Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2022
Robert Berke Obituary
October 23, 1944 - May 12, 2022
Robert Berke died peacefully at Tiburon Hills Care Center on May 12th at the age of 77.
Robert was born in San Francisco and lived his whole life in the Bay Area. The third child and only son of Irving and Rose Berke, he was married to fellow San Francisco native, Nancy Porter Berke for 51 years. Together they built a home, a life, and a successful audio post- production business. He and Nancy were that rare couple who were able to work together as well as have a strong, long lasting marriage.
Above all else, Robert was a teacher and a mentor. He taught Broadcast Communications for 10 years at City College of San Francisco. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Robert Berke Sound (later Berke Sound), which was highly regarded and successful for almost 40 years and created many award winning soundtracks. His students and staff thought a great deal of him, crediting him for teaching and mentoring them in professional and personal ways. He was ethical, creative, innovative, and generous in business and in life.
Robert loved his work, but he also loved spending vacations with his wife and two children, Jocelyn and Stephen. Robert was a devoted and supportive father and was crazy about his grandchildren, Mckenna and Liam Corbett. He loved going to Hawaii, cruising, and entertaining.
Robert and Nancy lived in San Francisco, Pacifica, Millbrae, and a wonderful 16 years in Hiddenbrooke, where he had many friends.
Robert was healthy most of his life, until he developed Parkinson's Disease. Even as his life got more constrained and difficult, he remained the kind, patient, and caring person he always was. Robert is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter, Jocelyn Corbett (Kevan), son, Stephen Berke (Chloe), sister, Elaine Leavitt (Leonard), grandchildren, Mckenna and Liam Corbett, ten nephews and their families.
A private interment on May 25th will be followed by a celebration of life scheduled for June 18th. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Michael J Fox Foundation, or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Berke
Jack M Tom
May 9, 2023
I will always remember you Bob. Working with you and Paul at MediaWest was one of my best experiences a young designer can ever have.
Denny Delk
June 14, 2022
Would love to know where the celebration is being held. We believe we'll be back in Northern California and would like to share the time with you and other friends.
Roberta Guise
May 20, 2022
Dear Nancy and family...I'm so sorry for your loss. When I came in to record talent for VOs and buy needle drops (as we still called them pre-Internet), Bob was usually at the studio, always a solid humble presence as magnificent productions were created all around him.
Would love if you could send the information for the celebration of life. My warmest thoughts are with you.
~Roberta
Richard Sloss
May 19, 2022
My thoughts are with you. I was very sorry to hear of Bob's passing, he will be missed.
Jack Tom
May 18, 2022
Rest in Peace Bob. I will always remember the time we worked together at MediaWest.
Tom Mourgos
May 17, 2022
One of my favorite instructors at City College of San Francisco's Broadcasting Department. 77 years old but it's still a shock.
Crystal Mayer
May 17, 2022
I grew up as a teen in school with Jocelyn and Stephen and I remember spending many an afternoon at the Berke household in Millbrae. I enjoyed attending weddings and showers with their family, and remember Robert sharing wine with me when he could tell I needed it! I always felt welcome in his home and will always remember his kindness and gentle smile. Thank you for always making me feel part of the family!
Gordon Analla
May 16, 2022
I was a student of Mr. Berke's from 1970 -1971 at CCSF. He was a great guy and teacher. RIP. Prayers and thoughts for the Family.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Berke's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Robert Berke
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Berke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
