John Berl

John Berl

John Ennalls Berl (Jack) 3/28/1929 - 5/27/17

The angels came and took Jack to heaven on Saturday while holding his daughters hand. Jack was born in Wilmington; he was the son of the late Adjutant General, William Berl, Jr. and Marie K. Berl of Westover Hills.

Jack was a man of great pride, he saw the world as black and white, what was right was right and what was wrong was wrong. Jack had a smile that made everyone smile. The first time any of his caretakers met him they would comment about his beautiful smile that lit up his face and the room.

Jack attended A.I. DuPont School, Archmere Academy and the University of Delaware where he was a member of the SigmaNu Fraternity.

Jack was in the Delaware National Guard where he served for many years. He was involved in the Guard during the tumultuous riots in downtown Wilmington during the 60 and 70's.

Jack loved his career with DuPont, he was an excellent draftsman. After retirement he became involved with the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware's tall ship. He would show up at the shipyard and volunteer for any job that needed to be done. He specifically asked that this story be put in his obituary. One day he showed up at the yard and Peggy Tigue said "we need a carpenter" Jack's reply was "I am not a carpenter" and Peggy said "you are now". Jack volunteered countless hours at the shipyard helping build the ship. The organization was so grateful to him they named a building after him and put a plaque on it and called it the "Berl Building".

Jack loved the water. He once chartered a 100 foot three mast wooden sailboat to sail around the Abacas islands in the Bahama's with his family. He was in his glory at the helm of that ship in the open seas.

Jack lived the last year and a half with his loving daughter and her husband. Jack loved to travel to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he had been to twice over the last 11 months. He also looked forward to trips to Rehoboth beach, Virginia Beach and the Pocono's.

Jack loved the sun; he would always sneak outside and sit on the deck. On the weekends he would sit in the lounge chair under a tree and watch his daughter and son-in-law work in the gardens. He would say "this is one step closer to heaven".

He was preceded in death by his brother William Berl, III, his three sons John E. Berl Jr., Kevin D. Berl, Stephen F. Berl. He is survived by his daughter Karen B. Gilbert and her husband John Gilbert, his grandson Nicholas A. Berl and his loving sister Marie B. Ferguson and her husband John Ferguson.

The ritual in the mornings around the Gilbert house would be his son in law John greeting him "morning Jack", Jack would answer "morning John". In the evenings John would say "night Jack" and Jack would respond "night John"

Good night Jack, we know you are resting in peace.

The family is grateful to all the caregivers that have entered their lives, they truly loved him. There are no words to express the gratitude and thanks for having the support of Delaware Hospice. Jack will be missed by many of their staff members that looked forward to seeing Jack; he gave them many laughs and smiles and many fond memories.

A celebration of Jack's life will be arranged at the Kalmar Nickel, Copeland Maritime Center at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Delaware Hospice https://www.delawarehos pice.org/. CHARLES P. ARCARO FUNERAL HOME

(302) 658-9095