Jerry G. Berkowitz

Jerry G. Berkowitz, 77, of Westford, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 3 at Lowell General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Virginia Ann Berkowitz (Hein) for over fifty years. Jerry was born in New York City, December 22, 1933 the son of the late Isadore Berkowitz and the late Anna (Padula) Berkowitz. Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1951, one month after turning 17 years of age. In November of 1954 he received his Officers Commission and began his long career in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in July of 1980. Jerry served in Vietnam, flying over 100 combat missions. His military decorations, some with multiple awards, include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal. While on active duty, Jerry earned a Bachelors Degree in General Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1963. He later earned a Masters of Science in Business Administration from The George Washington University in September, 1966. After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry worked for another 30 years as a Systems Engineer for a variety of civilian contractors and was employed by Jacobs Technology, Inc. at the time of his death. Jerry was actively involved in community service in Westford, including serving as a member of the Westford Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Capital Outlay Committee and Council on Aging. He was a member of St. Catherines Church in Westford where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Among his many interests, Jerry enjoyed fishing with his sons and son-in-law and playing bridge with friends. Jerry is survived by his wife, Virginia, sons Fred, Daniel, Michael and Thomas, his daughter Susan Byrne and her husband Thomas, by his brothers Robert and Saul Berkowitz, his grandchildren Colleen and Elizabeth Byrne, Sarah Berkowitz and many nieces and nephews. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass celebrating Jerrys life will be held at St. Catherines Catholic Church, 107 N. Main Street, Westford, MA on Saturday, February 12 at 11:00 am with the Reverend Peter F. Quinn officiating. Jerry will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in the spring of this year, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Attention: Volunteer Services, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Arrangements are in the care of J.A. Healy Sons Funeral Home, R. Ward Healy, Funeral Director (978.692.6502).