On Sunday, December 15th, Leon Berliner, owner of Berliner’s Cornucopia in Old Town, Eureka, died at age 78 after a brief battle with cancer.
Leon was a man of many titles: Holocaust survivor, staunch Democrat, music lover, baseball enthusiast, card sharp, pool shark, doting grandfather, loving father and dedicated husband of more than 50 years to his wife Diana. (Read the Journal‘s 1999 cover story about Berliner here.)
Many were touched by his fierce intellect, his kindness and inquisitiveness. He was an active community member until the end of his life — greeting customers at his shop, going down to San Francisco to watch the Giants and hosting his regular poker game.
Berliner embodied how the best of human nature could survive the worst of human atrocities. In accordance with his wishes no memorial will be held, but those who loved him can honor his legacy by upholding the values he held dear. Tonight, put some Beethoven on the stereo.
For the good times, for our friend Leon.
This article appears in Humboldt Outside.
Aww, that’s so sad. They say that with every death you lose a library. Couldn’t be more true here.
Thank you Leon, for imparting your wisdom to us all.
Rest in peace my friend.
I’m very sad to hear this news. Thank you Mr. Berliner for all your generosity towards our community. It’s been a Cornucopia not confined to your store. But I do cherish every memory of being in there discussing the merits of different discs and performances, seeing your eyes twinkle at every new possibility and subtlety. And I cherish every memory of the look on my students’ faces when you told them what you experienced as a child younger than they. You will be deeply, deeply missed but never forgotten. It’s Beethoven night on the stereo.
A very sad loss to the community. Such a nice and intelligent man. Condolences to his wife, Diana, and his family.
Leon was the most kind, intelligent, and cultured man in Humboldt County. This is an irreplaceable loss for all that knew and will never forget him.
Oh, this is sad news. The Cornucopia was my elderly brothers resource for classical music, and Mr. Berliner would always call me to say that Tony’s CD had arrived. Such a unique little store and such a unique and interesting man. He will be missed.