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Sumner Berkovich Obituary
Berkovich, 85
Noted Medical Researcher
and Pediatrician
PORTLAND -- Sumner Berkovich, 85, died on Jan. 6, 2013, at his home in Cumberland.
Sumner was the youngest of four sons born to Morris and Lena Berkovich. He was born in Haverhill, Mass., on July 18, 1927, and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1945.
He joined the Army after graduation and served as a radio intercept operator until his discharge. In 1948 he entered McGill University in Montreal and graduated with 'great distinction' earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
In 1952 Sumner entered Boston University Medical School. He graduated in 1956 as a medical doctor. He continued his training specializing in pediatrics and infectious disease. He completed his internship at Buffalo General Hospital in 1957 and a residency in pediatrics at Buffalo Children's Hospital in 1959.
From 1959-1961 he was the National Science Foundation fellow in Research Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Enders' lab at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, and research fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School.
In 1961 he took a position at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and for the next ten years he was assistant professor in pediatrics, a noted researcher, lecturer, and writer contributing more than 35 articles to professional journals based on his research in viral diseases.
In 1971 Sumner left medical research to open a pediatric practice in Portland. He was part of the pediatric attending staff at Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital, a clinical associate professor of Pediatrics for Tufts University Medical School and the University of Vermont Medical School.
In 1951 Sumner married Barbara Levitt who also grew up in Haverhill, Mass. They have three daughters and were married and best friends for more than 61-years. When Sumner retired from practicing medicine he turned his attention fulltime to his passions- raising animals and gardening. He went to medical school, he was a respected researcher and teacher, and he practiced medicine but his heart was a Master Gardener. Sumner and Barbara have spent the past 20 years putting a lot of hard work and gaining much joy from their acres of gardens in Cumberland. His delight was in those gardens and they will continue to be his living legacy.
Sumner's life should be celebrated; his passion for research and medicine; his commitment to the thousands of children he cared for, his love of family, and his joy in the animals he raised, and the gardens he cultivated in Cumberland.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend services for Sumner at Temple Bethel on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 12 p.m., with Rabbi Carolyn Braun officiating. On line condolences can be made to Sumner's Family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.
In lieu of flowers please
consider a donation to:
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
P.O. Box 234
Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04537
http://www.maine gardens.org
or The Animal Refuge League
of Greater Portland
P.O. Box 336
Westbrook, Maine 04098
http://www.arlgp.org/donations/
Dr. Sumner
Berkovich
Jones, Rich & Hutchins
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
775-3763
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sumner Berkovich
Fairbrother
January 23, 2013
To the family of Dr.berokvitch was a tremendoouse help with the medical care of my 2 children mu loved by this family.From the Fairbrother family
Teresa Mattison
January 23, 2013
We were so blessed to have had Dr. Berkovich as out pediatric doctor. I respected him as a doctor and adored him as a human being. I would watch and listen intently as he checked my children, and would leave his practice feeling very warm and secure that something very special just took place. He was the very best.
Kathleen Heseltine
January 13, 2013
Dr. Berkovitch was the pediatrician for all 3 of my children back in the early 70's until they were teenagers. I loved his passion for the children and how tenderly he cared for them. I credit Dr. B. with saving my middle son, Daniel, when he contracted spinal meningitis back in 1978. My son was near death but Dr. B never gave up on him and after a week of touch and go, Danny started to improve. He grew into a fine young man with two little boys of his own now. I will always remember Prudy and Dr. B working side by side providing the very best in pediatric medicine to the Portland area children. I will always cherish his smile and his sage advice regarding the proper rearing of children. He never pulled any punches when he thought I could be doing better and he made me a better mother because he really cared. I know he told me often how proud he was of his own kids and of their success over the years. I was so sorry to learn of his passing but I am sure that God has welcomed him home. Thank you Dr. B ... you were the best..
donna barbalias
January 13, 2013
Dr. Berkovich was the doctor for my two boys from birth to college health exams.they thought the world of him.may he rest in peace.
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Beryl Cole
January 12, 2013
Dr Berkovich helped me survive my kids childhood. I provided Prudy and Dr Berkovich many laughs. When I took my son for his first office visit, around a week old, Prudy came in, told me to strip him, and left the room. My son immediately started peeing on the wall, so I picked him up and was holding him IN the wastebasket when Prudy returned with Dr. Berkovich. They were hysterical. He said that was a "first" for him! When I took my daughter in for her first office visit, the WHOLE clinical staff was waiting in the reception area when I got there. Prudy took my daughter from my arms, stripped her and passed her around to ALL the doctors and nurses in that day. I couldn't imagine what was wrong. When I dared ask, Prudy said that Dr. Berkovich told the whole office that this was the most beautiful baby he had ever seen, and the staff wanted to see her to see if they agreed!!!!!!
He was the BEST! He knew how to put new parents at ease. Every once in a while I sent him photos of my grandchildren just to keep in touch and he responded! My world is not as "warm and fuzzy" as it was knowing that he is not here any more. My sympathies to the family. A great doctor, a great man. Beryl Cole
marilyn wellington
January 11, 2013
Dr Berkovich was my children's Pediatrician. Agreat Doctor, my children loved him. He helped us guide our children in life. Thank You Dr. Berkovich. You will be sadly missed and always remembered by my family. Marilyn Wellington
Linda Rogoff
January 11, 2013
Dr. Berkovich was the pediatrician for our 3 sons. He saw them through from infancy to their teen years. Martin and I want to offer our sincerest condolences to his family at this time. We are so sorry that we were unable to be at the service,but our thoughts were of him. Linda and Martin Rogoff
Ellen Fogg
January 11, 2013
Barbara, Margie, Letty and Betsey, My sincerest sympathy to you at the loss of your Hubby and Dad. Lots of great memories will keep him close in your hearts.
Eileen Poulin
January 10, 2013
Dr. Berkovich was a mentor and then a colleague at Maine Medical Center. I learned about his gardening passion by seeing him in a gardening magazine. He was a wonderful man and Pediatrician, a great role model. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jodi Crocker
January 10, 2013
Dear Barbara & Girls
So sad to hear of Sumner's passing, he was a wonderful man and doc. I remember when I had a positive tb test and I was scared, Prudy said "talk to Sumner". He sat down with me and explained all the reasons why I had a false positive, knowing he was sure lifted all the fear I had. He was of course right, he did the next test and I was fine. His wit an humor is what I will remember and I loved it when he laughed. My thoughts are with you all.
Lesley Oransky
January 10, 2013
Barbara, Betsey, Margie and Letty,
Sumner was a cousin extordinaire. His wit, his kindness, his caring but most of all his presence. He mentored my husband Stanley, a medical student at Down State Medical School and was a good friend to both of us. Sumner leaves us all with wonderful memories to celebrate his life. May you find strength from your memories of a special man.
Jackie Willey
January 10, 2013
As an adult looking back on my childhood, I remember how warm and comforting my doctor's appointments were with "Dr. B." He had an amazing way of putting children at ease. Letty has also been close to my family for as long as I can remember.... I wish your family comfort as you reflect on and celebrate the life of a very special man..... Rest in Peace, Dr. B.
jean wilson jones
January 10, 2013
My memories of Dr. Berkovich are after he retired. He and his wife brought their many beloved dogs and cats to Lake Region Animal Hospital where I worked. He was a very kind and interesting man, he will be greatly missed.
Marc Fishman
January 10, 2013
Dr. Berkovich was our family's pediatrician for 30+ yrs. What a wonderful man,who had quick wit and patience to deal with all the screaming kids and anxious moms. It was always fun to visit with Doc. & Trudy when we had tummy aches :) My condolences to your family.
Marc Fishman & family
January 10, 2013
Great Doctor and kind man
Donna Cushman
January 9, 2013
Barbara & family,
As former neighbors and friends we have many fond memories of Sumner and all of you. Sending our deepest sympathy in this difficult time. May his memories give you peace.
Donna Cushman & family
sharon Jerome
January 9, 2013
I am so sorry to hear Dr Berkovich is gone. He was a wonderful pediatrician for my 3 sons. He had a great sense of humor, was kind and so knowledgeable. When my youngest son was very ill at MMC and the attending physician said he had Meningitis, I could not stop crying. The nurse asked what she could do and I said I needed Dr Berkovich. She said he was not on call and it was very late on a weekend night but she called him and he calmed me down on the phone and then he got dressed and drove to MMC to talk to me and check on my son. When my son did not get better, other physicians said my son probably had some virus and he would get better. Dr Berkovich said that was not it and he figured out what was wrong and because he did not give up, my son received prompt and appropriate treatment for a hard to diagnose disease. His cardiologist told me several years later that we were so lucky to have Dr Berkovich as my son had no permanent damage. I will always be grateful to a wonderful man and pediatrician!
January 9, 2013
Thank you for your service.
Patti Lippold and Family
January 9, 2013
As a young and nervous mom, Dr Berkovich guided me every step along the way, in raising my children...from birth to college. We will always remember his kind heart, and his smile as large as his bow tie! I will be forever indebted to this great man.
So very sorry for your loss.
January 9, 2013
My husband and I met Dr. Berkovich at the Cumberland Farmers Market. We were asking him about ground covers and he said "Come on over to my place this afternoon, I have just the thing for you." We did and he gave us some of his ground cover..and it was so healthy that we are digging it out of our garden as we speak. He was a kind and generous man.
Judi Slotsky
January 9, 2013
Whenever I think of my girl's childhoods and the people who helped guide me through them, Dr. Berkovich's name immediately comes to mind. His handling of a case of "new motheritis" when I had my first-born will always be remembered. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this most difficult time.
Carole Ireland
January 9, 2013
Ddr. Berkovich was my daughter's pediatrician, and she just loved him. Condolences to his family and friends.
Linda Cyr and family
January 9, 2013
A great doctor and a great man. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Deepest and heartfelt sympathies to his family.
Sharon Little
January 9, 2013
Barbara, Letty and Betsey, Thinking of you at this time and wishing you all peace and wonderful memories of a wonderful man. Take care.
Susie Doyle
January 9, 2013
Letty and Betsey, please except my sincere sympathy and condolences for the passing of your dad. My prayers are with with and him.
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