Obituaries

Burt was a best friend I never knew. I looked forward to his column every morning and I always appreciated his opinion. This world is the poorer for his passing. And, while he eschewed organized religion, I thought him a moral man. God has a sense of humor and I expect heaven is brighter and enjoying Burt's. Miss you Burt.

Posted by Bob Jeska on January 21, 2022

Watching the service for Burt did give me some closure. Burt wasn\'t afraid of dying. He just didn\'t want it to be a long, lingering death. And Burt did get his wish. Burt is now resting with his beloved wife, Yvonne, and precious Angel is living out her life with Burt\'s in-laws. Burt, however still lives on in the hearts and minds of many. Memories are golden.

Posted by Nancy Thorner on January 15, 2022

I can’t believe how much I miss someone I never met in person. Burt’s column was literally the first thing I looked at every morning. The fact that he answered every email I sent to him made it feel as if we were somehow or other friends who were just keeping in touch. RIP Burt. You are missed.

Posted by Suzan Reiner on January 14, 2022

As a subscriber to Burt's commentaries, visiting Burt in CA in the fall of 2020 remains a highlight of my life.  We communicated with each  other almost daily as long distance friends.  Such a friendship can never be broke.  Burt's kindness, sense of humor, and his direct way of expressing himself will forever remain etched in my mind and heart.  And although Burt's eternal life has ended, his spirit will live forever in those who knew Burt and cherished him for what he meant to them.    

Posted by Nancy Thorner on January 13, 2022

Burt always wore a Hawaiian shirt like he was going somewhere fun. But the man hated traveling! I don’t think he ever went to Hawaii. He rarely left his home in the Valley. I guess he wore them for my dearly departed mom, Yvonne, because she was a Polynesian dancer in her youth and just loved everything about Hawaii and Tahiti. Well now my mom has a traveling companion finally to spread his ashes all through the universe. Safe travels Mom and Burt…Bon Voyage! Joey ????????

Posted by Joey Deni on January 12, 2022

Thanks for all the wit and wisdom over the years!

Posted by Patricia Payne on January 5, 2022

I have read Burt for nearly a decade - began on Town Hall, followed him to his blog and eventually subscribed to his newsletter. I only met Burt for two short visits, but I will greatly miss his daily insights and humor. He was one of a kind. Rest in peace.

Posted by Michael Honaker on January 5, 2022

Burt was a throwback in many ways. He had the traditional upbringing of a kid raised by immigrants whose only experience was socialist communism, and it's a testament to his strong will and judgment that he evolved as a man who goes his own way and the devil be damned. Of all the things that can be said of a man perhaps the finest is that he stuck to his guns, would not be swayed by the Hollywood "elites", and was trustworthy and a man of his word. While Burt did not believe in earthly religion but I know he felt the existence of a higher power. It's ironic to note that his daily sermons had the same power of persuasion and comfort as the Rabbi [teacher] from the pulpit. Burt had a great ability to read people and if you had the good fortune of being in his cadre, well, that was the ultimate complement.

Posted by Stephen Hanover on January 5, 2022

A man of unusual wit and intelligence. Honest to a fault expressing his facts and opinions at times risking alienating some friends and subscribers. There was never a doubt of where he was coming from.. Having been born and raised in Brooklyn myself, his anecdotes mirrored enough of my life experiences to eagerly await each of his daily editions. He was a welcome voice of reality in a hectic world, RIP

Posted by Bill Michaels on January 5, 2022