Gerstenzang, Burton M.

Fall River, MA

Gerstenzang, Burton M., age 94 of Tiverton, RI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 19, 2023 in Fall River, MA. He is survived by his beloved wife Carole (Schachter) Klawansky-Gerstenzang.

Burton was born December 28th, 1928 in New Bedford, MA to the late Samuel and Rebecca (Blume) Gerstenzang. Burton was preceded in death by his dear late sisters, Sylvia Gilson of Newton, MA, and Penny Markell of New Bedford, MA.

Burton is survived by four beloved children: Susan Gerstenzang (husband David Johnson) of Baldwin, WI, Gary Gerstenzang of Reston, VA, Tami Gerstenzang of Scottsdale, AZ, and stepson Paul Klawansky of Riverside, RI. In addition to his children, he is survived by four grandchildren: Drew Gerstenzang, Samantha Henke, Spencer Henke, and Tyler Henke. Burton is also a cherished uncle to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Burton attended and graduated from the University of Miami; he received his Bachelor’s degree and proudly joined the Alpha Zeta chapter of Pi Sigma Delta fraternity. Burton was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. Burton was the proud owner of The Bluebird Shop in Fall River, MA. Following this, Burton taught Marketing and Economics at Roger Williams University. Prior to retirement, he was a real estate agent and appraiser for the State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation for 14 years, before retiring in 2002.

Burton was a proud and involved member of his community; he participated in many group activities like the Shriners, Masons, and the Jewish War Veterans. He was a member of the Touro Fraternal Association, the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, and the National Association of Realtors. Burton was a proud contributor to several charities for the Jewish faith, including the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Burton was best known to his loved ones as a charismatic, driven, resourceful, and creative person. Burton was a storyteller, sharing treasured memories and advice to anyone that wished to hear. Burton loved listening to the music of Frank Sinatra and watching movies with his family, and possessed a beautiful singing voice, with the ability to whistle any tune. Burton was a kind father and grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing a meal together and reaching out to learn new updates on their lives. Burton will be remembered by his loved ones as a caring and friendly person who was easy to talk to, with a great laugh and a wonderful smile.

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    Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 2:55 p.m. EST in Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02888. Shiva will be observed in private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. For more information on this charity, please contact (401) 421-4111 or visit Jewishallianceri.org.