Wilhelm A. Berkel

OBITUARY

Wilhelm Adolphus Berkel was born in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles to Gladys Berkel on May 7, 1932 and departed on August 3, 2019. He was the first of five children. He went to Prince Bernard School in San Nicolas, Aruba. He grew up as a Seventh-Day Adventist and he knew the Lord. He didn’t play sports but attended and supported numerous events.

He was an apprentice at Lago Oil Refinery and he studied several trades. He loved golfing, carpentry, tiling, and could renew your house in no time. He came to New York in 1959 and worked for Verizon for 30 years as a phone technician.

Wilhelm always had an encouraging word for anyone wanting to better their life. Whatever your goal was he could direct you in the way to get that dream accomplished.

After retiring from Verizon he enjoyed time with his family and loving wife, Jean Berkel of 58 years where they had a prosperous and blessed life together. During retirement he was active with his grands and great grandchildren; Wilhelm loved gardening, planting flowers, and growing vegetables. He had the best egg plants and tomatoes and you better not get caught walking on his lawn.

Wilhelm truly enjoyed life to the fullest and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was truly loved and always willing to help someone in need. Wilhelm will truly be missed. His favorite saying was “Baby it’s Cold Out There”.

He leaves behind his loving wife Jean Berkel; sisters, Sharon Morris, Angelica (BeBe) Morris, Andrena Morris and brother Angel Morris. Children: Joan Berkel, Mario Berkel, Diana Walker, Urline Richardson, Vivian Berkel, and Andre Berkel. Grandchildren: Trenice, Jamaal, DreQuan, Marcus, Ceskia, Francisca, Claudina, Letasha, Tanisha. Great Grandchildren: Moriah, Faith, Jahmari, Isayah, Jemmerio, Demani, K’ayen, and a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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