Bernard Berkowitz, 94, of Guilford, formerly of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and West Orange, New Jersey, died peacefully on Nov. 23 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden. He was the loving husband of 72 years to his childhood sweetheart Mildred Berkowitz.  Bernie, as he was affectionately called, was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, and was the last surviving member of a family of 10 children.  He was also one of the vanishing members of the ‘Greatest Generation’ that fought valiantly and humbly in World War II. As breathtaking as his wartime accomplishments were, he rarely talked about them and did so only begrudgingly when a family member pleaded in the name of recorded history.  

A non-commissioned infantry officer in armored field artillery, he fought in four major campaigns, including Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, Southern France and the Rhineland.  Bernie served as a ground observer in forward positions in many battles at great risk to his life and, as head of the Reconnaissance Section of his Unit, he flew in 135 highly dangerous reconnaissance missions.  His decorations were countless, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, American Defense Service and Good Conduct, and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medals. 

A man of peace, who considered his job done when the war ended in victory, he turned down a promotion as a commissioned officer to return to civilian life where he devotedly raised a family and pursued an exemplary career as a real estate property manager. In his last job before retirement he was property manager for Coop City, the largest cooperative apartment building complex in the world. He was a very kind, gentle, and fair man, and he will be sorely missed.

Besides his beloved wife, he is survived by his son Robert of Guilford, Robert’s companion Joanna Baymiller, his granddaughter Rachel Frentsos and her husband Jerry, his great-granddaughter Maggie Frentsos, and his great-grandson Max Frentsos, all of Annapolis, Maryland. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends too numerous to name.  

A private graveside funeral with a military detail took place on Nov. 26 at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, New Jersey. A “celebration of life” memorial will be held sometime after the New Year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut Annual Appeal, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.