Westford Loses Jerry Berkowitz, a War Hero and Public Servant

Westford lost a decorated war hero and extraordinarily involved public servant earlier this month.

Jerry Berkowitz died Feb. 3 at the age of 77.

Small in stature, he left a towering legacy. He flew more than 100 combat missions in Vietnam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star for his heroics.

He settled in Westford, where he served on the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee, among other organizations. He was married to his wife, Virginia, for over fifty years.

Westford Town Moderator Ellen Harde said Berkowitz was an energetic, optimistic town official who worked hard to simplify the workings of town government for the public to understand.

"He helped (people) understand in layman's terms how the town's finances work," Harde said. "That's invaluable."

Berkowitz simplified finance committee reports, which are still presented in his way today.

Current Selectman Robert Jefferies expressed his sorrow to Berkowitz's family at a recent meeting. Jefferies said he tried to model himself after Berkowitz.

According to his obituary:

• He enlisted in Air Force at the age of 17 in 1951
• He flew more than 100 combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal.
• He retired from the Air Force in 1980 as a colonel
• He worked for another 30 years as a systems engineer for a variety of civilian contractors and was employed by Jacobs Technology at the time of his death
• He served on the Westford Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Capital Outlay Committee and Council on Aging
• He was a member of Westford's St. Catherines Church, where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister
• He enjoyed fishing with his sons and son-in-law and playing bridge with friends

Berkowitz will be bured at the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in the spring.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital.