Murray Bernthal Dies at 99

Syracuse's own Murray Bernthal passed away yesterday, December 9, at the age of 99. Bernthal died in his home of natural causes.

Born in Brooklyn in 1911, Bernthal attended Syracuse University on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a degree in music and worked on the university's music faculty until 1977.  Bernthal directed Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series, which welcomed touring Broadway musicals in the Crouse Hinds Theater. He also co-founded the Famous Artists Series in 1946.

During his time spent at the Broadway Theatre Series, Bernthal welcomed such stars as: Gloria Swanson, Tom Jones, Charlton Heston, Bela Lugosi, Zsa Zsa Gabor and luminary musicians such as Pinchas Zukerman, Van Cliburn and Arthur Rubinstein.

Bernthal is survived by his wife, Sherly Day Bernthal, his son, Eric Bernthal, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.