David Joseph Berkeley

David Joseph Berkeley passed into rest 2/28/2026. A quietly strong and heroic presence for his family and friends, David was the very personification of the ideal big brother. His kindness, sense of humor, openness, honesty and love for his wife Brenda made him the “North Star” for all who knew him. The North Star as you may know is the fixed mark in the night sky by which sailors have navigated their boats since ancient times. For all of us who loved him, Dave set the standard of devotion, responsibility and caring to which we can only aspire.

His dear wife Brenda Nyman Berkeley predeceased him by eleven days. He is survived by his brothers Robert John Patrick Berkeley (and his wife Lourdes Berkeley), Dennis Richard Berkeley (and his wife Linda Berkeley) and sisters Catherine Berkeley Gould (and her husband Jerry) and Patricia Berkeley Watson (and her husband James (deceased)).He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who idolized him.

Born December 17, 1943 to Patricia Gretchen Berkeley and David Ludlow Berkeley in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Born while his father was serving in the Army Air Corps overseas in the Second World War. He didn’t meet his father until he was almost three years old and the war was at an end. David was the first of five children in the Berkeley family. He began setting the standard for his siblings early in life as they learned from the Sisters of Saint Joseph at the St Ambrose school who constantly asked them why they could not be as good as their older brother David (the altar boy).

He attended Christopher Columbus High School in Boston. After High School he assumed a coveted position with New England Telephone and worked there until he was offered early retirement at the age of 52. The next thirty years gave him the opportunity to pursue all the things he loved, and they were many. As a young man he had hitchhiked across Europe and he and Brenda loved to travel after they were married. They also reveled in cultural pursuits (theater, museums and music) and of course spending time with friends and family.

Dave was the leader of the pack for his siblings. They followed him and learned from his example. In his life he always stepped up and did what was needed without being asked and with never a complaint. This was exemplified by the way he took care of the women in his life. He took most of his lunch hours from work to care for his grandmother and in later years he would do the same for his aunt Gigi, his mother and his wife Brenda.

In his youth Dave was a bodybuilder at 6’5’ 275 lbs he was formidable! He took up running in his 30’s and loved to work out, belonging to a couple of gyms till the end. 60’s music was a passion too. He enjoyed Little Richard, James Brown and Elvis Presley his whole life even teaching his younger sisters to “do the twist” to Blue Suede Shoes.

He loved reading and was well read on numerous disciplines from Mad Magazine to Buddhist philosophy!

David was the whole package. He took care of developing himself physically, mentally, emotionally, artistically and spiritually. He embraced Judaism as he did Brenda - with his whole heart and soul. He learned to read and write Hebrew to be able to partake with great knowledge in weekly services and Jewish communal life celebrating with many friends at his home for all the holidays. He had a complete and happy life. He had the love of his life and he was much loved - by so many family and friends over the years.

He was a wonderful person, cherished by everyone who knew him - a rare soul of whom not a single unkind word was ever spoken. Beloved by all - he truly had no enemies. His warmth touched everyone he met. His was a contented life, well-lived without regrets. He will be dearly missed by so many.

Here is a tribute written by his nephews, David and Jesse Gould:

Uncle David was an extraordinary man who showed us what real compassion looks like—especially through his deep, unwavering love for Auntie Brenda. No matter how tough things got for him, he was always there for her, steadfast and supportive, never once complaining. We treasure memories of him and Auntie Brenda babysitting us—those joyful breakfasts at Johnny’s Diner near home, filled with pancakes and warmth.

A talented artist, he’d draw with us for hours, helping create our own comics and sparking our creativity. From day one, he showered us with kindness, patience, and love—never missing a birthday or holiday without thoughtful gifts for David and me.

Stoic yet strong, he led by example, showing quiet integrity and grace. We’ll always remember riding up front in his gleaming red Lincoln (long before we should!), windows down, feeling on top of the world. Cozy nights watching classic cowboy Westerns from decades past were pure magic.

Visits to them in Revere were special too—Uncle David always kept plenty of chilled Coca-Cola ready just for us, a simple treat that made us feel so welcomed.

He may not have been the Lincoln lawyer—but he was our Lincoln uncle. Full of understated passion and cool composure, he lived life beautifully. These memories and his gentle lessons will stay with us forever.