Edward was born in Chicago Illinois on June 1st 1937. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and continued on to receive a pharmacist degree from the University of Illinois Chicago on June 19th 1959.
Edward was married to Bette (Bowen) Berke on October 31st 1959 in Chicago; they were married 36 years until Bette’s passing in 1996. Edward was later re-married to Lois (Hamilton) Berke on May 20th 1999 in Raleigh, NC and was married for 25 years.
Edward’s career as a pharmacist lasted for more than 50 years. He enjoyed reading, telling jokes, walking, hockey, volunteering, classical music, the orchestra, theatre, fine dining, the beach, and most of all his family. He also actively volunteered in his community as a Catechism teacher, museum tour guide, delivering eucharist to the infirmed, helping underprivileged people with taxes and provided grade school tutoring for reading and math.
Edward is survived by Spouse Lois (Hamilton) Berke, Children Michael E. Berke (Robin), Amy E. (Berke) McGillivray (Daniel), Step children Lisa (Richard), Laura (Michael), Leonard (Lisa), Linda; Grandchildren, Cassandra, April, Ryan, Sarah (Thomas), Keara, Miguel, Amanda (Robert), Cameron, Gabrielle (Anthony), Emily (Michael), Sarah (Steven), Olivia, Laura (Branden); Great Grandchildren, Victoria, Sophia, Abigail, Mackenzie, Meghan, Mason, Anthony, Ella, Noah, Carmine, Ashton, Maddix, Zachary.
Edward is preceded in death by Spouse Bette (Bowen) Berke, his mother Betty (McMahon) Lacey, Stepfather Henry C. Lacey, and brother James Berke.
The celebration of life will be held on 4/29/24 at 10:00am. at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC. 27609, with Father Sam officiating. An 11:30am graveside committal will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC. 27601.
Visitation will be held on 4/28/24 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC.27609.
Blessed are those who were able to, at some point in these past 86 years, share in his humor, puns, “go-to” sayings, wisdom, civility, knowledge, compassion, love and grace.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6