(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
On Monday evening two new murals were unveiled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Trenton’s CURE Insurance Arena.
From Disney on Ice to high school graduations, the arena has hosted a variety of events for the community over the years. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Fran Rodowicz, the arena's general manager, commissioned Trenton graffiti artists, Leon Rainbow and Dean “Ras” Innocenzi, to paint concourse murals to pay tribute to the arena’s roots.
Pictured (from left) Geoffrey Berman, Michael Berman and Daniel Berman stand in front of a mural of their dad, Ronald Berman, developer of the CURE Insurance Arena. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
One piece honors the memory of Ronald Berman, an attorney and real estate developer who helped design and build the arena in 1999 and is also known for leading the development of the Roebling Market.
“He was so instrumental in leading the development of the arena and brought the first hockey team to Trenton,“ said Rodowicz.
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer (right) and former Mercer County Executive Robert Prunetti look at a plaque commemorating the dedication of the arena in October, 1999.
The two Trenton natives were both in office at that time and instrumental in bringing the arena to the city.
John A. Roebling is the subject of one of the murals. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The other is a tribute to the arena’s prior occupant, the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, known for making wire rope for bridges.
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Family members of Developer of the CURE Insurance Arena, Ronald Berman (pictured in mural) pose for a photo in what was Ron Berman's owner's box: From left, Zach Berman (grandson), Karen Berman (daughter-in-law), Geoffrey Berman (son), Joanne Berman (daughter-in-law), Harry Berman, (grandson), Alex Berman (grandson), Jeremy Berman (grandson), Daniel Berman (son), Victoria Berman (daughter-in-law), Marie Berman (wife) and Michael Berman (son).
Mural featuring Developer of the CURE Insurance Arena, Ronald Berman, made by artists Leon Rainbow and Dean "Ras" Innocenzi. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Berman was born and raised in Trenton and fathered three sons, Michael, Dan, and Geoffrey Berman. He and his wife would take their sons to the arena for different games and events. “I personally hadn’t been there in probably ten years, so it really brought back great memories,” said Michael Berman.
Michael Berman said the mural “celebrates all the best that Trenton can be," commending the artists for their work and his father’s legacy.
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Family members of Developer of the CURE Insurance Arena, Ronald Berman (pictured in mural) stand for a photo. Front row (from left) Daniel Berman (son) Michael Berman (son) Marie Berman (wife) Geoffrey Berman (son). Back row, Alex Berman (grandson), Victoria Berman (daughter-in-law), Harry Berman, (grandson), Karen Berman (daughter-in-law) Zach Berman (grandson) Joanne Berman (daughter-in-law) and Jeremy Berman (grandson).
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
One of the four murals features silhouettes of Washington crossing the Delaware River, left and the "Trenton Makes" bridge, right.
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
One of the four murals features representations of some of the attractions held at the arena.
Detail of mural featuring Developer of the CURE Insurance Arena, Ronald Berman. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
“I think he would’ve cringed at the size of it because he was a very humble and modest man, but I think he would’ve appreciated it because he did give his all to that city and the arena and it always meant the world to him that he was giving back,” Michael Berman said.
Ronald Berman passed away in 2018 after a 10-year battle with cancer. “He always made the most of his life, even at the end when other people would’ve given up, he didn’t.”
(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
India Duke can be reached at iduke@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Inja_NJ.
Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com's newsletters.
Ad Choices