Harold Berc Obituary

Berc, Harold T. Chicago attorney for over 60 years. He was Past National Commander of AMVETS, Past President of the City Club of Chicago, and Past President of the Decalogue Society of Lawyers. For many years, he was an American Delegate to the General Assemblies of the World Veteran's Federation. He was also a member of the American, Illinois, Chicago and 7th Federal Circuit Bar Associations. He served on the local board of the United Nations Association as well as on the board of the Northwestern Club of Chicago. He is also an alumnus of DePaul University. For many years he was Of Counsel with the law firm of Carroll & Sain. From 1930 to 1938, he was employed by Universal-International News Service and was a charter member of the Old Chicago Press Club. He has been a Board member of the Chicago Press Veterans Association for many years and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Mr. Berc saw service in action during World War II as a naval officer. He participated in 10 major naval engagements aboard Battleship Washington and the Anti-Aircraft Cruiser Reno. He was awarded the Combat Bronze Star for services rendered in providing aerial protection for the carrier Princeton when that warship was under repeated enemy attack. He concluded services as the Training Officer of the Naval Officers Tactical Radar School in Hollywood, Florida. During his command of Amvets in 1960, Berc was instrumental in establishing a concept of Burial Allowance for the 1102 men entombed in the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. This conception, which was publicly adhered to by President Eisenhower, led to a congressional appropriation which assured completion of the Arizona Memorial as it is now established. He was also instrumental in establishing the USS Chicago Anchor Memorial at the East End of Navy Pier, which bears his name. Mr. Berc's involvement in veteran's service includes membership in the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Naval organizations. In 2002, a collection of his writings entitled "Short Sea Sagas" was published. He was the husband of the late Shirley R. Berc (Meyerovitz-Zatz-Fadim) and the late Mary E. Amtman Berc, the son of the late Sarah and Abraham Berc, the brother of late Judge Lionel J. Berc (Anne), the brother of the late sister Audrey Abrams (Allen). He is also survived by many loved nieces, nephews and as well as by his special friend and stepson James B. Fadim (Melissa Sage). Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 10:30 AM at the Piser Chapel, 9200 N. Skokie Blvd. (at Church Street) Skokie, Private Interment at Westlawn Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to the charity of the sender's choice. For information: Piser Funeral Service 847-679-4740 or www.piserfuneralservices.com