John V. Berdy

John V. Berdy passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2023 at age 72.

He was born in Schenectady, son of Anastasia and John Berdy, and graduated from Niskayuna High School. He received an undergraduate degree in music and psychology from Union College and a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology from Vermont College of Norwich University.

In the Capital District John worked in many capacities as a counselor: a dispute resolution mediator, a counselor for the Northeast Parent and Child Society, a bereavement counselor at Hospice, and therapist at St. Mary's Hospital. He was the executive director of the Haven Grief Counseling Center in Schenectady and developed a program to train counselors after 9/11 for New York City.

Later he and his wife, Claudia LeMarquand, had a private practice in Ashville, N.C. and the Twin Cities, MN. 

Music was John's passion. He never met an instrument he couldn't play: piano, string and wind instruments, percussion. He studied Indian music, performed and recorded an album of his own ragas. He also lived in Ireland and fell in love with Irish culture and music. Throughout his career he used music in his counselling.

His beloved wife Claudia predeceased him. He is survived by his sister Michele and will be missed by everyone he helped and who felt the joy of his music.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate John's life on Sunday, Jan. 29 at noon at the Unity Church, 21 King Ave, Albany, NY.

A more detailed obituary can be seen on the Meyers Funeral Home website.