Jacob B. “Jack” Berkson, 91, passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at Sommerford Place, Hagerstown.
Born December 6, 1925, in Hagerstown, he was a son of the late Meyer and Ida Evelyn Berman Berkson.
Jack led a life of service to all who knew him. He served his country in the Navy as a JAG in the Korean theater and in the federal government, his religion as a committed Jew and member of Congregation B’nai Abraham, and his community as a lifelong Hagerstown resident.
As an attorney, judge and citizen, he was a pillar of Hagerstown and closely involved in the town’s politics and daily life. He had a passion for social justice and the environment, authoring the book A Canary’s Tale.
Jack was a member of the Elks Lodge#378, and Hagerstown Lions Club.
He was a loving father to Susan Berkson of Rockville, and James Berkson of Ellicott City; and a devoted grandfather of Joel, Randy and Torrey. He is also survived by his brother, Barry Berkson of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Besides his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son Daniel.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, 12:00 pm, at Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, 40 E. Antietam St., Hagerstown. Rabbi Ariel D. Plost will officiate. Burial will follow at B’nai Abraham Cemetery, 17517 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, and reception at the Congregation, 53 E. Baltimore St., Hagerstown.
The omission of flowers is requested. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rachel Carson Council, 8600 Irvington Ave., Bethesda MD 20817.
