Richard Peter Beruk, cherished husband of 52 years to Mary Lael Mitchell of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2009. Born on December 12, 1937 in Waterbury, CT to Eunice and Peter Beruk, Richard attended Thomaston CT public schools where he first met his future wife in their freshman year of Thomaston High School in Thomaston CT, started dating as juniors, and married during Richards junior year of college. Following Richards graduation from Central CT State College, he and his family moved to the Hudson Valley in New York where he began teaching high school mathematics. After a number of years teaching full-time and attending graduate classes in New York City, he obtained his post Masters and Professional degrees from Columbia University which led him to the path of educational administration. In 1982 he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Upstate New York, a position he retired from in 1997. While visiting one of his children who lived in Greenville NC, he learned of a position at Lenoir Community College in Kinston NC. His LCC family gave him contented employment during his "retirement." It would take a book to note all the accomplishments of this good man. The helping hand he offered to so many of his students we are still learning about today. In his twelve years in Kinston he seemed to know everybody, and everybody was "his daughter" or "son", there was simply enough room in his heart for all. Richard is survived by his wife Mary Lael, children Dana, Cara, Peter, Larisa and Jeffrey. Two children, Ricky and Jenny predeceased the couple in 1975 and 1970 respectively. Eight grandchildren are his pride and joy. Daniel, Andrew, Matthew, Allie, Jack, Olivia, Sophia and Nicholas. He shared his love of discovery and gardening with them all. Our family extends grateful appreciation to Richards caregivers who saw him through his illness, including Dr. Robert Turner, Dr. J. Thomas Lee, (and Jessie), the caring nurses during chemo treatments; Dr. Cynthia Ballanger, and his Hospice home nurse Gina Riggs (who pulled off the miracle of getting him into Kitty Askins Hospice). Also appreciated is the therapy rendered by Greene Regional Home Health in Snow Hill, and all the staff at Kitty Askins - what kind and compassionate people they are. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston NC on Friday September 18, and again in Thomaston CT on Sunday September 20 from 2-4 p.m. at the Lyons Funeral Home on High St. A Mass of Resurrection at St. Thomas R.C. Church will be held on Monday September 21 at 10:00 a.m. with burial following in Hillside Cemetery, near his parents and children, Ricky and Jenny. In lieu of flowers, a College Education Fund has been set up for grandchildren Allie, Jack and Olivia Harrison, so dear to their Poppys heart. Memorials may be sent to Harrison Children College Account, c/o State Employees Credit Union, c/o Debra Stroud, 2216 West Vernon Ave, PO Box 909, Kinston NC 28502 to hold until needed by these special children. From Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet - "When he shall die, / Take him and cut him out in stars, / And he will make the face of heaven so fine / That all the world will be in love with night, / And pay no worship to the garish sun."

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