Robert Berkelhammer, 70

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Robert Bruce Berkelhammer of Providence died Feb. 16. He was the beloved husband of Miriam (Mitzi) Berkelhammer.

Bob was a native of Providence. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and a law degree from Boston University. He practiced law in Rhode Island for 42 years, and was a partner at Chace, Ruttenberg and Freedman.

He was an avid hiker and cyclist. He loved the outdoors, was an Eagle Scout, and enjoyed years at summer camp. He instilled his love of outdoor sports in his children and spent many vacations sharing this love with his family. He was a past president of the former Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, a member of Temple Beth-El and served on the boards of many local organizations.

In addition to his wife of almost 45 years, he is survived by his children: Jessi Berkelhammer and her husband, Abraham Flaxman, of Seattle; Max Berkelhammer and his wife, E. Toba Pearlman, of Chicago; and Abby Berkelhammer and her husband, Scott Raker, of Providence. He was the adored grandfather of Sidney and Ida, Maya and Louisa, and Aurora. He also is survived by Larry Berkelhammer and his wife, Irma Botvin, the Honorable Robert Krause and his wife, Marjorie, and Marcia Finkelstein.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Collaborative Services of Rhode Island.