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Art Beroff, 44, mourned as Howard Beach leader

By Philip Newman

“Art lived in Howard Beach his entire life and conducted his business here as well,” said Carole Beroff, his widow.

Beroff, who was born Dec. 12, 1959 in Howard Beach, died after an illness.

Survivors also include his son, David; his daughter, Ilana; and his parents, Fred and Helen Beroff.

An investment banker, Beroff was also an author. He wrote three books, all on business, including “How To Be A Teenage Millionaire,” “Where's The Money?” and a consumer guide.

Beroff was active in civic, school and business organizations.

“He was a member of Community Board 10 starting when he was about the age of 19,” Carole Beroff said, “so his time on the board would be around 25 years.”

Community members recalled his contributions to local institutions that helped shape southern Queens neighborhoods and the schools inside their borders.

“Art Beroff began serving on the Community Board 10 as a teenager,” said Board Chairwoman Betty Braton.

“This man was devoted to helping others,” she said. “That is what he spent his entire adult life doing. He understood, in particular, the importance of helping youth as a way to improve conditions and make a solid community to live in.”

Beroff also served on School Board 27, which includes schools in Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.

“When I joined School Board 27, I was asked what my agenda was,” said Board President Steven Greenberg. “Well, there was no question about Art Beroff. His agenda was children. He was a motivated, talented, can-do person to have on a school board. He was sometimes late to board meetings and always explained he wanted to eat dinner with his children. I cannot think of a better reason to be late.”

Beroff was also a member of the Queens Jewish Community Council, the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Clinton, a board member of the American-Israeli Chamber of commerce and the National Association of the Securities Industry.

Funeral services were held at Parkside Funeral Chapel in Forest Hills Sunday with burial in Old Montifiore Cemetery in Springfield Gardens.

Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at [email protected] or call 229-0300, Ext. 136.