Paul Greenberg, 88, of South New Berlin, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born December 26, 1928 in the Bronx, Paul was the son of Louis and Rose (Singer) Greenberg. He spent his childhood and teen years in both New York City and Fall River, Massachusetts. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Manhattan and served as a musician in the U.S. Army in Japan just after World War II. Paul later earned a degree in business from Bryant College in Rhode Island.
Paul was a talented musician from an early age and was able to earn his living from his musical talents. His main gift was his skill as a pianist, which led him to perform with greats such as Louis Prima, Jim Chapin and Cab Calloway, and at famed venues including the Apollo Theater, Plaza Hotel, Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s Tavern on the Green. He also played all over the State of New York with many bands at nightclubs, weddings, fairs, Bar Mitzvahs, and private parties. His repertoire included popular standards from the 1930s to recent decades. After his move from New York City to this area with his family in 1972, he continued to perform in many musical settings. Often, Paul performed with Bob Arnell and Mark Sands. Paul never formally retired and continued to play in bands and at nursing homes and events. He was also a lover of nature and simple living, old movies, and baseball.
Paul is survived by the mother of his children, Giulia Greenberg; son Clay Greenberg and his wife, Nurmira, of Manhattan; daughter Ann Greenberg, of Mexico; grandchildren Sophia, Elijah and Amelia Greenberg, all of Manhattan; and sister Gloria Groth and her husband, Henry, of Vermont.
A graveside service for Paul will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, where Daniel Faulkner will officiate. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the Chenango Arts Council, 27 W. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815, or Chenango United Way, 83 N. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.