Joseph Berish

To Joe Berish, finding happiness in life was rather simple as his formula included two basic ingredients: savoring the beauty contained in each moment and loving those he treasured most. Although these are not difficult concepts to understand, they can be so hard to embrace, but Joe did so masterfully. He was well-known in his community as a successful business owner, due in part to the great pride he took in truly servicing his customers. Joe’s patriotic roots were established from his earliest moments and throughout his life, he remained a true patriot through and through. He was a remarkable man who leaves behind a rich legacy that reflects integrity, passion, and unconditional love.

The end of WWII in 1945 ushered in times of great promise in America as the Great Depression of the thirties had become a thing of the past. Life was returning to a “new normal” for many people and the baby boom was underway. It was in the year 1947 that the World Series was televised for the first time, Miracle on 34th Street warmed the hearts of many, and a United States Air Force captain became the first to exceed the speed of sound. This was a year of great celebration in the family of Joseph and Betty Jean (Telschow) Berish as they welcomed the birth of their son, Joseph, on July 18th. Joe was born on the Chincoteague Naval Air Base in Virginia, and he was actually the first baby to be born on that base. He was also the first of four children in his family, which included siblings Peggy, Michael, and Nancy. Joe was raised in downtown Detroit in an area where the Lodge Freeway is located today. As a young boy he actually witnessed the construction of the freeway and used to play in the enormous mounds of excavated earth while it was being built. When Joe was seven, his family moved to nearby Inkster where he attended local schools. He went on to graduate from Cherry Hill High School in 1965.

With his high school education behind him, life took Joe down a few different roads. He worked as a journeyman carpenter for a time, but it was his personal life that really became quite interesting. Joe was set up on a blind date with a young woman who was a student at the University of Michigan. Her name was Sandra Thurman and when she watched Joe get out of his car from her fifth floor dorm room, she decided that he looked good enough to be her date for the evening. From that fateful evening in 1967, their relationship blossomed into true love. Joe and Sandra exchanged their vows on May 24, 1970, in Vicksburg United Methodist Church. The newlyweds settled in Romulus where Sandra taught art at the high school in Saline.

In 1972, Joe’s career went in a different direction when he became the owner operator of Avenue Food and Beverage in downtown Kalamazoo, which was across from his father-in-law’s restaurant. In 1986, Joe opened an Oliver’s Pizza franchise within the convenience store. In 1988, he opened yet another pizza store on West Main Street in Kalamazoo and his businesses were his passion. Joe owned the convenience store for 22 years altogether.

Although his businesses were certainly a cornerstone in his life, his family was also a driving force. He and Sandra were blessed with two wonderful children: Joe and Stephanie. Joe was active in the lives of his children in a variety of ways as they were growing up. They were involved in sports, and Joe was present so much of the time whether it was watching practices or games, or actually coaching. Through the years he was involved in Little League baseball, volleyball, golf, AYSO soccer, and track. Some of Joe’s favorite times to spend with his family were on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. In fact, Joe loved to be in his chair with his family all around on Christmas Eve more than anywhere else he could be.

Joe's love of family didn't stop with just his wife and children. He maintained very close and loving relationships with not only his siblings, but both of his mothers' in law; Margaret Noble and Betty Thurman. Beyond that, Joe truly relished in being a grandfather. His energy and enthusiasm seemed to increase as his grandsons, Abram and Willson, began to grow up and he was able to play, wrestle and spoil them as only grandparents can do.

When it came to other interests, Joe had a few of those as well. He was an avid University Of Michigan football fan who loved cheering on the maize and blue. Joe loved spending time in his swimming pool, especially just floating around. He was an animal lover who always had a dog. Currently, Joe enjoyed the companionship of his Great Dane, Wyatt.

As much as Joe loved to talk University of Michigan sports and argue politics, he loved recalling both of his children's weddings even more. He walked his daughter Stephanie down the aisle and we welcomed John Eckley to the Berish family. Then a year ago he danced at his son's wedding and Erin Torrone became Erin Berish. He was known to brag about all of their accomplishments and was so happy to see his children married to such wonderful people as John and Erin.

One of the things that made Joe such an extraordinary man was his ability to find joy in the simple things in life. He loved the mornings and the opportunities that each new day brings. On one particular morning, he was standing in front of his store, sweeping off the entryway. While breathing is the splendor of the sunrise that morning, he began counting his blessings, which included his marriage, his business, and his family. In that moment and many more, Joe truly felt he had it all.

With so much love to give, Joseph Berish touched the hearts of so many within his reach. He was tender-hearted, giving, and truly content with the life he led. Joe was committed to operating his successful businesses, yet his true heartbeat was for his family. It is his family who will be the lasting footprint he leaves behind. Joe will be remembered fondly and dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Joe Berish of Kalamazoo died Tuesday Feb. 9, 2010 after a long illness. Joe’s family includes his wife, Sandra; children, Joe (Erin) Berish of Ferndale, Stephanie (John) Eckley of East Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Abram “Rock” Eckley, Willson “Danger” Eckley; sister, Peggy (Greg) Hill; brother, Michael Berish; very close friends, Dan (Linda) Osterhouse, Ken Zdral and Nancy Wright. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Nancy Bagley. Learn more about Joe, view his life story film, and spend time with his family and friends sharing refreshments and reminiscing at an open house from 12:00 noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 20 at Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook online before coming to the funeral home.