Obituary of Joseph L. Berkowitz

BERKOWITZ - Joseph L., 81, of St. Petersburg, passed away Friday, August 11, 2006 at Northside Hospital & Heart Institute in St. Petersburg. Born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, he came to Florida in 1949 from Linden, New Jersey. He served in the US Army during WW II in the Intelligence Unit in Japan. He was a member of Congregation B'nai Israel, B'nai B'rith and a founder of St. Petersburg Adult Community Band. He was a member of the Kiwanis and was very active in The Easter Seal Foundation. For over twenty years, Joe, and his late wife Lucy, took great pleasure in hosting young Japanese exchange students from Eckerd College. He visited Japan several times, once to attend his adopted daughter Tomoko's wedding. He also enjoyed cross country family summer trips in their camper that brought cherished memories and lifelong friends. Survivors include four daughters; Susan Berkowitz of Evanston, Illinois, Ellen Kahn of Miami, Florida, Nancy Schulman of Toronto, Canada and Joni Harris of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Natalie Hurvitz of Newton, Massachusetts; his companion, Sally Siegel of Largo and seven grandchildren, Marcus, Rachel, Matthew, Benjamin, Alec, Cayley and Logan. Mr. Berkowitz was predeceased by his loving wife, Lucy in 1998. Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Sunday, August 13, 2006 at David C. Gross Funeral Home-Beth David Chapel with Rabbi Jacob Luski, D.D. and Hazzan David Sislen officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park, Largo, Florida. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg is serving the family. The family suggests memorial donationsin lieu of flowers, be made to the Easter Seal Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Service Information