Bernard S. Mars
June 11, 2017

MARS, BERNARD S. 

Bernard (Bud, a.k.a Pop) S. Mars of Pittsburgh passed quietly away, June 11. 2017, at the age of 96, in the home that he loved. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Barbara F. Mars. Bud was the son of Pittsburgh natives Eva and Abe Mars. He leaves behind his three children; Sally Mars Carey, Peter Mars (Wendy), and Andy Mars (Cheryl), his five grandchildren; Bryn Mars, Morgan Schauffler (Derek), Ally Mars, Rebecca Mars, and Remy Feldman (Andrew); as well as his great grandson Grady Schauffler. Bud loved Pittsburgh he attended Whiteman School, Taylor Allderdice, and finally graduated from Shady Side Academy. For college he started at Franklin and Marshall, then completed his degree in business at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. In his youth, Bud spent many days at the YMWHA in Oakland, winning awards in swimming as a feisty competitor. Some of his best stories after swimming were about buying hot roast beef or turkey sandwiches and a coke for 20 cents. His summers were spent at sleep away camp where he was a color war captain. Bud then enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II and served in England as a paymaster. After returning from the war, Bud married the former Barbara Foster at the Concordia Club. First working at his father’s wholesale grocery, A. L. Mars and Co., Bud soon joined his father in law’s business, L. B. Foster Company, initially selling pipe and used rail. Bud worked for L. B. Foster for more than 40 years, rising to the rank of Vice President and managing the company’s eastern region. His uncanny math skills supported his life as an active investor and later served him well as Chairman of Foster Holdings, Inc. Bud was known for his warm smile and love of family.  Barbara and Bud traveled the world with sister Eleanor and brother in law Harvey Goldstein. He enjoyed visiting his children, especially during their college days, singing fight songs and participating fully in all the events. Pop delighted in his five granddaughters and spent precious time with them both in Pittsburgh and in Barbara and Bud’s second home in Palm Springs. Bud loved the art of the game; he enjoyed playing both golf and cards with his many and varied friends. Thursday evening was gin night at the Concordia Club, while weekends were spent at Westmorland Country Club. Bud’s love for golf was evidenced by the fact that he served as President of the Western PA Golf Association as well as Westmoreland Country Club. Bud was always the life of the party; the first and last on the dance floor, and continued to dance well into his 90’s at his granddaughter’s wedding. Committed to the community, Bud took great pride in supporting many philanthropic causes both in Pittsburgh and around the world. He was an active participant with the United Jewish Federation and served as president of American Technion, supporting transplant research at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa. Along with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild, Uncle Bud adored his three nieces who he considered his additional children, Susie Guttman (Barney), Linda Matzkin (Joe), and Jane Haas (Charlie O’Donnell). The family is extremely grateful for the many wonderful caregivers from the Caregiver’s Connection at Jewish Family & Children’s Services Pittsburgh, 5743 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 who helped him in his final years and which is where donations would be most appreciated. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 1 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services, (12 Noon - 1 PM). Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. www.schugar.com

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Bud attended Wightman* School (not Whiteman).