WHITE STONE—Jack Berman, 97, of White Stone passed away on February 7, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Kilmarnock.
Jack was born on November 16, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Harry and Bessie Berman. He attended East New York Vocational High School in Brooklyn where, among other things, students trained in boat building.
During World War II, at the age of 16, Jack joined the United States Merchant Marine and served until 1948. He continued his service in the United States Coast Guard from 1949 to 1953 during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
Following his military career, Jack joined the New York City Fire Department in 1953. He served with Engine Company 303 in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens until his retirement in 1975 when he followed his love of the water and sailing to White Stone.
Jack built his own home on Antipoison Creek and, once he had a roof over his head, built a beautiful 34-foot wooden ketch sailboat at Ocran Boatworks, appropriately named PATIENCE. Jack was known for his own quiet patience, ability to single-handedly do anything and easy-going nature.
Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia Caroline Woods Berman; and his second wife, Helen Margaret Aldridge Berman.
He is survived by one step-son, Edward Secore (Thelma) of Duluth, Georgia.
Jack will be missed by his neighbors on Enon Hall Road to whom he was a great friend and the manliest man of all.
Burial will be private.
