure. Bert was born in San Francisco on June 11, 1928 to Dr. Harry and Lee Greenberg. He grew up in the Sunset District of San Francisco, graduated from Lincoln High School and then went on to attend Cal and graduate with a degree in Journalism. After a few years working for SF News in advertising, he established a successful manufacturer’s representative business, Greenberg & Cleary. He and Lila were married in 1949 and moved to Belmont, and then San Carlos for 37 years until 1998, when they settled in The Villages in San Jose. Bert was infamous for his omnipresent sense of humor, emceeing events, hosting parties, singing, secret barbecue sauce, the best margaritas, and his signature cocktail “The Greenberg Cooler” which he drank while performing the Greenberg Float in the family swimming pool. He was passionate about jazz and classical music, all sports, especially the Warriors and Cal Bears, social justice, and all things political. In the Villages he was active in Senior Academy, Democratic Club, Jewish Community, Men’s Dialogue, Caregiver Support Group, and many other groups and committees. First and foremost was his beloved News Junkies, the group he founded many years ago. He was a devoted caregiver and advocate for Lila during her years with Alzheimer's. He will be deeply missed by his son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Marianna Greenberg of Nevada City, daughter and son-in-law Lisa and James Gioia of Pleasanton; grandsons Kevin (Taylor) Gioia and Alex Gioia, both of San Diego, and Toby (Christy Alvarez) Greenberg of Grass Valley; and granddaughter Liana (Steve Mulkey) Greenberg of Denver; and great granddaughters Scarlett, Stevie and Sayler Gioia of San Diego. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Herb (Marianne) Friedman of Oakland, sister-in-law Mona (Mark) Kolko of Rochester NY, and sister-in-law Jan Bibel of Oakland. He is preceded in death by cherished sister, Zel Bauer, and was an admired uncle of his nieces and nephews. His family holds so many special memories of his long life. His soulful rendition of Sunrise, Sunset will forever be in our hearts. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Memorial contributions can be made to The Villages Medical Auxiliary (www.vmavillages.org), Hospice Foundation of America (https://hospicefoundation.org/Donate), or the ACLU (www.aclu.org).