Obituary of Bernard Ladenheim

Bernard Leon Ladenheim. With deep regret and sadness, we announce the death of Bernard Ladenheim, formerly of Margaretville, NY. He passed away on July 8, 2008 at Benedictine Hospital from complications related to a stroke. Born in Ellenville, NY on January 23, 1929, he was the son of Samuel and Molly Drantch Ladenheim. The Ladenheim family moved to Margaretville in 1938 and made their home in the area since. Bernie attended Margaretville Central School, graduating in 1947. An outstanding athlete, he was recruited as a pitcher and played professional baseball for the Peekskill Highlanders, a minor league team of the New York Giants, from 1947-1949. After a career ending shoulder injury, he joined the family business, Ladenheim & Sons Chevrolet and Oldsmobile dealership in Margaretville, where he worked until health problems forced him to close the business in 1992. Subsequently, he resided in Florida, South Carolina, and upstate New York. He is survived by his wife, Anne, his children, Mark (Connie Lewis) Ladenheim, Bruce (Rose) Ladenheim , David Ladenheim , and Melissa (James Moreira) Ladenheim, stepchildren, Gene (Dianne) Sorbellini, Joseph (Diane) Sorbellini, David (Tammy) Sorbellini and Gregory (Stephanie) Sorbellini. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Sara, Maria, Aaron, Rachel, Andrew and Alexander, seven step-grandchildren, Vincent, Michael, Anthony, Jessica, Megan, Anabel and Owen, and one great-grandchild, Benjamin. He is also survived by his former wife, Francine Ladenheim, his brother Yale (Barbara) Ladenheim, sisters-in-law Florence Ladenheim, Lois Esposito, Gloria (David) Ausabel, brother-in-law Steven (Mary-Lou) George, and several nieces and nephews. Bernie was pre-deceased by his parents and his older brother Harold. Anyone who knew Bernie will recall a person of character and quite a character, too. He will be remembered as a unique spirit, a person who often seemed larger than life. He touched the lives of many people with stories, laughter, and a bravado that only he could pull off. Getting your car repaired at Ladenheim & Sons was always memorable and at times bordered on performance art. The family would like to thank Dr. Rissman, Dr. Gooch, Dr. Krakower, and the 4th floor nursing staff, whose care and kindness are much appreciated. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, July 10, at Ezrath Israel Synagogue, Ellenville, NY. Donations in Bernie's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.