It is with heavy heart that Chapel Haven Schleifer Center notes the passing of Stanley M. Bershaw, a parent and board member who supported Chapel Haven Schleifer Center throughout a lifetime.

Mr. Bershaw’s philanthropic gifts to Chapel Haven included endowment of a scholarship fund to make the program affordable for families in need.

Stanley passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020, in Norwalk, CT. Services were held at Temple Shalom Cemetery, Norwalk, CT on Sunday, December 6 at 11:00am.

“Stan was an amazing individual with a heart of gold who was instrumental in the growth of our program over the years,” said Chapel Haven President Michael Storz. “His son, David, resided at Chapel Haven for many years and recently returned to reside in our SAIL program. Remarkably, Stan and his wife never stopped supporting Chapel Haven and they have been generous in supporting our program over the years. He will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Bershaw, son of the late Harry I. and Selma Dampsey Bershaw, was born in New York City on March 14, 1935. He graduated from Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina. Stan is survived by his wife Phyllis of 63 years who remarks that “he will always be the love of my life” and two sons Alan Reed, his wife Amyjo, and David. David is a resident in Chapel Haven’s SAIL Program.

Mr. Bershaw had a successful career at The Seagrams Company Ltd., for 34 years and had his office in the main headquarters in the Seagrams Building between 52nd and 53rd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Stan was a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Pi Lam fraternity.

Stanley earmarked funds to the Chapel Haven Scholarship Foundation and his gift continues to provide financial relief to eligible families enrolled at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center.

Stan’s passions were his family, friends and traveling. He loved to sail and crossed the Atlantic four times. He was philanthropic having identified Chapel Haven, Make a Wish Foundation and School the World in Ecuador. He loved jazz and Swing Street in Manhattan and lived life to its fullest. Stan’s legacy lives on by the charitable acts that he did and by his loving family and friends.

Donations in his memory may be made to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center at this link:

https://www.chapelhaven.org/ways-to-give/ Please select the option for Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. – Annual Fund