Obituary of Richard R. Berkoben

Richard R. Berkoben WW II Veteran - Ex-POW Warren: Mr. Richard R. Berkoben, 85, died Sunday, March 29, 2009 at his daughter's home in Watchung. Born in Jersey City, he resided there before moving to Warren in 1954. Prior to retiring in 1985, Richard was employed as an installer for the New York Telephone Company in Manhattan. He was a WWII Veteran who, while serving in the Air Force, was captured and imprisoned at Stalag Luft IV in Germany. He remained a Prisoner of War until his release in 19 45. Mr. Berkoben was a member of the Warren Lions Club and the Free and Accepted Masons Hiram Lodge #17 in Lyndhurst. He had a passion for woodworking, antiques and a love of animals. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Louise M. De Benedetto Berkoben; a son, Craig Berkoben of Warren; two daughters, Susan Lemme and her husband Bruce of Watchung and Lynn Rosenbauer and her husband Peter of Harding Twp; a nephew, Raymond Berkoben of Westwood; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Roenning, Chelsea and Taylor Rosenbauer and a great grandson, Cameron Roenning. A gathering will be held to celebrate and honor his life on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 2-7 pm with a 4 pm Masonic Service at the home of his daughter, Susan Lemme at 657 Valley Rd., in Watchung. Donations to The Save U.S. Pets Foundation, 657 Valley Rd., Watchung, NJ 07069 would be deeply appreciated.