Well-known Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and industry leader, Aaron Berkowitz, 83, died June 19 at his home in New Jersey. 
A pioneer and visionary in the auto industry, he founded Eastern Tool Warehouse Corp. and the ATD Marketing Group. He was chairman of AWDA and was the industry’s "Man of the Year" in 1997. He received the AWDA "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2007.
Berkowitz served in the Navy Air Corps during WWII.
His positive attitude, boundless generosity, infinite wisdom and lust for life were a model for all. He showed us how to love and live life. He traveled and made friends all over the world. An amazing athlete in every sport he tried, he especially loved golf. He ran the New York Marathon in his 50s and climbed the Matterhorn and Kilimanjaro in his 70s.
Most of all, he adored his family. Aaron is survived by Ruth, his favorite dancing partner and wife of more than 61 years of whom he said, "She still lights my fire." Also daughters Susan Gartman and husband Jay, Reva Fishner and husband Steve, and Linda Berkowitz; grandchildren Carly Kuper and husband Rob, Sara Aufgang and husband Ari, Lev Gartman, Jonathan Fishner, Benjamin Fishner, Maya, Ezra, and Khera Rufino, great granddaughter, Lily Kuper, his sister, Ruth Greenberg of Phoenix, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Sunday at Cedar Park Cemetery Mausoleum, Paramus, N.J., under the directions of Mt. Sinai Memorial Chapels, East Brunswick, N.J.
Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, 116 South Euclid Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090 or to Visiting Nurses Association of Central NJ, 141 Bodma Place, Red Bank. NJ 07701
