Jerry H. Berke

CAPE ELIZABETH – A beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend passed away on June 12, 2026. He was surrounded by family who cherished him as he took his final breath. In a fitting tribute to a life so well lived, there was literally standing-room-only at his bedside.

Indeed, Dr. Berke’s life was a master class in how to live well.

He loved his family, and extended family, unconditionally. He treasured his wife, Rosie, and adored his daughters, Anna and Elly. He shared his good fortune through generosity, kindness, and humor. Whether you were one of his hundreds of patients or a member of his expansive family, Jerry had a gift for making you feel safe and seen, and putting a smile on your face. A critical thinker, Jerry approached the world with friendliness and curiosity, saw the complexity in global issues, and was never quick to judge.

Born and raised in Antioch, Ill., Jerry graduated from the accelerated undergraduate-medical school program at the University of Chicago in 1971 and later earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan. He built a distinguished career in medicine that took him from Upstate New York to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and the Boston suburbs. Along the way, he served as Global Director of Medicine and Toxicology for W.R. Grace, Medical Director of AllOne Health Resources, and a consultant in occupational medicine.

In Acton, Mass., where Jerry and Rosie raised their family, they were founding members of the Windsor Ave Progressive Dinner gang and the “POD.” They camped at the “beautiful site,” cycled country roads, hosted the annual Windsor Avenue Block Party, and helped launch the West Acton Farmers Market. Jerry was an award-winning clay shooter; an avid hunter, fisherman, and woodworker; trained loyal hunting dogs; and led friends and family on adventures close to home and around the world. He studied Spanish, traveled on medical missions to Central America, once with Anna, and volunteered in hospice care.

In Cape Elizabeth, Jerry and Rosie built a home-base for an active life on the coast and in the mountains. They filled their home with old friends, new friends, and a steady stream of family. Jerry was delighted to become “Papa” to Teddy and Sybil, and they were fortunate to live nearby, sharing precious time with him at Sugarloaf, Belgrade Lakes, and around the firepit.

Jerry was a master of dad jokes and puns and could riff with the best of them, even as he lived with advanced Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body dementia. His wonderful caregivers at The Cedars and Andwell Health Partners laughed with him every day. His family is grateful for the loving care he received from them and for the community they built there.

May Jerry’s memory forever be a blessing.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 26 at the Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101.

Donations in Jerry’s honor can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation for its pursuit of a cure for PD or to The Samuel L. Cohen Households at The Cedars for the care they provide to individuals in need of memory care and to their families.