Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Robert Lee Berran was born in Mt. Vernon, NY on December 24, 1923 and was raised in Scarsdale, NY.
Between the ages of 19-22 he served as a medic during World War II under General Patton’s third army in Europe. After the war he studied at the Art Students League in NYC from 1947-1950. After leaving the Art Students League, he painted movie posters for 20th Century Fox. Four years later he joined the Illustrators Group where artists were predominately from the Haddon Sundbloom School of Painting. His work at the Illustrators Group was for prestigious clients such as Ford and Coca-Cola. Subsequently Bob illustrated for the Seventh Day Adventists for their series of children’s books “My Bible Friends” which are still popular today. In 1969 Bob began to paint paperback book covers mostly for Avon, Ballantine, Harlequin, Fawcett among others. He then joined Mendola Ltd, an artist’s representative group, for 17 years, and Hankins-Tegenborg for another 11 years. Then computerized art arrived and put many talented artists out of work. Bob was fortunate, he was introduced to the art director of a publishing company, Quadriga Art. He worked for them for almost 25 years painting religious artwork which he was happy to return to as it was his first love as an artist. He also enjoyed painting portraits of adults, children and pets. His career spanned over 70 years.
Bob married Suzanne Marie Culbertson in 1952. They have 3 children, Kathryn (Edward Gutleber), Kristine (Gordon Hamilton) and Scott along with 3 grandchildren Kathryn, Eddie, and Irene Gutleber. Bob and Suzanne lived in Stony Brook, NY for 43 years before moving to Vero Beach in 2004. Bob was a member of the Society of Illustrators until his death on January 15, 2020 at age 96.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 pm January 24, 2020 at First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children would be appreciated.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Chris Pope - Acquaintance
February 24, 2020, 1:35 pm
Dear Berran family, I met Bob a couple of years ago when I called him to ask if he would be willing to donate a custom pet portrait as a auction item for Youth Sailing Foundation’s “Rock The Boat” fundraiser. He generously agreed. I met with him several times….what a lovely man! His pet portrait was a very successful addition to our auction. I am grateful to have met him and to have seen his art. He will be missed. Chris Pope
James and Donna Bahensky - neighbor and friend
February 24, 2020, 1:37 pm
Dear Berran Family, We are sorry to hear about Bob. He was a talented artist, kind neighbor and wonderful husband and father. We have one of Bob’s outstanding portraits of our dog and love it. Jim and Donna
Wes Hamilton
February 24, 2020, 1:37 pm
Our thoughts are with your family. We love you all and we were so sad to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace, The Hamiltons
Richard Michael Comrie - Friend
April 26, 2020, 12:26 pm
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your father.
Kyle Douglas Henry - friend
June 27, 2020, 11:09 am
I had the privilege of meeting Bob last fall. I am a fellow religious illustrator, and Bob was gracious to take time for a few phone conversations about art and life. He was a genuinely good man and the world is less without him. — Kyle Douglas Henry
Ray Tolomeo -
July 23, 2020, 7:12 pm
I am sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I never met him, though emailed with him a few times, and simply admired his artistry, collecting a few of his paintings along the way. Thank you for sharing him with us for all these years. Peaceful thoughts and prayers to you all.
Judy Burgarella - Fellow portrait artist.
November 19, 2020, 12:27 am
11/18/2020-Just found out Bob passed on, my condolences to all. As a portrait artist myself, I was thrilled to meet Bob at a show he had at the Presbyterian Church. He had seen my show there too, and so we had a very interesting insightful few chatting sessions. He invited me to see his studio which would have been such a treat, however I never did get to see it, getting pushed farther ahead in my to-do list … regrettably. I put him up there with the best portrait artists I have ever met, and I am honored to have met him. If there is ever a sale of his work, even a sketch, I would love to have the opportunity to own a piece of his talent. “Save a place for me at the easel up there, Bob–looking forward to painting with you.”