Obituary of George W. Berkstresser

Bridgewater: George W. Berkstresser, age 71, passed away on Friday June 10, 2016 at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick. Born in Concord MA, George was raised in La Grange IL a suburb of Chicago and resided there until moving to Los Angeles at age 12. Later he moved to New Jersey in 1973 and has been a resident of Bridgewater for many years. George attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA where he studied Chemical Engineering and obtained the highest level of degree. He achieved his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1967, followed by a Master’s Degree in 1969 and lastly completing his Doctorate of Philosophy Chemical Engineering in 1973. During George's 43 year career as a Chemical Engineer he emphasized his work upon crystal growth of oxide materials. His professional career began with Bell Labs in 1973 in the Murray Hill, NJ facility where he accepted a position upon graduating with his PhD in Chemical Engineering from USC. He worked through the corporate transition from Bell Telephone Laboratories, through AT&T Bell Laboratories, to Lucent Technologies. Following the transition he left the corporation to co-found his company Integrated Photonics Inc in 2000 located in Hillsborough NJ. Dispersed through his career are some 46 publications and 6 patents describing his technical productivity. George was an active member of Calvary Chapel Church in Middlesex where he served as an elder since 1996. He enjoyed vacationing with his family at Long Beach Island during the summer. George loved to read and continuously learn new trades.He was a considered a jack of all trades, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. Most of all he loved being with his family, whether it was sharing a dinner at home or just sitting outside with his wife and dog Bella. He is survived by his mother Lucy Berkstresser, his wife of 40 years Joan, three daughters Michele (Chris), Lisa (Bryan) and Nicole. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Jenna, Paige, Zac, Luke and Noah. George is predeceased by his father Perry Berkstresser (1994). Donations may be made in his loving memory to the Calvary Chapel Middlesex; 100 Fairfield Ave Middlesex NJ 08846