Dennis Philip Berk, M.D. of Concord, MA, passed away on September 23, 2023 after a brief illness, at the age of 85.
He was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 16, 1937 to David and Vern (Winter) Berk. Dennis enjoyed swimming, lifeguarding, and other sports at Klode Park in Whitefish Bay, WI and was a state-ranked diver and golfer at Whitefish Bay High School. Dennis graduated from Yale in 1959 and Cornell Medical School in 1963. This was followed by gastroenterology Internship and Residencies in Madison, WI, Los Angeles, CA, and Tufts Medical School, Boston, MA.
He then served two years in the US Army Medical Corps in South Korea and at Ft. Devens, MA. Dennis established and developed the first gastroenterology service at Emerson Hospital in Concord, pioneering the Commonwealth’s second gastroscope there. He continued to practice internal medicine and gastroenterology at Emerson Hospital for 45 years. He deeply valued the care of his many patients.
Dennis was married to his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Trull) Berk, for 49 years. They shared many passions over their life together, including visiting Caribbean islands, playing golf and tennis, and skiing at Okemo Mountain from their home in Ludlow, VT. Dennis emphasized the importance of education and service to his family.
In addition to his wife, he was loved by his daughter Carolyn Berk and granddaughter Zoey of Ludlow, VT and his son Christopher Berk, his wife Madeleine Levin, and grandson Benjamin of Auburn, AL. He is also survived by his older brother, Ronald Berk, several first cousins, and extended family. He was an especially proud Papa to his grandchildren and was constantly amazed by them.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Dr. Dennis Berk’s life at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord, MA on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11 am. The service will be live streamed, and a link will be shared on Dee Funeral Home’s website.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Minute Man Arc, 35 Forest Ridge Road, Concord, MA 01742 (www.minutemanarc.org), Okemo Mountain School Scholarship Fund (www.okemomountainschool.org/donate), or to the
Center for Autism, Research, Treatment, and Training at Auburn University (www.auburngiving.org/carttweb).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For his online guestbook and church live stream link, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
