Sanford R. Berman

GUILDERLAND- Sanford R. Berman, 64, of Guilderland, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Inn of Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital. He was born in New York City and was the son of the late Milton and Sadie Berman.
Sandy was a graduate of the Milne School and earned his Bachelors and his MSW School of Social Welfare at SUNY Albany. He served in the US Navy from 1966 through 1968. Sandy worked in several program planning and managerial positions at the New York State Department of Social Services from 1970 to 1995. He was instrumental in the implementation and development of various child protective service programs in New York State. In 1986, he became Director, Bureau of State Operations, Division of Services. He later became Director of Certification and Finance for the state's network of adult homes. He was an adjunct faculty member SUNY Empire State College for distance learning where he served as a mentor for various courses and independent study projects.
Sandy had a lifelong interest in art and photography. He created mosaics and paintings which were exhibited locally. Sandy was a loyal friend and he will be dearly missed by his family and those who were fortunate to know him. He was predeceased in 2004 by his cherished daughter Mara A. Oakes.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Margaret L. Berman; his brother Lawrence Berman and his wife Mary Ann; his nephew Jeffrey Berman and his wife Kathryn; and his son in law Christopher Oakes.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will be in Memorys Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mara Oakes Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of the Capital Region, 6 Tower Place, Albany, NY 12203.