John J. Berky

John J. Berky, D-Day veteran and microbiologist, died Dec. 23, 2014 at age 90. John was born in Billings, Mont., Nov. 19, 1924. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and was assigned to the "Tough ‘Ombres," officially known as the Texas and Oklahoma 90th Infantry Division. The Tough ‘Ombres landed at Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, now remembered as D-Day. After the war, John earned an undergraduate degree in bacteriology from North Dakota State University in 1950 and a Ph.D. in microbiology from Pennsylvania State University in 1954. In 1958 John moved his family from Chicago, Ill., where he worked at Armour as a food research microbiologist, to Pine Bluff Arsenal. He worked at the arsenal in the Directorate of Biological Operations and the National Center for Toxicological Research until he retired in 1987. After living in Little Rock for 29 years, John and his wife, Helen, moved to Hot Springs, where he could pursue his passion — fishing. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Huddleston, who died June 15, on Father's Day. John leaves his wife of 64 years, Helen Morsch Berky; his children, Mark Berky of Jonesboro and Jacquelyn Berky Connell of Longview, Texas; his grandchildren, John Michael Huddleston and Regina Elizabeth Huddleston, both of Little Rock and his great-grandchildren, Jace and Taryn Huddleston. John's funeral mass is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. Due to the uncertain nature of the holiday season, time and date may change. For those who wish to attend, it is best to verify with Holy Souls business office after Monday, December 29. Call (501) 663-4513. In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to local Alzheimer's charities or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth.