David Berenson

David A. Berenson, Captain, U.S. Air Force (Retired)

Putting aside his exceptional confederate-era firearm and Indian artifacts collection for a moment, David’s professional and personal achievements were substantial and impressive. He was formerly Ernst & Young’s National Director of Tax Policy and Legislative Services, and previously Partner in Charge of Washington National Services.  He held similar positions as a Regional Director of Ernst & Ernst in New York.  He served two terms as a member of the Governing Board or Council of the American Institute of CPAs and was a frequently presenter of testimony and lead witness before the House, Senate, Treasury and Joint Congressional Committees with regard to present and proposed tax legislation.

He was a member of the Advisory Group to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and United States National Reporter for the International Fiscal Association (Cahiers du Droit Fiscal Internationale).  On behalf of IFA and International forums, Mr. Berenson chaired and presented conferences on Treaty Competent Authority Procedures and Transfer Pricing and Multinational Cost Sharing Arrangements.

Mr. Berenson’s academic background included a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania, a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and a Master of Laws from New York University Law School.  He was a past Adjunct Professor at the New York University Graduate School of Business, and a member of the Advisory Board to the New York University Graduate School of Business, SCE and the New York University International Institute on Tax and Business Planning.

A frequent lecturer and author of several publications, Mr. Berenson was also a former Chairman of the Board of Wolf Trap, the U.S. National Park  for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and a member of the Advisory Board of the American Ditchley Foundation with international forums in Oxford, U.K.  And so on and so forth.

A tax and financial genius who didn’t suffer fools lightly, what’s most important to remember about David is that he had a horrendous habit of telling awful jokes to his grandchildren, making breakfast shakes using foods leftover from the Cretaceous Period and creatively describing fish he imagined he caught from time-to-time. He was also, if we’re going to be truthful here, dangerous at a barbeque unless you liked your food well-charred.  Fortunately, it seemed that he lost his taste buds in the Air Force, so he never saw this as a problem.

He was also the kindest friend, father, grandfather and husband anyone could ask for – protective and supportive to a fault, in a way no longer seen or appreciated in this country, unfortunately. An American, and proud of it.  How strange that these days we seem to be proud of what used to embarrass us, and embarrassed by what we should be proud of. He taught his son everything a son should know and it’s hard to compliment a man more than that.  An avid farmer, lover of all things Western and a world traveler with friends throughout the world, including fellow firearm aficionados William Gary, John Sexton and Norm Flayderman.  But more than anything else he loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

His life was so full it almost defies belief and could fill many books, but unfortunately he was also technologically disabled.  On receiving an Amazon Echo for his home, his son patiently explained that this device would simplify his life and answer any question – upon which David promptly inquired “When John Brown seized the U.S. Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in October of 1859, how many Model 1855 rifled muskets did he get away with?”.  His family watched in disbelief as smoke began to rise from the device before it essentially imploded.  Suffice to say, David was not impressed with the technology.

Regardless, his kindness and legacy live on through his wife, son and grandchildren and it is our hope that anyone that acquires items from this collection knows that they were admired, cared for and enjoyed with respect.

Poulin auctions is grateful for the opportunity to bring this fantastic collection to auction. We too hope that the successful bidders enjoy the newest additions to their collections as much as David did.