Eugene S. Kerber
December 22, 2017

KERBER, EUGENE S.:  Age 97, of Pittsburgh and formerly of Alexandria, Virginia passed away very peacefully on December 22, 2017 at his family’s Fox Chapel home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his beloved daughter Amy Kerber-Brancati and son in law Joseph J. Brancati of Fox Chapel; his beloved daughter Susan Kerber Price of Virginia; cherished grandchildren Timothy Eugene Price, Dominic Joseph Brancati, Kathryn Rose Price and Nicholas Amedeo Brancati all of Pittsburgh; dear friends Carmen and Tassos Nakassis of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Chelo Jacob of San Rafael, California; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal grand-dogs Gigi and Oscar. Eugene was preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanore Kerber Holstein, Esq. (Leo), and Rieck B. Hannifin (Jerry) and his parents. Eugene was the son of the late Stella and Isidore Kerber, immigrants of Kiev, Russia and Austria and grew up in Squirrel Hill. His parents instilled in their children a love of learning and stressed the importance of doing well in school and beyond. Eugene graduated with high honors from Taylor Alderdice where he was named a Buhl Scholar, an academic scholarship program that afforded top students an opportunity to attend college. Eugene attended The University of Pittsburgh and graduated with distinction. He was the recipient of numerous academic awards, honorary society memberships and degrees. Upon his graduation from PITT with degrees in Economics and Math, Eugene began a long and illustrious career with the United States Government in Washington, DC. just 2 days after graduation. During his 50 years he held top positions at The State Department, The Department of the Treasury, The Department of Commerce, The International Monetary Fund and The World Bank. It was at The Department of Commerce that his career really took off. He was the Head of the Balance of Payments Division of the Department of Commerce. Eugene was a highly regarded US Diplomat representing the United States at economic meetings in Paris and was a founder of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) which was created to stimulate economic progress and world trade in the early 1960’s. He served as the Chairman for many years. He was considered to be one of the world’s experts on Balance of Payments and Foreign Aid. Eugene wrote sections on Economics for the Encyclopedia Britannica’s Book of the Year from 1956-1964. After his retirement Eugene continued to work as a consultant for the Government. Spending much time in Paris, he had a lifelong passion for fine French food and wine and enjoyed eating in highly rated Michelin 4 and 5 Star restaurants wherever he travelled. He was an avid reader who read 3 newspapers everyday and proudly completed the crossword puzzles. He read numerous magazines, The New Yorker and The Economist being his favorites. Eugene’s philanthropy was both Pittsburgh and nationally based. It embraced areas dear to him-education, healthcare and the Arts. Locally, he laid the groundwork that created The Miss Mitchell Society at The Winchester Thurston School, a charitable gift annuity program, by becoming the first donor to contribute when his Grandson was a student there. He was proudly a Lifetime Donor to The University of Pittsburgh. He also was a charter donor to National Jewish Health where he helped to start their charitable gift program many years ago. He also proudly supported many museums. Eugene derived his greatest joy from his family. He was a devoted and loving Father and adoring and proud Grandfather. His children, grandchildren, dogs, relatives and special friends were very dear to him. He especially treasured living with his daughter, son in law and grandchildren during the last years of his life. He will be greatly missed, but His memory will forever live in the minds of those he touched. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the extraordinary “Team” of Grandpa’s caregivers who cared for him in the comfort of our home with love, laughter, dignity and grace. Thank You Joel, Nicole, Whitney, Keeley, Olivia, Ilana and Tina. If you so desire, Trees may be planted in Israel in the Memory of Eugene S. Kerber through the Jewish National Fund. Please visit http://usa.jnf.org/jnf-tree-planting-center/ or call 800-542-8733 for details. Or to a charity of the donors choice. Services and Interment PRIVATE. A Memorial Service is being planned for a future date. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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