From Adventurer to Education Champion
Two unique education stories unfolded only miles apart in Largo decades ago. Years before the creation of the Pinellas Education Foundation in 1986, David Berolzheimer was busy teaching himself all he could about business and life.
Back in the early 1960s, David started out in a small Largo mobile home. He became a partner in Pinellas County's first import automobile dealership, Vitese, located in Clearwater. His modest abode allowed him the financial flexibility to pursue his passion for learning, as he traveled the world to gain first-hand experiences in different countries and cultures.
He worked on a kibbutz in Israel, crossed Siberia in a railcar, and explored the country in a restored aircraft after earning his pilot's license at St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport. He eventually got into real estate and developed a popular shopping center, the Plaza 100, in Belleair Bluffs. He also helped in the development of Largo Central Park and the city's Central Park Performing Arts Center.
In an unexpected twist, his inspiring story and that of Pinellas Education Foundation have converged. The result is a substantial gift to the Foundation by a kind-hearted, humble man who passed away in 2019 after making a generous donation to support his passion for education.
David grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and, after graduating from military school in Virginia, he moved to Tarpon Springs. Following a time at St. Pete College, he set off to enrich himself with life experiences — ultimately leading him to Pinellas Education Foundation.
In late 2018, on the recommendation of a friend, David contacted the Foundation office to learn more about the organization's programs supporting students and teachers. He liked what he heard, and more conversations took place, eventually giving him the opportunity to make a significant contribution of real estate to the Foundation. His gifts also included a collection of heavy workshop equipment, precision tools and a library of books pertaining to various trades that were donated to Pinellas Technical College, where he took classes later in life, always eager to continue learning.
"If David were here," Bonnie says, "I think he would have simply wanted to say thank you — for the opportunity to share these gifts with others so that they, too, might be able to further their education, to enjoy life, and possibly to someday give back."
David's legacy lives on now — through his adventurous spirit and hunger for knowledge, and with the countless students whose lives and futures will be enhanced through his giving.
"Education meant a great deal to David. His mother and father met as students at Northwestern University. His father went on to become a professor of economics, while his mother studied communications. Along with two other sorority sisters, they created the first radio soap opera. His parents cared deeply about education, and that seed was planted deeply in David. He loved to learn and always supported that opportunity for others." — Bonnie Starr, the love of his life and companion for 45 years
