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Andrew DeGraff Berkey II

Andrew DeGraff Berkey II obituary, Rancho Mirage, CA

Andrew Berkey Obituary

Berkey, Andrew DeGraff
November 6, 1923 - April 6, 2011
Remembering dearest Andy, who passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA at 87. He courageously fought old age to the end with grace, strength and as always humor. A kind, caring, generous and loving family man and friend to many. He will be dearly missed, however, many of his funny one liner's will live on forever in our memories.
Andrew was born in Chicago, Illinois to Peter and Clara Berkey. He was the youngest of 4 children, June Berkey D'Arcy, John Addison Berkey II and Peter Berkey III. Andrew had four children; Andy III and Bridgette with his wife Emma Lucy and John and Stephen with his second wife Jacquelyn Lowry who passed away in 1996 from Lung Cancer.
After attending Princeton University, Andy proudly served his beloved country by joining the Air Core. He spent time as the navigator of a B-24 Bomber during World War II. Upon his return home from the war, he became a stock broker while enjoying his true passion which was playing golf with his group of friends affectionately known as "The Mafia" at L.A.C.C. Andy was an avid golfer with a handicap usually under 10. He was frequently called upon to be the score keeper because of his good math skills and super high degree of integrity. If Andy told someone that he would do something for them, then it was done. Andy did many kind things for many people. He put numerous young people through college and was always trying to help out his friends and family with whatever financial help they needed. His generosity was unparalleled and much appreciated.
Andy's hobbies included following football very closely, watching sports, playing cards and bachamon and traveling. Andy also loved his cocktail hour and was known for his famous rum and mint snow cones for 60 years or so. Andy was a big fan of Hawaii and his ashes will be spread outside the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in the beautiful blue pacific that he loved so much.
Andy is survived by his sons Andy III of Boise, ID, John and his wife Tracy and their daughter Ella Grace Berkey of Rancho Mirage, CA. He was very proud to say that he was the longest living male Berkey and especially that he was a grandfather.
Andy was loved and admired for his positive outlook on life, extreme generosity and charismatic personality. He was known for his ability to make whomever was around him feel better by sharing his time, love and superb sense of humor with them. Andy and his wife Jacquelyn will be missed by many for years to come. Upon Andy's request, there will be a celebration of life gathering on Sunday May 1st from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at L.A.C.C. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be greatly appreciated.
God Bless Andy Berkey

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Apr. 11 to Apr. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Berkey

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Lawrence G. Sirhall, Jr.

April 5, 2025

A very nice tribute.

Larry

April 5, 2023

I will always remember what he told me after my sister's funeral. In fact he was the only who ever said anything.

Cindy Young

January 1, 2020

never met you but by word of mouth , you were a fine man. I just want to express my condolences

April 30, 2011

I was friends with Andy when I was a youngster at LACC. I will always remember his passion for the game of golf. I was close friends with his son John and spent many a night at his home on Rockingham in Brentwood. Andy's nickname for me was Winnie, I hope I get to hear him call me Winnie when I met him in heaven. We love you and miss you Andy. John, Tracy, and Ella Grace I am sorry for your loss and may peace be with. Love, Robert Schwinn

Tony Bauer

April 23, 2011

Andy was one of my favorite people in the world. He was kind, generous and very funny. He was always a pleasure to be around with his extremely optimistic attitude and classic one liners.
Andy and I always teased each other and he usually won. Over the years we became very close and I considered him to be a dear friend. My family and I will miss him very much. It is comforting to know that he is in Heaven and we will meet again some day.
John, Tracy and Ella Grace we are very sorry for your loss. However, we know that we are all blessed that Andy was part of our lives and that his legacy will live on.
May God Bless you Andy and we will never forget you.
Love,
Tony, Wendy, Ashlyn & Brody Bauer

April 18, 2011

Dearest John and Tracy,

My heartfelt thoughts for you at this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that Andy was so special for so many! He was my sponsor at LACC, and a true gentleman in his guidance for so many years. All those days and nights on Rockingham will forever be close in my memories of Andy.

I know I am a better man for being in your lives, and Andy is greatly responsible. Thank God for Andy Berkey. We are all be blessed to have been a part of his life. His legacy lives on, and my fond memories are forever.

Rest in Peace, Andy. May your presence be allways at hand.
Scott & Ann Cook

Rob Spies

April 16, 2011

Dear Andy, Thank You for all the great times in the desert , brentwood and the palisades , Andy - A great friend,smart , funny, always offered great advice. Condolences to John and his family and all friends who Love Andy, i am so thankful and grateful to the many good times with Andy - he loved sports, rib eye steaks, sand dabs and the always famous Sno Cones ! I Will Always Love You Andy ! Rob

April 15, 2011

We are thankful for the too few years we enjoyed his wit and humor.
We are thankful for every hour we shared the warmth of his company.

Handsome and courageous, Andy left us with more than memories. He left us with a greater love for his desert and for life itself.
So we don't say, Andy. You will be with us in our journey through life.

We send our love to Andy, to his family, to his friends.

Tande and Ted Steffens

Todd Mikles

April 15, 2011

God broke the mold when he made Andy. First class all the way. Godspeed.

Larry Sirhall

April 15, 2011

I've known Andy for a long time. He was the father of my brother and sister. I will always appreciate his efforts in helping me get a scholarship to Notre Dame. This is really something, given his love of Southern Cal. Larry Sirhall

Andy's Last Birthday

Tracy Berkey

April 14, 2011

Andy was such an amazing man with the best outlook on life. "Any better, than I'd have to take a pill!" He said that almost until the day the Lord took him to Heaven. Andy has been such an inspiration to me and many others. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten!
Love,
Tracy Berkey

April 14, 2011

he touched me with his love,kindness and laughter... The world will be a dull place without you..love to all Robin DeMatteo

Kendall Berkey

April 13, 2011

I will always remember Andy's warmth, charismatic personality, generosity and humor. I have many many fond memories together that I shall carry with me and will give me a smile for the rest of my life. God bless. Kendall Berkey

Andy Berkey

April 12, 2011

Goodbye Dad, I will miss you forever Love Andy

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