Bernard Granor

Bernard Granor, 97, passed away peacefully at his home at Ann's Choice in Warminster, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 2025. He was the devoted husband of 70 years of Marie (nee Brichta) and the beloved father of Marshal (Tamar), Alicia, and Sheldon. He is also survived by his cherished grandsons Solomon and Nathaniel; granddaughters Erica and Rachel, and their mother, Kristina Liem Frost.

Bernard was born in Philadelphia on Valentine's Day, 1928. His earliest childhood memories were of living on his grandparents' farm in Rosenhayn, New Jersey. He loved to tell the story of how he and Marie lived together before they were married, when he was 8 years old and she was 5, and his parents rented two rooms in the Brichtas’ house. Bernard remembered cutting out paper dolls for Marie and helping her make mud pies. They married on July 11, 1954 and celebrated 70 years of marriage last summer.

Bernard graduated from Central High School (185th class) in 1946 and enjoyed attending the annual class reunions and monthly lunches. He went on to graduate from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in 1951 and a law degree in 1953. His first job as an attorney was working for a small firm at $1.00 an hour where he handled cases involving criminal law, divorce, debt collections and some real estate and business matters. Real estate became his passion and he opened Merit Realty Company, first in the basement of his parents' home on Marvine Street, and later in an office near Broad and Olney. In 1970, Bernard established Granor Price Homes with his partner, Stuart E. Price, and went on to build more than 4,500 homes in the greater Philadelphia area, plus several commercial projects.

Among Bernard's many professional accomplishments: he was a member of the Montgomery, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations, and was a founder and President of the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia, serving as its President for 20 years. He was a President of West Oak Lane Jewish Community Center and instrumental in its merger with Beth Sholom Congregation, becoming a Life Member of its Board of Directors. He inspired others by teaching real estate to aspiring agents at Pennsylvania State University for more than 10 years.

Although a self-described "workaholic," Bernard enjoyed bi-annual fishing trips to Wachapreague, Virginia accompanied by friends and family members. Bernard and Marie traveled across the United States and Canada on many Elderhostel trips (now "Road Scholar") and organized several family trips to Europe, Israel, Canada and Caribbean Islands.

Bernard was a devoted son to his mother, Esther, and an involved father and grandfather. In his later years, he proudly attended the high school and college graduations of his grandchildren, and numerous school events and performances. When he and Marie moved to Ann's Choice, they formed many close friendships amongst the residents. Bernard quickly became well-known in the community and was elected chair of the Resident Advisory Council. He also enjoyed producing shows benefiting the Benevolent Care Fund and Scholars Fund. Bernard was an only child, but had many aunts, uncles and cousins, and cherished ongoing relationships with his extended family.

The Granor family wishes to express appreciation to the many aides and medical professionals who have assisted Bernard and Marie.

Relatives, friends and business associates are invited to funeral services at Beth Sholom Congregation, 8231 Old York Road, Elkins Park, on Monday, May 19th at 11:30am with interment to follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Trevose. Shiva will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the home of Marshal and Tamar Granor in Elkins Park, PA. Valet parking will be available.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia or the Bernard and Marie Granor Endowment Fund at Temple University.