Joseph 'Joe' S. Berkowitz

Joseph Joe S. Berkowitz, 83, of Danville, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville. Joe was born on September 25, 1924 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Isadore and Belle Hyman Berkowitz. He married Arminda Danner, a long time acquaintance, on October 27, 1998 in Danville. She survives. He is also survived by his one step-son-Steve W. Danner of Mattoon, Illinois; one step-granddaughter- Kathryn Pinkston of Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and was an only child. Joes family arrived in Danville in 1927, to set up the family business of Berkowitz Luggage. The 3 year old Joe grew up to run the family store and added pianos, organs and keyboards in 1962 making the store Berkowitz Luggage and Music. He ran the store full time since 1949 to 1986 after the U.S. Army and college and a six month tour with the Wayne Karr Orchestra out of Champaign. He began his piano training at age 7 and had his own recital at 16 in the St. James Parlor with seven classic presentations. His college education included DePaux University at Lafayette, Indiana and later graduated from the University of Illinois. While at the University of Illinois he continued playing the trombone in their band that he started in the Danville Schools and later was a trombone player in the Danville City Band. His interest in dance bands started in high school where he formed his own dance band. His career as a musician included solo work at the keyboard in many restaurants in the area providing dinner music. He was a member of the Congregation Israel Synagogue and attended the Hillery Assembly of God. He was also a member of the YMCA and Danville Tennis Club. He maintained an interest in tennis, weight lifting and body building throughout his lifetime. A Celebration of the Life of Joseph S. Berkowitz will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, with Pastor Kenneth Young officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Museum. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.