In Memory of Barnet N. Berin

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) is saddened to share that Barnet N. Berin, FSA, MAAA, passed away on August 12, 2021. He was 91. Berin volunteered at the SOA in many roles, including as SOA President for the 1994 – 1995 term. He loved being an actuary and volunteer, traveling the world on behalf of the profession.

Berin was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 28, 1930. He graduated from the City College of New York and Columbia University, where he earned his master’s degree in statistics. 

Berin found his passion for actuarial science while serving in the Army. In an interview published in the July/Aug 1990 issue of The Actuary, Berin explained that he became fascinated with the profession after reading “Life Contingencies” by Chester Wallace Jordan, Jr., FSA, during his service in the Army. Berin would go on to become an author himself and his book “Fundamentals of Pension Mathematics” published by the SOA in 1970 was printed in multiple languages. 

In his retirement, Berin took up the mandolin, eventually becoming a member of a community orchestra. He also tutored mathematics and continued pursuing his passion for traveling and reading.  He was loved and admired for his principles, intelligence, and positive approach by his family.  To his friends and all who met him, however briefly, he will be most remembered for his kindness. His favorite piece of advice was “work hard, play hard.” 

Berin was a devoted husband, father, and “pop-pop.” He is survived by his wife, Diane, and his children Heidi, Michael, and Andrew.  Frank, a fourth child, predeceased him.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

The family is collecting any remembrances for a private memorial, please send any recollections, thoughts, or comments to berinandrew@gmail.com.