James “Jim” F. Bereznak PhD

July 3, 1960 - April 30, 2025

St. Anastasia Church

3301 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Friday 5/9, 9:00 am - 10:15 am

St. Anastasia Church

3301 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Friday 5/9, 10:30 am

Bereznak
James F. “Jim”, of Newtown Square, born July 3, 1960, passed away on April 30, 2025. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years Dana (nee D’Annunzio), his daughters Elizabeth (Timothy Egan) and Caroline, his granddaughter Grace, his brother Brian (Jessina) Bereznak, and many other loving family members.

Jim attended Ursinus College, majoring in organic chemistry. He went on to earn a PhD at Drexel University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He enjoyed a long, successful career as a research chemist at both Dupont and FMC Corp. and is credited with numerous patents.

From his early years roaming the woods in the Poconos with his father and brother Brian, Jim continued a lifelong connection with and appreciation of the natural world. Jim was also a talented, self-taught musician, playing guitar and piano. His musical tastes were varied, ranging from classical to “Miss Rachel”. Jim enjoyed collecting timepieces, both watches and clocks, and had an extensive collection. He and Grace had a weekly clock maintenance routine, which they both looked forward to.
Jim’s greatest love by far was his family, in whom he was infinitely proud. He was very grateful that both of his daughters lived close by and that he saw them frequently. Each week, the family convened to share a homemade meal and enjoy each other’s company. Jim was an adoring poppop to Grace and loved spending time with her and teaching her about animals. He and Dana were her babysitters during her first year of life, an opportunity treasured by both.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday May 9th followed by his Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Abramson Cancer Center by clicking on the following link:

http://givingpages.upenn.edu/rememberingJimBereznak

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St. Anastasia Church

3301 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square, PA 19073

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Friday 5/9, 9:00 am - 10:15 am

St. Anastasia Church

3301 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Map

Friday 5/9, 10:30 am

Bereznak James F. “Jim”, of Newtown Square, born July 3, 1960, passed away on April 30, 2025. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years Dana (nee D’Annunzio), his daughters Elizabeth (Timothy Egan) and Caroline, his granddaughter Grace, his brother Brian (Jessina) Bereznak, and many other loving family members. Jim attended Ursinus College,Continue Reading

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I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I have very fond memories of hanging out with Jimmy and Brian at Uncle Francis' house, listening to them play music and having a good time. Sending sincere condolences to his family. Cousin Gina

Jim was a jovial watch afficionado that I had the pleasure of having as a colleague at Steine-Haskell. I will always remember our trips to the NAWCC meetings were we talked watches. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. Peter P. Castro

Very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family. From our time at MMI to Ursinus, I always enjoyed his company and friendship.

My sincere heartfelt condolences to Dana and family. I was so saddened to hear this news, and it gives me comfort to read all these beautiful messages about Jim. It was an honor and privilege to care for him for many years. He fought so hard for his health. He was such a wonderful person, loved his family immeasurably and was loved by everyone in our office, and I mean everyone, from the front desk staff, to the nurses, to the faculty and other specialists who cared for him. He always made everyone smile and feel happiness with his visits. Rest in peace, Jim, and thank you. I will never forget you.

Jim was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve known. He was often the first to send birthday wishes and was the one who always made sure my work anniversaries were celebrated with a lunch. He was always a source of encouragement and advice. He was a respected scientist and a trusted friend whose warmth, humor, and unforgettable laugh brightened every day. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside him and to have called him a friend. I’ll miss him deeply. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace Jimmy.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family. I had the privilege of working with Jim for many years. He was a formidable colleague — a brilliant scientist whose intellect was matched only by his integrity and generosity of spirit. Jim will be deeply missed. Rest in eternal peace, Jim.

I had the pleasure to work for Jim for a few years. He was great, always cheerful, and was a great motivator. I enjoyed my time working for Jim and we both had similar interests in movies like the James Bond series. He was especially fantastic in preparing you for technical presentations and I learned a lot from him. Jim will truly be missed and I send my heartfelt condolences to his family in this most difficult time. RIP Jim, fellow Drexel Dragon.

Jim was a great guy. He was always one of my funniest and kindest cousins. I remember when we were kids, he and his brother Brian would always joke around with me, mostly because I am 10 years younger, but I loved it. You will be greatly missed, Jim. Dana, Liz, and Caroline-Love you guys. Love, cousin Lori

At the beginning of my career, Jim was an unwavering source of support—always there to answer my questions, calm my worries, and spark my enthusiasm. He gave far more than mentorship. His animated expressions, unmistakable laugh, wholehearted dedication, and loyal friendship will be deeply missed. Jim set a lasting example of integrity and character, one I will continue to carry with me. Rest in peace, Jim. My deepest condolences to his family.

I will forever be grateful for his friendship and mentorship. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

My deepest condolences to your family. Jim was an amazing scientist and friend. His smile and laugh were contagious. He brightened any room he was in. He had a way of making you feel like your contributions really mattered. There’s no one like him. He will be sorely missed.

My condolences. Jim was a very cautious and supportive fellow scientist.

May your love for your wonderful husband inspire you to grieve profoundly and keep living out all of the things he stood for and the dreams you shared together. This past year we were reminded of the lyrics from a familiar song from the movie and musical "Wicked." Allow me to take some poetic license: "Because we knew him, we have been changed for the better. Because we knew him, we have been changed for good." Our sincerest condolences to you, your daughters and granddaughter, and all those who knew Jim and were changed for the better by that association. In this time of grief, let us not mourn his loss but instead celebrate the incredible life he lived.

Jim was a valued, trusted colleague and friend during my tenure at Dupont’s Stine Haskell Research site. He could be counted on for thoughtful and honest feedback on ongoing research programs. His great sense of humor and infectious laugh made him a pleasure to work with. Just the thought of some of our interactions brings a smile to my face. Jim was a genuinely good person who was always considerate of others and never put himself first. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his entire family.

There are few people in this world like Jim. Deepest condolences to Jim's family. May he rest in peace.

Jim (James F. Bereznak), will be remembered as a cool scientist and a great human being! It was great to get to know him and will be missed.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Bereznak . Plant a Tree

My deepest condolence to Jim's family. I always loved to be around Jim and had been fortunate to work with him on fungicide discovery for few years! His smiling face and the energy he bought to the team discussions were contagious.

Brez I thought of you often throughout the years and you always brought a smile to my face . I don’t ever remember you getting mad at anything , you made our years at MMI so fun. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family you will never be forgotten.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Bereznak . Plant a Tree

I am sorry for your loss. Jim was a great friend at MMI. I have fond memories of our times together. My sincere condolences.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

It’s sad to learn of Jim’s passing. We were high school classmates at MMI Prep and were friends throughout that time. I recall Nails, Jim and Brian’s dog, and the Dodge Challenger which Jim’s dad promptly sold when he went to college. I also recall yelling at Jim to get away from that piano already let’s and go do something. So I smiled when I read that he still loved music. His laugh is a very pleasant memory for me. It was loud and sincere. My condolences to his entire family.

Jim was a cherished friend. I will miss him in myriad ways. He was a trusted sounding board, an erudite editor, and a lovely human being. His hearty laugh and love of humor were unmistakable. The world is diminished in his absence.

So sad to hear this news about my MMI classmate. My condolences to the family.

Dana, Liz, Tim, Caroline and Grace, Our deepest sympathies, with love and cherished memories.

Heart Of Peace was purchased for the family of James Bereznak by Brian, Jessina, Sasha, Zach and Danielle. Send Flowers

We remember what a handsome, dashing groom Jim was standing next to his beautiful bride, Dana. Best of all was how warm, kind and friendly he was to Dana’s ‘teacher friends” whom he barely knew at their wedding. He was brilliant, obviously devoted to his beautiful family and a tireless & valiant fighter. A giant among men! Our deepest sympathy to all the family with love, The Frohlichs

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

James “Jim” F. Bereznak PhD

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