Oscar Berendsohn, 92, a resident of Newtown since 1968, died February 7. Born June 26, 1924, in the small northern-German village of Altenwerder, Mr Berendsohn, his siblings, and his parents, Mabel and Paul, were forced out of their native land by the Nazi government. They settled briefly in Honduras, then came to the United States aboard a banana boat, arriving in New York City shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

After service in the US Army during the Korean War, Mr Berendsohn graduated from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now New York University Tandon School of Engineering) with a degree in metallurgical engineering. Following a brief stint in the aerospace industry on Long Island, N.Y., he was hired by Perkin Elmer Corporation in Danbury, where he worked on the KH-9 Hexagon spy satellite and Hubble Space Telescope. Upon retirement, he pursued a second career in metallurgical consulting, often teaming with Cristino Associates, Inc of Redding.

Mr Berendsohn and his wife were members of Christ the King Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Newtown Lions Club, and when he was younger he was an avid sailor, gardener, and a competent home handyman. He remained friends with many of his fellow engineers and Lions Club members until his passing.

His four sons and three daughters-in-law, Paul of New Haven; Roy and Claudia of Bordentown, N.J.; Carl and Esther of Olivet, Mich.; and Douglas and Laura of New Milford, survive him. He is also survived by his dear friend of many years, Jean Moske, also of Newtown, six grandsons, a granddaughter, numerous step-grandchildren, great- and great-great step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His wife of 47 years, Christine, predeceased him.

The Berendsohn family thanks longtime caregiver Mary Breza for her compassion, gentleness, and hard work. The family also thanks the ComForCare staff for its respect and dedication.

Calling hours are Thursday, February 16 from 4 to 7 pmin the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Funeral services are Friday, February 17, at 10 am, at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt Pleasant Road, in Newtown. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of one’s choice.
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