Donald C. Berwick
Donald C. Berwick, 82, passed away February 24, 2015, at the James Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL. Donald was born July 31, 1932, in Lawrence, MA. In 1937, along with his family, he moved to Plainfield, NH, where he attended grammar school. In 1945 Donald enrolled at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, from which he graduated in 1949, as well as a post graduate in 1950. Following graduation Mr. Berwick continued his education at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1954 with an AB degree. After spending one year at the Tuck School of Business Administration, he entered the United States Army and served two years in Germany, being honorably discharged in 1956. In 1957, Donald joined his father in the family business, Berwick & Sons, Inc. and became president in 1965 following his father’s retirement. He formed B & S Leasing Corp. in 1967 and became president and general manager of this corporation as well. After moving to Florida, Don worked for Melkus, Fleming & Glutierrize Law Office for ten years in Brandon and loved every minute of it.
In 1961, Donald married Virginia Rose of Paramus, NJ, a Tufts University graduate. They are the parents of four children, Donald Jr. '79, John, Deborah '84, and Kathleen '85. Virginia Berwick has taken an active role in both family-owned corporations with her husband. In 1991, D & J Transport Inc. was formed by Donald Berwick Jr. and John Berwick, the two sons, and they took over the operations and ICC rights of Berwick & Sons Inc.
Donald was an active member and supporter of the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Football Game Inc. for over 30 years. This is a highly successful fundraiser for the Shriners Hospital for crippled and burned children that raised over three and a half million dollars in the years Mr. Berwick was involved. Donald also served as an officer in the Bektash Temple of the Shrine in New Hampshire and was Potentate of all New Hampshire Shriners in 1994. He is past president of the White River Lions Club, a member of the Imperial Shrine Athletic Committee, a group that regulates and guides Shrine athletic events throughout the country, a member of the Imperial Shrine Marshall Aides Committee, and has held offices in the Town of Plainfield.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Louise Berwick (Bushold) and daughter Kathleen Berwick Boisvert. He is survived by his wife Virginia Berwick of 54 years, brother Harry James Berwick; sons Donald Berwick Jr., John Berwick, daughter Deborah Carl, and son-in-law David Boisvert.
