95 years old
A retired estates attorney with Pender & Coward, Beryl Adler is a Norfolk native. He attended Taylor Elementary, Blair Junior High School, and Maury High School – all in Ghent. Married for 69 years to Leonette, whom he met at a dance at Hunter College where she was studying, he has three daughters, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Jewish News: How did you celebrate your milestone birthday?
Beryl Adler: I was with my dear wife.
Leonette Adler: We had a big party at Dockside. Huge balloons and everyone was there. We sat outside on the deck with our family.
JN: How do you spend your days?
BA: I think about my good fortune a lot. I read multiple newspapers each day.
JN: What are you grateful for?
BA: I am grateful for my good health that I enjoy at 95. I even have my wits about me most of the time!
LA: And he’s still driving!
JN: What was your favorite decade?
BA: Most of my memories of things in the past are all very good. I don’t have any issues that give me any pause.
LA: Beryl has memorable moments as a lawyer, a judge, and the dad of three girls.
JN: What words of wisdom would you like to pass on?
BA: Make the most of any opportunity that comes your way.
90 years old
The “Best in Show” winner of the first Boardwalk Art Show in July 1956, Leonette Adler is a native of the Bronx, N.Y. She moved to Norfolk to marry Beryl Adler, then a young Navy lieutenant. In addition to painting, Adler spent many years teaching art at the Jewish Community Center, Tidewater Community College, and Norfolk Academy.
A mom to three daughters, grandmother to five, and great grandmother to two, she can still be found in her studio painting, with her works sold at various shows.
Jewish News: How did you celebrate your milestone birthday?
Leonette Adler: We went out with my children and their husbands.
JN: How do you spend your days?
LA: I walk every day. And I paint, read, and cook, and the day disappears!
JN: What are you grateful for?
LA: I am grateful for each day.
JN: What was your favorite decade?
LA: My whole married life was, and is, memorable and joyous. We have been married for 69 years.
JN: Do you have words of wisdom to pass on?
LA: I don’t think so; I haven’t got a clue!