Obituary of Bernard Joseph Berkowitz
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Bernard Joseph Berkowitz, affectionately known as "Bernie," and as "Boppi" by his grandchildren, passed away Monday afternoon at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ following an extended illness. He was 81.
Born in Newark, NJ, Bernie was raised in Union, NJ and had also lived in Boston, MA, before coming to Parsippany, NJ in 1973.
He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University in 1967, and subsequently earned his Juris Doctorate from the Suffolk Law School in 1970.
Bernie met his wife, the former Barbara Jean Haddock in Boston where they both worked at a law firm. After their 2 year courtship, the couple were married on November 25, 1970 and shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.
Mr. Berkowitz began his private practice, Bernard J. Berkowitz, Attorney at Law in Parsippany, NJ in 1977. He later partnered to form Berkowitz & Raiken in Montville Township, NJ where he remained for 15 years before his retirement in 2013.
Bernie loved the law. He was proud to have served as a Municipal Court Judge with the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Borough of Rockaway, and Netcong, NJ for 12 years.
A loving father and wonderful role model for his children, Bernie volunteered as a coach with Par-Troy Little League Baseball, and Softball and Soccer teams. He was an avid supporter and volunteer with the Parsippany High School Marching Band Association.
Civically minded, Bernie was actively involved in the community of Parsippany-Troy Hills, which he loved so much. He was a longtime member and former president of the Parsippany Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs. He served several terms on the Parsippany Board of Education and the Parsippany Board of Adjustment. He had also served as attorney for the Parsippany Planning Board and volunteered at the Parsippany Public Library.
Bernie will be remembered most for his kind and generous spirit, his thoughtfulness and dedication to his family. He loved planning family vacations and sharing the splendor of our country with his children, visiting National Parks and Historic Sites in their childhood. But he also knew how to relax on a cruise or his annual trip to Jensen Beach. He was a lifelong Yankee fan and loved to dance to Neil Diamond or any good song in his living room - as long as it was with his daughter or grandchildren! He was serious and attentive always when it mattered but led life with a sense of humor and joy even when things were hard. His life motto was “Life is too short to take too seriously.”
Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Barbara Berkowitz; his three loving children, Brian Berkowitz of Parsippany, Gail Egan and her husband, John of Rockaway Township, and Mark Berkowitz of Parsippany; a sister, Mindy Harris and her husband, Bruce of Georgia; and four cherished grandchildren who were the joys of his life; Benjamin, Samuel, Hannah, and Daniel Egan. He was preceded by his grandson, Joshua Egan, as well as his two brothers, Cary Berlant and Harley Berlant.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:30pm at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will begin at 12:30pm in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.
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Bernard Berkowitz
1945 - 2026
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