Strip District fish market's 'Mr. B' was people person

To his legion of customers and faithful employees, Bernard Benkovitz was known as Mr. B.

Bernard Benkovitz of Oakland, former owner of Benkovitz Seafood in the Strip District, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at UPMC Presbyterian hospital in Oakland. He was 88.

Prior to moving to Smallman Street in the Strip District in the 1970s, the Benkovitz fish market, which was founded in 1910 by Mr. Benkovitz's father and uncle, operated on Centre Avenue in the Hill District.

Known for its selection of seafood, Benkovitz's was acclaimed for its large fish sandwiches and chowders, which attracted people from throughout the city and neighboring areas.

"My grandfather continued to operate the business until it was sold several years ago," said Jeffrey Lebovitz of New York.

"He was a man of integrity and a businessman who treated his customers as his family. He liked his customers, and they liked him. Many of his customers patronized his store for years."

Lebovitz, who grew up in Squirrel Hill, remembered the business as a family affair.

"As soon as we were old enough to help, we all worked at the store," he said. "And it seemed like in whatever area you worked, you worked alongside a relative.

"As a kid, I worked the fish counter, the deli and the salad room as did all of my cousins."

Lebovitz also recalled his grandfather's love of family. "Nothing pleased him more than to be with his wife and children and later with his grandchildren when he wasn't working at the store."

In addition to his grandson Jeffrey, Mr. Benkovitz is survived by his wife, Evelyn Soltz Benkovitz; children, Joseph Benkovitz of the North Side, Rose Linda Lebovitz of Squirrel Hill and Reuben Benkovitz of Virginia Beach, Va.; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Benkovitz.

Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Ralph Schugar Memorial Chapel Inc., 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside.

Mr. Benkovitz, a member of Beth Shalom Congregation in Squirrel Hill, will be interred in Beth Shalom Cemetery, Millvale.