A humorous person who dealt with serious matters, Burt Pomerantz died June 30. He was a resident of Roslyn Heights and for more than 20 years maintained his law office in Great Neck, where he was legal counsel to the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce for more than 15 years.

David Lurie, administrative secretary of the chamber, recalls how Mr. Pomerantz helped the organization to resolve legal issues such as the three-way agreement between The Village of Great Neck Plaza, the Long Island Rail Road and the Chamber of Commerce, that made possible the construction of the chamber's kiosk in a central part of Great Neck.

Mr. Lurie said, "This accomplishment and many others were the reasons for the chamber honoring Burt Pomerantz with its prestigious Giraffe Award." He also remembered how Mr. Pomerantz never introduced himself at a chamber meeting without first telling a joke.

Rabbi Adam Feldman of Temple Beth Sholom conducted a memorial service on July 1. In his eulogy, Rabbi Feldman spoke of Mr. Pomerantz' talent at public speaking. The rabbi said that it not only helped him share his message with others, "but it also helped him find his true partner in life, his Barbara." Rabbi Feldman explained that 40 years age she heard her future husband speak at a meeting of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. Impressed with his message and delivery, she approached him after the speech and introduced herself.

Rabbi Feldman also spoke of Mr. Pomerantz' many other community involvement including the UJA, UNICEF, the United Nations and the Trial Lawyers Association. He also served as the president of other groups, the B'nai Brith, the Republican Club of Albertson and Roslyn Heights, the Roslyn Country Club Civic Association. At Temple Beth Sholom, he assumed the responsibility of bringing auspicious speakers to the Men's Club and to the synagogue.

Mr. Pomerantz had been an adjunct professor in the Paralegal Program at Queens College. He was a guest lecturer and workshop leader in the Bennington July Program. He authored a column on the law for the Anton Community Newspapers. He also served as a mediator.

His avocation was humor because he loved to make people laugh. He appeared on several occasions at the New York Stand-up Comedy Club, where he once received third prize for his performance.

"But of all of Burt's passions in life," Rabbi Feldman said, "of all the people he cared for, there was no one more important to him than his family. His love and devotion to Jed and Ivy and the lessons he taught them will be with them for years and years to come ... Then the family expanded to include Clara and Michael. Nothing brought Burt joy as much as being a grandfather to Gabrielle, Robby and Hayley."