LEWISTON — C. Martin “Sonny” Berman was remembered Monday as a “bridge” to the founders of the Berman & Simons law firm of Lewiston.
The 87-year-old former attorney passed away at his home in Naples after a brief illness.
“Martin was a bridge to the original brothers, Benjamin and David Berman, who founded the firm in the early 1900s in Lewiston,” said Craig Bramley, managing director at the law firm. “We’re all grateful to the Bermans for the lasting foundations they built.
“All of us at Berman & Simmons wish to extend our deepest condolences to (wife) Pat and her family,” he said. “Although it has been several years since Martin practiced law at Berman & Simmons, many of our lawyers and staff members have fond memories of working with him.”
Berman was born June 14, 1929, and attended Edward Little High School in Auburn, University of Maine in Orono and Boston University School of Law, according to his obituary. He enjoyed his life on Long Lake in Naples, where he built a home named So-Ber Lodge in 1957. He was deeply involved in town charitable endeavors.
Berman also served on the Legislative Judiciary Committee, where he was instrumental in drafting and sponsoring legislation which led to the creation of the present District Court system and the abolishment of “part-time” municipal courts.
Although most notably known as an attorney, Berman had a variety of other interests and ventures. He was past president of the Androscoggin County Bar Association, Beth Jacob Synagogue and Lewiston-Auburn Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also past president and director for the Naples Golf & Country Club.
Berman was also a founder and former director of the Lakes Environmental Association, former director of the Lewiston-Auburn Jewish Community Center, Naples Community Association and Bridgton Hospital.
He was a lifelong member of B’Nai B’rith Lodge, Rabboni Lodge of Masons and Kora Shrine Temple.
Noted for his daily walks along the Naples Causeway, he reveled in the attention he received when his name was mentioned on the 6 p.m. weather reports by WCSH 6 weatherman Joe Cupo, for whom he served as weather observer for Naples and Long Lake.
Berman also formerly had business interests in two marinas and a real estate development on the former Camp Beaumont property and was involved in the construction and establishment of the Songo River Queen I, all in the Naples-Long Lake area.
He and his wife, Patricia, were members of the Century Campaign, which in 2002, raised funds for the construction of the new Bridgton Hospital.
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