Obituary of Dr. John Jerry Berek

BEREK, Dr. John J. 

November 10, 1942-December 6, 2021 

John passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Colleen (Dr. C. McMullin), and daughters, Meghan (Eric Kolowicz) and Caelin. Loving “Papa” to Carsyn and Brinley Kolowicz and honorary Grandpa to Emma and Liam McMullin. Cherished son-in-law of June St. Pierre and the late Ronald St. Pierre (2002). Dearly valued brother-in-law to Michael and Cheryl Rieder and Roger and Caron Geier. Beloved uncle of Matt (Kathleen), Scott (Molly), Eric (Julie), Ethan (Taryn) and Dylan. Dear friend of Mary Beth Haber-Gibson, Donald Rudzinski and John Samuel-Rousell. John was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Zaccari and brother, Joseph Zaccari. 

John began his professional life as a Jesuit Seminarian teaching the Classics in Latin and Greek at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, OH, where he embraced the Jesuit educational philosophy of “A Man for Others.” Upon completion of his PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, John continued to commit himself to a life of service to others as Head Psychologist of the former Windsor Board of Education, Psychologist at the Windsor-Essex Catholic Board of Education, and lastly Psychologist at Ontario Probation and Parole in the Windsor-Essex area where concurrently he served as Psychologist with Apex Behavioral Health (Dearborn, MI) as well as in his private practice.  

With utmost gratitude, the family wishes to commend the outstanding efforts and support of the people of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex, the LIHN, Bayshore HealthCare, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, CarePartners, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, the London Regional Cancer Program, and the office of Dr. David Bridgeo. Words cannot begin to express our appreciation for the unwavering presence of family and friends – the kindness you expressed through your compassion and generosity will be forever cherished. 

Visitation at Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E., on Friday, December 10, 2021, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Service will be held at 8 p.m. in the chapel. Reservations are required to attend the chapel service. Please call Windsor Chapel 519-253-7234 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to book your reservation. Cremation to follow. Interment will take place at St. Anne's cemetery, at a later date.

John’s expressed legacy was to inspire kindness toward others. In lieu of flowers, random acts of kindness or donations to The Hospice of Windsor and Essex or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada would be appreciated. 

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com