The city of Newark mourns the loss of one of its most influential figures, Marc E. Berson, who passed away on December 2, 2023, at the age of 79, following a brief illness. Berson, renowned for his pivotal role in the revival of Newark, was a multifaceted personality: a real estate developer, entrepreneur, attorney, and philanthropist, deeply committed to his birthplace.
His legacy is notably marked by his leadership roles, including his tenure as the chairman of the RWJ Barnabas Health System and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and as a founding trustee of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). However, his co-founding of Opportunity Project, Inc., a Millburn-based non-profit supporting brain injury survivors, remained a source of immense pride for him.
Berson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1981 with the founding of The Fidelco Group. The company, known for its diverse property portfolio across New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Ohio, became a leader in redevelopment and new construction projects. Under Berson’s guidance, Fidelco’s achievements included significant transactions like the acquisition and subsequent sale of Modernfold, Inc., the takeover of National Car Rental Systems, Inc., and the involvement with Kirker Enterprises, Inc., focusing on the custom manufacturing of nail enamels and cosmetics.
A passionate philanthropist, Berson dedicated himself to various community and non-profit initiatives. His involvement in NJPAC was instrumental, particularly in identifying the Seth Boyden property in Newark for the future Lionsgate film and TV studio, a project set to boost job creation and establish New Jersey as a significant production hub. His friend and business partner, Ray Chambers, lauded Berson for his transformative impact on Newark’s downtown.
Berson’s commitment extended to healthcare, where he played a crucial role in merging Barnabas Health with Robert Wood Johnson Health System and partnering with Rutgers University, thereby forming New Jersey’s largest academic healthcare system. His chairmanship at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey further exemplified his dedication to healthcare.
Berson’s support of education and youth-focused causes, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark and the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, showcased his broad philanthropic interests. A Rutgers Law School alumnus, he practiced law for 20 years before venturing into business, laying a foundation for his future successes.
Born in 1944 in Newark to Norman and Ethel (Brief) Berson, he was a proud graduate of Columbia High School. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Randi, sister Jane (Berson) Wisner, his children Lora, Gary, and Kerri, and six grandchildren.
The funeral service for Marc E. Berson will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, NJ, where the community will gather to honor the life of a man who deeply impacted the city he so dearly loved.
