Norfolk—Bert Lowenthal, 99, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk.
A sweet and charming man who was loved by many, including his parents, Harry and Rose Lowenthal (deceased), dear wife Arlene Helen Lowenthal (deceased), his sons, Robert Lowenthal (deceased) and Alan Lowenthal and his wife Kristi Lowenthal, four grandchildren, and niece Wendy Silberman.
He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. He joined the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and served in Europe, including landing on Omaha Beach and serving as a medical supply officer in a forward area during the Battle of the Bulge.
Upon returning to Pittsburgh after the war, he attended Duquesne University but departed after two years to enter his father’s established fur business. There, he learned the furrier craft from his father. In 1969, he accepted an invitation from his uncle, Julius Lowenthal (deceased), to take over his business (Lowenthal Furriers) in downtown Norfolk on W. Freemason St. The business grew rapidly, moving first in 1980 to larger quarters in Loehman’s Plaza in Virginia Beach, and shortly thereafter to a new expansive building on Virginia Beach Blvd. that continues to serve customers today.
To know Bert Lowenthal was to love him. A perpetual smile, wonderful sense of humor and engaging personality until the very end resulted in him being loved by his family, his customers (who would often drop into his store to simply say hello and receive a kiss), and his numerous friends, including his many golfing companions at Greenbriar Country Club in Chesapeake and Wycliffe Golf and Country Club in Wellington, Florida where he and Arlene spent their winters for more than 20 years.
A memorial service officiated by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg was conducted at Ohef Sholom Temple. Following the service, he was sent for burial to West View Cemetery in Pittsburgh. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.