Obituary of Ward Berkey

Commander Ward L. Berkey, USN, Retired, age 86, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2009. He was born in Johnstown, PA, in 1922, the oldest of three brothers. He began his naval aviation career in December, 1942. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with 3 gold stars. He took part in the first carrier air strikes against Tokyo as a fighter pilot flying aboard the USS Langley in February 1945. During his naval aviation career he was also a LSO (Landing Signal Officer) and helicopter pilot, as well as a piston and jet fighter pilot. After retiring from the Navy in 1970, he worked for the city of Jacksonville for several years. He was very active in Christ the King Catholic Church. He was on various committees including the stewardship committee for many years, and earned the 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his brother Kerry Berkey and first wife Anna Berkey. Ward is survived by his wife Grace Keys Berkey; children Bonnie Frazer, Terry and Jeffrey Berkey; stepsons Marcus, Vernon and David Keys; brother Wayne Berkey and eleven grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 19, 2009 at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 742 Arlington Rd N, Jacksonville FL, 32211 or the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville FL, 32257.