Barry Berelowitz (1938–2022) was a passionate philanthropist committed to causes including
education, Jewish life, and Zionism.
His dedication to helping lift people out of poverty was based in his own life story. Barry was born in
Johannesburg, South Africa, to Sam (an immigrant from Lithuania) and Mary (from what is now
Belarus). Sam died when Barry was a toddler, and Mary struggled to support her two children. Sadly,
she passed away from heart disease when Barry was 11. He and his sister Helen were then raised by an aunt and uncle. Barry went on to become a star student at Witwatersrand University, but with few financial resources,
he couldn’t pay for books and came close to dropping out. At the last minute, he was able to get a small bursary, and he completed his accounting degree as the second top student. He never forgot the big difference that this small gesture made to his life. Barry’s accounting genius quickly made an impression at the prominent accounting firm Fisher Hoffman, where he became managing partner at a young age. In 1978, he emigrated to Los Angeles with his wife Joan and two daughters. He was a partner at Kenneth Leventhal, one of the largest
American accounting firms at the time, and also became a real estate investor. In 1990 he started his own firm in San Diego. From early in his adult life, Barry supported causes he believed in, and also generously helped loved ones with financial resources to improve their lives. His philanthropy mostly focused on projects in Israel, where he supported several major education initiatives, both through ORT, the largest Jewish nonprofit for education, and causes including childhood hunger. Throughout his career, Barry generously served as a mentor to many young professionals, offering his experience and resilience as an example.
Barry was an enthusiastic and loving father, known for his sense of humor and wide-ranging
intellectual interests. Favorite pastimes included playing chess and staying fit. He enjoyed solving any problem that came his way, and coined the phrase L.I.T.B. – Leave it to Barry!
He married his second wife, Marlene Hyde, in 2010. Barry is lovingly remembered by his daughters, grandson, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren.
Contact methods:
Twice a year, the foundation publishes reader votes in selected fields. The fund does not respond to direct inquiries
Foundation email: berelowitz3@gmail.com
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