Jerry Berkowitz passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2014.
Jerry requested no service; however, a celebration of his life is to take place between 2 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Oakwood Country Club. Donations may be made to one of Jerry’s many beloved organizations: Young Audiences (5601 Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO 64113; or The Nelson, the Decorative Arts Department (4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64111).
Jerry was born in 1928 in Leavenworth, Kan., to Sarah and Barney Berkowitz. He was the oldest of his two siblings: Carol Hadesman and Lawrence (Barney) Berkowitz. Jerry was a graduate of the University of Illinois and immediately became involved in the clothing industry, establishing the Mister Guy clothing chain.
Jerry was a lover of and dedicated himself to the arts, to civil rights causes and his love of travel. He was a member of many boards, including the Philharmonic and he was a founding member of the Friends of Chamber Music. Jerry was a man of true intelligence and imagination, a real renaissance man. He loved his family and friends and had an unwavering sense of fairness.
Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie; and brothers-in-law, Ed Rosen and Eddie Hadesman.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lennie; his children, Lee Berkowitz of Imperial Beach, Calif., Gail Berkowitz-Gifford and her husband Robin Gifford and John Berkowitz and his wife Debbie; his grandchildren, Jake Gifford, Katie Gifford Robinson and her husband Jason, Sarah Berkowitz and Aaron Berkowitz; brother and sister-in-law, Barney and Ursula Berkowitz; sister, Carol Hadesman; and sister-in-law, Elise Rosen. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, all who were forever touched by Jerry, also survive.
Online condolences may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.
Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.