STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Julius Mehrberg, a home builder and developer of single and multi-family homes in Manhattan, on Staten Island, in Brooklyn, Queens, and on Long Island, died May 26 in his Jupiter, Fla. home. He was 92.
Mr. Mehrberg, a first generation American to parents Louis and Ettel Scherrmarkman Mehrberg, who immigrated from Austria/Poland and Ukraine, respectively, worked as a youngster in his father’s small grocery store in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn.
He would go on to be the first in his family to graduate from college and the first to own his own home.
Mr. Mehrberg resided in several communities on Staten Island, most recently he lived on Emerson Hill for 20 years.
Julius Mehrberg with President Jimmy Carter at a time when they were discussing housing policy. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
EARLY DAYS
Known as Julie, he was born in the Bronx on June 6, 1929, and lived in every borough in New York City. However, he spent most of his adult life living and working on Staten Island.
He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1947 and City College of New York in 1951.
After college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in counter-intelligence division during the Korean War Conflict and served in Okinawa.
A home builder by trade, he developed single and multi-family homes throughout the five boroughs and on Long Island.
Julius Mehrberg and wife Helen along the Yellowstone River. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
Throughout the years, he built 700 homes in Bulls Head. He also built Stonegate, Stonegate at Grasmere, Stonegate at Emerson Hill, and on Drumgoole Road. His office was located on Fingerboard Road near the former home of the Advance.
“A first generation American, my dad was first in his family to graduate college and own a home,” said his son, Randy Mehrberg. “He started with little and achieved a lot in business and in life. He showed us the way, always reminding us to share our gifts with others. Dad was a proud and committed member of the Staten Island community and was dedicated to contributing to its quality of life. He lived well and without regrets. His life is a model for us all.”
Julius Mehrberg, right, and his son, Randy Mehrberg. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
“I had the unique opportunity to know Julie in both the family context as his stepson, and on the job, where for a few years I worked directly for him at Stonegate,” said Matty Piliere. “At home, he was wise, kind, fun, playful, pleasant, and loving. I am especially thankful for the love and joy he shared with my mother, his wife Helen, for their over 41 years of marriage. We have all lost a lot, but he will be in our hearts forever.”
MR. MEHRBERG’S AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Mehrberg was elected and served as president of the New York City Builders’ Association. He was president of the New York State Builders’ Association and was a Lifetime Director and a Convention Chair of the National Association of Home Builders.
He was a longtime director of the Staten Island Savings Bank and of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.
Julius Mehrberg, left, with his wife, Helen and his brother, Morty Mehrberg. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
PERSONAL LIFE
Mr. Mehrberg had four children with his first wife, the late June Shapiro, Randy Mehrberg (Michele Schara), Peter Mehrberg (Joyce), Jill Mehrberg, and Pam Siegman (Stuart, deceased).
He was married to Helen for more than 41 years, and they shared their lives with their combined nine children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Julius Mehrberg, center, with his four children, from the left, Jill, Peter, Randy and Pam. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
He loved and cherished both his children and stepchildren, Matthew Piliere (Caroline), Michael Piliere (Madeline), Joanne Giardino (Thomas), Deborah Piliere (wife of Daniel, deceased), Jennifer Dessino (Dominic) and was a meaningful part of each of their lives.
Mr. Mehrberg enjoyed golf and tennis, and spent many hours in his later years at the Richmond County Country Club in Dongan Hills and at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla.
Julius Mehrberg, second from right, back row, and his family at Yellowstone National Park. (Courtesy/Randy Mehrberg)Staten Island Advance
‘My close friend Jules was respected and admired in Staten Island,’ said Alan Bernikow. “He left a mark as an important real estate person in the development of this borough. My wife and I will truly miss him.”
Attorney R. Randy Lee said, “Julie was a good friend, solid partner and a valued mentor for 50-plus years. His impact on my life and the homebuilding industry, both locally and nationally, will not be duplicated or easily forgotten.”
Mr. Mehrberg is survived by his children and stepchildren, grandchildren: Dillon, Sam, Eric, Ari and Sarah Mehrberg, Sean and Sydney Siegman, Matthew Piliere, Christopher and Nicole Olivieri, Dana and Tara Piliere, Sara and Emma Dessino, and great-grandchildren, Dominic and Avery Schumacher, and Harper Piliere.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ettel, his brother Morton, son-in-law Stuart Siegman, and stepson, Daniel Piliere.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at Menorah Chapels in New Springville at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Mr. Mehrberg’s memory may be made to Jupiter Medical Center Foundation in support of the JMC Auxiliary, where he volunteered. The address is 1210 South Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, Fla. 33458, Attention: Dominique Kruisland.
