Bay Shore Schools Mourns Loss Of Longtime Board Member

Jerry G. Berka, a longtime supporter of public education and the Bay Shore-Brightwaters community, has died, the Bay Shore School District announced on Friday.

Berka served 14 terms on the Board of Education for a total of 42 years.

He was born in Bay Shore and graduated from Bay Shore High School in 1959 as Valedictorian.

Following his graduation he attended Wesleyan on a four-year scholarship, where he received his B.A. Degree, graduating cum laude.

He then earned his Doctor of Law Degree (J.D.) via a three-year scholarship at Cornell Law School where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

Always active in the Bay Shore Community, Berka served as Chairman of the Student Aid Fund for the 42 years he served on the Board of Education and awarded $800,000 in scholarships.

During his time on the Board, Bay Shore underwent many changes, including a transformation of the community brought about by a strong partnership between the school district and community members.

In his opinion serving on the School Board was one of the most important endeavors a citizen can undertake.

He was a strong believer that children represent our hope for the future. He understood the community school connection and his presence on the Board provided a sense of history and stability.

In 2005, the Bay Shore Schools’ Administrative Offices were renamed in his honor in recognition of his many years of service to Bay Shore Schools.

In addition to his service to the district, Berka was a well-respected attorney and community member.

He served as a Staff Judge Advocate in the United States Navy and founded the Bay Shore Historical Society. In 2002, he was elected to the Bay Shore High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for a scholarship in Berka’s name.

Checks can be made payable to Bay Shore School District with “Jerry G. Berka Fund” in the memo line. They should be sent to Nadine Summers, Bay Shore School District Clerk at the Jerry G. Berka Administration Building, 75 West Perkal Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706.

Info via Bay Shore School District

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