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Cari uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 3, 2023
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The family of Richard Orville Berkwitt uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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The family of Richard Orville Berkwitt uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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The family of Richard Orville Berkwitt uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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The family of Richard Orville Berkwitt uploaded a photo
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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Jutta and Russ Chaney lit a candle
Saturday, September 7, 2013
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Our loved ones never truly leave us... they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives. With all our love to Mr. Berkwitt and his family!
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Claire Berkwitt posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2013
Dick was Ockie's (Arthur's) little brother so Art shared many memories of him with me over the years. The night before Ockie left for the army, he stayed up most of the night to finish an airplane he was making for Dick. I like to think that he had some influence on Dick's love of airplanes. We were all very happy to meet him and Karen when they flew into the Lawrence, MA airport for a visit. I know how all his sisters and brothers loved the youngest of the clan and probably spoiled him a bit. I didn't always agree with Dick but never tried to argue with him as he could talk circles around me. Dick was a thoughtful, sincere, kind, and loving gentlemen with a hearty laugh. He was very proud of Susan, Cari, and Sammy and told us of all their accomplishments with pride. Dick, I'm sorry Ockie isn't here to say good-by so let me say it for him with much love.
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Sam Dorman posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2013
I remember my Grandpa as a hero to my mom and Aunt and someone who sacrificed so much for my family. He was extremely loving and caring to those close to him. As a kid, I always got lectures from him; as did my mom and Aunt. He was so worried about us that he would try to constantly give us direction. I know this was out of love, which is why I appreciate him so much today.
When I was in grade school, I had a serious operation involving my kidneys. I was scared and my parents could barely keep me calm. But when I woke up from my surgery, there was my Grandpa outside of the recovery room window. He was dressed, as always, modestly. I almost always saw him in a hat and jacket, which I think he wanted for utility and as something simple/not to show off. But for me, it was a part of his character that made me want to hug him even more.
When I woke up from the surgery, I found out that he went out and bought me a toy that I really, really wanted. My grandpa was very task oriented, always making sure everything was in order. He was responsible, above all else. Seeing him outside the hospital room seemed uncharacteristic. I half expected him to tell me how to recover correctly haha.
He used to tell my mom, as she told me when I was bored, "What do you think this is, a three-ring circus?!" My mom took another saying from him: "If you're hungry, you'll eat anything." His ardent focus on needs over wants and sense of self-responsibility stemmed from his humble origins. But on the day of my operation, he let go of his strict composure to go out and buy me something that I didn't need. It was something that I wanted and had been asking for, for a while. It seemed like, as in most cases when he showed affection, that he couldn't help himself but to express his love. That's how my grandpa was: By the book and stern, but hopelessly tender-hearted.
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George Mangiero posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2013
I always found Dick to be intellectually curious. He had insightful political views. He read all the time. We shared a love of reading and asking "why" and "how." It was always so nice to talk to Dick about the books we each read. I especially enjoyed literally hundreds of very interesting emails from Dick. He had this uncanny sense of finding items of news and "slice of life" stories that captured one's attention. Military history, amazing nature photos (including beautiful winter scenes), political commentaries and clever jokes were some of the items he sent on a regular basis. I will miss receiving Dick's version of the world and especially miss the chats we had on our many visits to Maryland and Virginia.
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Mary Rynearson posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2013
I saw Mr. Berkwitt just a few times over the last 30 years because I am a friend of his daughters. He was always so kind to me and always very jovial! I wish I could have seen more of him. I know that he was so proud of both of his daughters and their accomplishments. My prayers go out to Cari and Susan in their time of grief to remember their Dad with happy memories.
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Glenn Berkwitt posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2013
I was sorry to hear about Uncle Dlck's passing. Uncle Dlck was my father's youngest sibling, nearly 16 years his junior if my calculations are correct.
I remember as a child awaiting his arrival at our house and how excited we were to see my father's little brother.
Other important visits:
When he flew his plane (the same one in the picture here) into the airport near our house and we picked him up and got a tour of the plane.
When we got to know him better as adults after not having seen him for many years. It was a great treat to reconnect. I appreciated his gentle, thoughtful demeanor and great listening skills--an attribute not in wide circulation among his siblings.
When he came to my brother Alan's wedding and later mine along with his wife Karen.
When he attended my sister Dara's funeral and made every effort in the world to support my parents, whose shock and grief were unimaginable.
So Uncle Dlck will always hold a special place in my heart and memory. He was a wonderful person, a super uncle and it was nice to have a friend in a close family member like him.
To Susan and Cari, I am sorry for your loss. It's a big life change change, harder for the survivors than the deceased. As you know, we had the same experience a year ago with my father, Dlck's brother Arthur, better known in his family as Ockie.
Cheers and Love,
Glenn
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Debora VonMoose posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2013
Debora VonMoose purchased flowers (Pastel Peace Basket)
Gods peace to all, Love, Al and Deb, Jenn, Jess, Kate, and Nick, Charlotte, Don, Kevin, Barb, Ken And family
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Kenneth D Dembeck posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2013
I thank the Lord that He sent Dick to my sister Karen when she needed a kind, gentle, loving man. I believe this was God's plan. Our family never got to visit with Dick and Karen much , but when we did they were the most gracious hosts. As I read some of Dicks last mass e-mail posts It became clear that he had developed a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing Him in heaven. Thank You Dick for taking care of my sister Karen, Amy, Mason, and Lilly. I praise God for your life.
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Deb and al VonMoose posted a condolence
Monday, September 2, 2013
our hearts go out to cari, Sammy, Susan and families Your dad was a wonderful, fun, interesting, a man of honor and integrity. We were honored to know him as brother in law. We enjoyed many family Holidays, birthdays, and meals together, a few musicals, just talking, etc I feel like we met you Susan, cari, and Sammy from your dad/grandpa talking about you We can take comfort in the fact that he accepted God and he is in his loving arms Al and deb vonmoose
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Will Beaumont posted a condolence
Sunday, September 1, 2013
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Richard O. Berkwitt for at least 3 years. He was, above all, a gentleman with a dry sense of humor, and a formidable mind. He was somewhat curcumspect, but this made him all the more charming in the present age of flabby verbal excess and shameless self-promotion. I consider it an honor to have known him, and I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Will Beaumont
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Carolyn Dorman posted a condolence
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Born in Springfield Massachusetts, Dad was the youngest of seven and was the first generation born in the U.S. from his parents Lena (maiden name - Shapiro) and Louis Berkwitt (originally from Poland). He was a hard worker with strong character and integrity. Dad earned his BSME from UMass and served in the Korean War via the U.S. Army. Through the years, air and space sciences became a true love of his coupled with his undying love for animals. Dad was indeed a no-nonsense type of man but would help you in anyway that he could. I cared for Dad toward the end and consider that time as a gift from God to have been so close with him and to have shared the times we did. Dad is now at peace and with his loved ones including his beloved dog, Calvin. Dad - I love you and will always be grateful for your guidance and values that you have bestowed to me and your grandson, Sam. Love you forever, your youngest daughter Cari
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Susan Mangiero posted a condolence
Saturday, August 31, 2013
I am the eldest of Richard's two daughters. There are so many stories that it is hard to pick just one. Our dad was an amazing man - smart, encouraging and funny. His work ethic was a hard one to beat. He was a great father in so many ways although culinary finesse was not a strong suit. When we were little, we did not have much money. A Saturday outing to the deli counter at the local grocery store was a big treat. My dad would buy potato salad, pickles and beans. Why he thought that putting baked beans in between two pieces of bread would be appetizing is beyond me. When my sister and I balked, he would tell us that if we were hungry, we would eat it. I have not had a baked bean sandwich since then. Take my word, his roasted turkey was far superior. When I was in college and pinching my pennies, he gave me a $5 bill for food. When I bought a Fleetwood Mac album instead, I got a few lectures about frivolity. It was a bad recession and yet he gave me what he could, when he could. I was sorry to have disappointed my dad then and vowed to be thrifty thereafter. Years later, I was in Miami. I was scheduled to give a talk early the next morning. I was tired and lonely. My laptop wasn't working and I was panicked about not being able to retrieve my slides. On top of that, I couldn't sleep.I called my dad. He was in bed but took my late call. He just listened for awhile and then told me not to worry. He did that a lot - listened patiently, offered encouraging words, reminded me not to sweat the big stuff. Thank you Dad. It was an honor and a blessing to be your daughter. Rest in peace. Sleep well.