Obituaries

George F. Berz, Sr.

AGAWAM – George F. Berz, Sr., 85, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Veterans Home in Holyoke. He was born in Baltimore MD to the late Michael A. and Wilhelmina M. (Schlemmer) Berz and attended Baltimore schools.

After leaving school George enrolled in the US Air Force where he served from 1960-1964. In that time, he met his wife of 60 years, on a blind date, and they established a family. He realized his love for service to his country and re-enlisted in the US Army in 1965 to 1968. He then transitioned to the US Air Force Reserves in 1973 and served at Westover Air Base until retirement where he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He temporarily returned to active duty from 1990-1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm. When not serving his country George drove a bus for Springfield Transit Management, part of PVTA and retired in 2000 after 32 years. After a few short years of retirement, he returned to work where he drove a school bus for Lecrenski Bros. He was a member of the Local 448 Amalgamated Transit Union, former member K of C Council 100, member of the American Legion 124, and former Boy Scout Master.

George is survived by his beloved wife Katherine (Guay) Berz, his three children, George F. Berz, II of West Springfield, William M. Berz of Florida and Kimberly A. Berz of West Springfield and his grandson Elliott B. Berz of West Springfield.

He was predeceased by his siblings, John M. in 2004, Michael A. in 2004, Joseph M. in 1993, Agnes in 2010 and Barbara in 2023.

His funeral will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, with a Funeral Home Service at 1 p.m. in the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield; burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s name may be directed to the Veterans Home of Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 where he received exceptional care in the final months of his life. www.firtionadams.com

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