Thomas K. Berkman, age 68 years, of Alexandria Township, NJ, died suddenly on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born on July 10, 1954, in Allentown, PA, as the beloved son of Jacqueline Fahs Berkman and the late Samuel Berkman, Tom spent his early years in Kansas City, MO and Lowell, MA. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1976 and went on to have a successful 22-year career in the hotel industry and lived in many different locations throughout the country after finally settling in New Jersey in 1991.

A compassionate, charitable, generous, larger than life human with a loving sense of humor, Tom will forever be remembered as an adored husband and best friend, a proud and devoted father, a doting son, a faithful brother and uncle, and a pioneer and leader in his profession, who thought of his employees not as a staff, but rather as his extended family whom he loved dearly.

Over twenty-five years ago, Tom brought to life the idea of his company – THS (Tournament Housing Services Company). Tom’s unique style of leadership, together with his relentless drive and boundless creativity, led him to foster a company culture that was second to none. His belief in integrity, honesty, compassion, and generosity – values instilled in him since childhood – remained his beacon in both business and personal life.

In every gesture and word, he demonstrated his commitment to those virtues, radiating positivity and inspiring others to channel their unique talents for the greater good. A selfless benefactor, Tom asked nothing in return, but to perpetuate the cycle of kindness and generosity.

Tom’s unwavering support for people he loved, and all the people he’s helped, left a profound impact on countless lives.

When not working, Tom’s energies were devoted to his family and children. He was a proud dad, who loved all his children unconditionally and always believed they could achieve anything.

With many hobbies and interests, being a “Foodie” was near the top of Tom’s list of things he enjoyed. He knew all the best places to eat, and loved to entertain family and friends with his superb culinary skills. A seasoned traveler, he reveled in the natural beauty of destinations like the tranquil coast of Maine, the best city in the world – New York City, as well as mountains and the beach.

Tom was a huge fan of Broadway musicals and played the piano from a young age. He loved hosting family, friends and clients in New York City and was always excited to introduce people to the enchanted world of musical theater, sharing his favorite Broadway shows such as Wicked, Rent, Spring Awakening, Jersey Boys, Jekyll & Hyde, Les Misérables, and so many countless others. Prior to his untimely passing, Tom was blessed to get the chance to see his youngest children’s faces light up as they experienced the magic of their first Broadway show – Aladdin.

With music holding such a special place in his heart, Tom was a big fan of rock music from the 1970’s and loved listening to Chicago, Boston, Steely Dan, Elton John and others. He also collected Carnival glass and autographed memorabilia, which he proudly displayed for all to enjoy. Above all else though, his favorite hobby was simply being with people and enjoying the little things in life, which he knew, were truly the big things.

The psychiatrist Viktor Frankl once wrote, “We cannot judge a biography by its length. Nor by the number of pages in it. We must judge it by the richness of its contents. Sometimes those unfinished are among the most poignant. We can not judge a song by its duration. Nor by the number of its notes. We must judge it by the way it touches and lifts our souls. Sometimes those unfinished are among the most beautiful. And when something has enriched your life. And when its melody lingers on in your heart. Is it unfinished? Or is it endless?”

Though Tom’s death came suddenly and unexpectedly, the life he lived truly  touched the souls of all with whom he came into contact…his love and generosity will surely live on through these souls and inspire people to treat others with just a bit more love and compassion, the way Tom lived, and lives…

Surviving are his loving wife, Dasha Berkman; his children, Spencer Berkman, and Sophie Berkman; Kyle Berkman and his wife, Mari Corominas-Berkman, Kelly Dilliard and her husband, Chad, Carrie DeWilliams and her husband, Phil, his grandson, Felix; his mother, Jacqueline Berkman; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Michelle Berkman; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Tom Borkman; his faithful feline companion, Matilda; several extended family members; his devoted and dedicated THS family; and many dear friends.

In the quiet pause of his passing, we find solace in knowing that his was a life beautifully lived and generously shared. And in his memory, we find the strength to continue his enduring song – to help those in need, to inspire and uplift, and to treasure every moment as Tom did.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of this most amazing soul on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Life celebration services officiated by Certified Life Celebrant D.J. Wright will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home and to which all are welcome.

Interment will be private.

You are encouraged to visit Tom’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, via mail to 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking HERE. As Tom loved children, this charity was very dear and close to his heart. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by his family.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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