Dr. James Joseph Berna

Dr. James J. Berna, of Chestertown, died February 3rd 2012, at Chester River Hospital Center. He was 92. Born in Philadelphia, PA., on October 18, 1919, Jim’s life and career spanned many areas and parts of the world. He held a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in New York, NY. He then became a professor of economics for several years at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He went on to accept the Directorship of the Indian Social Institute in India, where he worked on numerous development projects throughout the country for over a decade. There he also met Maria C. Boria, his future wife, in a team of professional international volunteers. Jim helped Maria and her team to start a small hospital in South India in 1959. This hospital has now become one of the most prestigious medical institutions in South India, the Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, located in Kerala State. Jim eventually left India to take a job as an Economist for the United Nations Development Program in New York, NY extending his advisory capacity well after his official retirement in 1981, when he and his family moved to Chestertown. Locally he was an active participant in the Historical Society of Kent County, Washington College and the Sultana Projects. During this time he also continued to work as a consultant for several organizations including the UNDP and the World Bank, traveling the world until he reached the age of 85 in 2004. Jim was an avid reader of international affairs and read The Washington Post daily until his last day. As a former Director of the UNDP said upon receiving the notice of his death, “the world has lost a great man for development”. His wife, Dr. Maria C. Boria Berna, has lost a great husband. His children, Robert B. Berna and wife Alison and Gioia B. Berna Killam and husband Jonathan, have lost a wonderful father. His four grandchildren, Maddie, Sydney, James and Tillie, have lost a very loving grandfather. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Thursday evening, February 9th from 6-8pm at Helfenbein Funeral Home in Chestertown. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 10th at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chestertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org

Dr. James Joseph Berna

October 18, 1919 - February 3, 2012