Laurence R. Berk, W1MLG SK July 14, 2018 Birth Date: Jun 08 1924 10-10 Number: 10212 Laurence Richard Berk, 94, of Newton Highlands, Saturday, July 14 at home. Husband of the late Phyllis Berk. Loving father of Judy Berk and her husband David Foley of Northport, ME, and Joanna Berk of Richmond, VT. Proud grandfather of Sam Berk-Hinckley of Minneapolis, MN. Laurie was raised in Brookline by his parents Morris and Florence (Brodie) Berk, with his sister Lois (Berk) Grayson. Laurie studied engineering at Cornell, until he entered the Army’s 121st Signal Radio Intelligence Corps during World War II. He served from 1943-46 in England, France, Belgium, and Austria. After the war, Laurie distributed and sold electronic components, first for RCA and later as Vice President of Stan Pierce, Inc.; he retired in 1982. His wartime radio work and European experiences sparked Laurie’s love of all things French, his enduring connection to the world via amateur “ham” radio, and his life-long enthusiasm for travel. An early adventurer, he and Phyllis traveled extensively, from Carnival in Haiti in 1961, to the bridge in Mostar in the former Yugoslavia, to opera under the full moon at Arena di Verona, in Italy. He also organized family vacations to the Caribbean, Florida, and Italy. Laurie enjoyed spending time at his South Wellfleet vacation home on Blackfish Creek for more than 30 years. Laurie is remembered for his love of travel, near and far, including to explore nature, food, skiing, and culture throughout New England. He maintained enduring friendships for decades with his birder and bridge playing pals. Laurie cared deeply and exceptionally well for his beloved, Phyllis. Laurie leaves behind nieces Shelley (Tepper) Aaron, Nancy (Tepper) Shor, Shoshana (Grayson) Plotke, and Miriam (Grayson) Ferris, and nephews David Grayson, Eliot Goldman, James Goldman, and Gary Goldman. He also leaves many close friends and his extraordinary caregiver, Carmel Addley. Services Monday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Levine Chapel, 470 Harvard Street, Brookline. Memorial observance at the home of Laurence Berk following the service, continuing until 8:00 that night. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brookline-ma/laurence-berk-7933364
