John Michael Berkley

John Michael Berkley –May 3, 1961 – November 2, 2023

~Lovingly written by John’s spouse, Richard~

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Michael Berkley, a loving husband, dedicated professional, and cherished friend. John's vibrant spirit and kind heart touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. John and I were blessed to have spent 28 wonderful years together, with 27 of those years spent in marriage.

Our journey began with a memorable trip to Florida, where John proposed, and I initially declined. However, fate had other plans, and we embarked on a beautiful journey that included three ceremonies. We always celebrated our first ceremony in NJ on July 6, 1996, but the love we shared extended far beyond any specific date.

Throughout his life, John lived in various places, starting in Florida before relocating to Castle Rock, CO, where he and Richard spent the last 20 years. They recently built their forever home in Denver, PA, and moved there in June 2023, filled with excitement for the next chapter of their lives. John's professional career was marked by dedication and excellence. He began his journey at NCNB Bank in Tampa, FL, and later transitioned to roles in systems management and information technology at Sunglass Hut and SportsAuthority. For the past seven years, John served as a principal consultant, utilizing his expertise to serve clients for the state of CO. His commitment and passion left a lasting impact on all those he worked with.

Beyond his professional achievements, John had a vibrant array of hobbies and interests. He possessed a love for travel, having explored countries such as Mexico, Europe, and Egypt. When at home, John found joy in spending quality time with Richard and their beloved dogs. He also had a creative side, building intricate Lego sets and crafting beautiful custom bracelets and cards that showcased his artistic talents.

John Michael Berkley will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His warm smile, compassionate nature, and zest for life will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to doxi rescue: https://doxierescue.com/other-ways-to-give/.

Arrangements by Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc, Ephrata. Conlences and messages may be posted to John’s family & friends at www.gravenorhomeforfunerals.com

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM RICHARD~

It is with a very heavy heart that I let you know that we lost an amazing person who was loved

by so many on Thursday, November 2 nd in Philadelphia, PA. John’s passing was unexpected and

there are no words to describe the emptiness that his passing has left behind.

John meant something different to everyone who was in his life, a husband, father, brother,

son, uncle, friend, buddy, mentor, confident, colleague and whatever your relationship was

please know that he cherished every one of them. Please recall your memories with John.

Maybe how you met, a joke, easy banter, trips, but please never forget, and please reflect often

on those to keep his memory alive.

You may or may not have known that John and Richard recently moved to Denver, PA with their

three doxise Tzarina, Reine, and Banrighe. John loves his girls and was so in love with our

forever home, our yard and how peaceful it was sitting in our backyard. John was happy finally

being closer to his family who live in New Jersey.

The week John was in the hospital, Reine ended up in emergency for a second back surgery.

She was at Penn Vet and John was at Penn Medicine, just five blocks from each other. Reine is

home but has a long road ahead and is not self-sufficient. We will be planning a celebration of

life for family and close friends once Reine can be left alone. I will update on details as they

formalize.

What is Love?, written and recited by Richard and John’s friend, Robert White.

Is it truth? Is it trust? Is it faith? Is it respect? Is it growth? Is it belief? Is it companionship? Is it

caring? Is it sharing? Is it friendship?

What is Love?

Love is all those things and so much more, and today we are here as family and friends to

celebrate the love that Richard and John have found in each other.

Love is what you want it to be. Love is what you need it to be. For two people to have found

such love, it has to be a very special gift that each one of them is ready and willing to not only

give, but also receive.

Today we are all witnessing that special gift of love that Richard and John are ready to share

with each other.

Love has a beginning, it has a middle, but has no end, because true love is everlasting.

So I ask again, What is Love?

Love is Richard and John, today, tomorrow, forever!!!

28 years later, the above is still so true and will be until I can see him again,

So many have reached out asking what they can do. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all

the love and support but honestly, there is only one thing I need and that is him. If you are

inclined in lieu of flowers, we are asking that you make donations in John’s honor to Coast to

Coast Dachshund Rescue (CCDR) is a National Non-Profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization

dedicated to rescuing needy Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes from coast to coast. CCDR has

been very successful in achieving the goal to find loving families and forever homes for the dogs

we've taken in.