Stephen Joel Berkowitz

This year marks the 20th anniversary of my graduation from Tokay High, and while I recall many of the teachers and faculty Mr. Berkowitz stands out as an icon among them.

Physically, he was often towered over by his students, but there was never any question as to the magnitude or strength of his intellect. He treated students with respect (consistently referring to me as 'Mr. Johnston'), and made what could easily have been a boring, must-do class engaging and interesting.

Because of Steve Berkowitz I learned what the word, "discombobulated" means. He accused us of being that from time to time. Maybe we didn't always realize what a treasure of a teacher we had at the time. When I think of anything having to do with politics that I've learned, it is through the lens of introduction that he provided us. It was clear that he loved his subject matter, and if he didn't love us, he at least respected us. I'm sorry I never got to tell him that I became a teacher,...

I am deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Berkowitz's passing. His energetic teaching style and ability to get everyone interested in economics, even those less than thrilled to be in an econ class, are some of my fondest memories of my senior year at Tokay. As evidenced by this guestbook, he influenced so many students in a positive way. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Berkowitz was one of those instructors who made a lasting impression on his students. He did in my life. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but am thankful that I had the opportunity to have Steve as an instructor.

In 1968, I was one of the students in Steve Berkowitz’s Government Honors class. From the first day of class, Steve challenged us and gave us the benefit of the respect that most high school students want but do not get. Whenever he cocked his head and pronounced his signature “Well..”, he would make us part of the intellectual process with patience and grace. There was never a putdown or a derisive comment from him, although I do recall an occasional rueful shake of the head.

Today I suffer the regret that I never tried to contact Stephen Berkowitz after graduating from Lodi High in 1971 to tell him how much it meant to me to have him for a teacher. So, I will try to make up for this by writing here that he was by far the most dedicated and compassionate teacher I ever had. He was beyond intelligent and structured his classes to give everyone the opportunity to succeed, while still expecting a high level of acheivement from all of us. His enthusiasm and...

It seems that many remember Mr. Berkowitz very fondly...and he remembered us! Years after graduation he would greet me with a comfortable familiarity and ask about the family.
His special gifts made him one of the best educators ever. He lives on through all he touched.

Mr. Berkowitz was not only a great teacher but a true mentor encouraging his students to reach their highest potential. He is greatly appreciated and will be sadly missed.

I personally feel very blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing Stephen. He was a customer of ours at Sheri's Sonshine Nutrition Center and more importantly a friend. We talked a lot about teachers and students. I used to joke with him that I got jipped because I didn't get to experience him as a teacher, but I did get to know him as a friend. He always and I mean always was dressed up in a suit and tie. I used to always joke with him that just one time I would like to see him "dress...