Memorial for Bill Berko
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Born in Perth Amboy, NJ on Sep. 9, 1939
Departed on Jan. 19, 2010 and resided in Las Vegas, NV.
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| Visitation: |
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010
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| Cemetery: |
St.Gertrude Cemetery
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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William Berko, 70, also known as "Bill", "Billy B", or simply "Berko", died January 19, 2009 after suffering complications from surgery. He was surrounded by his wife, sons and friends at the time of his passing.
Bill had a rich, full and colorful life. He counted Rahway, NJ, Hollywood, FL and lastly, Las Vegas, NV as home. After serving in the US Army, 82 Airborne, Bill came home to Rahway where he met his first love, Mickie at Roma's Pizza. During their life together they had 5 sons, 4 who survive. During this time, Bill learned electronics and soon would open his own business, ABCO Sound in New York City, repairing audio equipment for some of the biggest names in the music industry. Bill attended and photographed Woodstock Music Festival, and many of his photos of Woodstock can be found online. Also during this time, Bill was a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and helped in the building of the church. Bill also served on the Rahway Board of Education.
When Bill's first marriage ended, he hit the road driving long haul freight for ShopRite, where he met his second wife, JoAnn. Six kids in tow, they moved briefly to Hollywood, FL. Upon returning to NJ, they settled in Linden, and Bill returned to ABCO Sound. After a number of years he sold his interest in the business he started and worked in Linden. At this time, Bill became a member of the Elks in Rahway where he dedicated many hours of service.
During the next phase of his life, Bill took over his father's role as superintendent of an apartment building in Elizabeth. Bill met his current love and would soon marry Debra Caravano in June of 1994. In 1997 the two moved to Las Vegas, NV where they created a new home and new memories. And although they made new friendships, Bill remained close with many whose lives he touched.
He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Dorothy, sister Dorothy (Cookie), and son Larry.
Surviving are his beloved wife Debra, her parents Donna and Joseph, sisters-in-law JoAnne and Gina, his sons who were his pride and joy: William and his partner Kurt, Michael and his wife Christine, Steven and his partner Christel, and Mark and his wife Jennifer. Also surviving are his brothers Walter and John, sisters Christine and Mary, former wives Michalena Cherko and JoAnn Kozlowski, with whom he remained good friends, daughter-like niece Joan Robinson, grandchildren Victoria, Drew, Natalie, Alexandra, Lisa, Matthew, Ryan, Ethan and Nicholas, and one great-grandson, Joseph. Bill leaves behind many others and some very dear friends. Bill touched so many lives and many will feel his absence.
In accordance with his wishes, Bill will be cremated. Against his wishes, there will be a viewing Sunday, January 24, 2009 from 10am-1pm, and celebration of Bill's life from 4pm-7pm on the same day, at Pettit-Davis Funeral Home in Rahway, NJ. Following cremation, internment will be with his beloved family at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia, NJ. (Sorry Dad, but your sons are as hard-headed as you were.) In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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This Memorial Obituary provided by
Pettit-Davis Funeral Home
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