Obituary of Richard S. Berkson

Richard S. Berkson, of Albany, passed away Sunday morning, October 16, 2011 at Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Berkson was 81 years old. Born in Buffalo, NY on January 14, 1930, he was the son of the late Harry Lionel Berkson and the late Rose Sodikman Berkson. Mr. Berkson was the loving husband of Greta Benjamin Berkson, also formerly of Buffalo, and the brother of the late David Alan Berkson, MD, of Northridge, California. Dick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, and a Master of Arts Degree in Communications from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Communications. He served in the United States Army in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict, from 1954 to 1956. During his service he was a recognized voice of the F.E.N.O., the Far-East Network. Dick began his broadcasting career in television production in 1952, working as a director for a television station in Buffalo, NY. Following his military service, Dick returned to Buffalo where he worked for a number of advertising agencies. He then began his association with WKBW-TV in Buffalo, and subsequently worked for WKBW Radio, one of the first holdings of Capital Cities Broadcasting. Dick rose through the ranks of Capital Cities, moving his family to Providence, RI, where he was General Sales Manager of WPRO AM/FM. He was then promoted to General Sales Manager of WROW AM/FM in Albany. After more than 20 years with Cap Cities, Dick joined WQBK AM/FM as Sales Manager, and subsequently purchased WQBK AM/FM, where he was President and General Manager. After five years, Dick sold the stations and retired. He came out of retirement to work for three years as General Sales Manager of WGY/WGFM before retiring in 1993. Dick was very active in the Albany business community and with the Albany Ad Club where he held the successive positions of Secretary, Second Vice President and First Vice President during the years 1976 - 1978 before serving as President of the Ad Club from 1981-82. Dick was recognized for his service to the Ad Club and his volunteerism in the Capital District when he was designated as the recipient of the Ad Club Distinguished Service Award in 1985-86. Dick was an active member of Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, serving on committees and the Board of Trustees. He was also involved for many years with the Boston Symphony Association of Volunteers at Tanglewood, where he worked in development for the Association and served as chairman of the Tour Guides program. Dick had many hobbies and interests. Among them, he was an accomplished cartoonist, photographer and writer, most recently participating in a local writing group. Known and loved for his kindness, his sense of humor, his wit and creativity, his keen mind and playful nature, Dick was admired by family, friends, colleagues and competitors alike. He was a devoted and respected mentor to many associates. Above all, he was a man of great humility who cherished and lived the ideals of fairness, honesty, and compassion. In addition to his wife, Greta, Dick is survived by his daughter, Laura Ein Berkson and her wife, Penelope Weishaar, of Boston, Massachusetts; his daughter Amy Berkson Martin and son-in-law Terence Martin of Harrison, NY; his grand-daughter Hallie Rose Berkson-Gold and his grandson Asher Chase Berkson-Gold both of Harrison, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be observed Wednesday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, Albany, NY. Burial and graveside service will be held at Temple Beth El Cemetery, Buffalo, NY on Sunday, October 23. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dick's memory to Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital and to the Education Fund at Congregation Beth Emeth, both in Albany. May the memory of Dick Berkson forever be a blessing.