Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of John C. Berger Jr. (92) and Irene P. Berger (89) who died together on October 15, 2024 after a short stay at an assisted living facility in The Villages, Florida. John and Irene were married for seventy years. They met at a YMCA dance when they were 20 and 17 respectively. As soon as Irene turned 18 years old, they were married and built an incredible life together for thirty-three years in Flushing, New York. They were long time involved members of The Church on the Hill where they both served on the Consistory. Jack, as he was referred to by family and friends, was a Korean War veteran serving in the Air Force, after which he joined the New York City Fire Department and served thirty-five distinguished years, retiring as a Captain. Irene was a stay-at-home-mom for many years, enrolled in a college correspondence course to attain her bachelor’s degree. Once her children were school aged, she went to work for Thomas Publishing in New York City, from which she retired in 1994. In their initial retirement years together, they moved to Brookfield, Connecticut to live in a house they built on Candlewood Lake, enjoying twenty happy years of summers with their children and grandchildren. When the winters became too much for them, they decided to “snow bird” at The Villages in Florida. Eventually, they abandoned the cold for good and moved to The Villages as full-time residents in 2014. Jack participated in many activities at The Villages and belonged to several clubs. Irene was part of the gardening club and played bridge several times a week. They had many friends from their years in Brookfield that also settled in The Villages and they greatly enjoyed golfing and dining-out with them on a regular basis. They were immensely proud of the family they built and cherished every moment spent with their loved ones. This was a true source of joy for John and Irene. The leave behind their beloved children, Steven (and Peggy) Berger; Joanne (and Jeff) Montross; Nancy (and Howard) Besemer; their 4 grandchildren Daniel, Matthew, Nicole and Rebecca and their 5 great- grandchildren. John and Irene will be laid to rest in The Florida National Cemetery at a private family event.
Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
When I learned yesterday of the passing your parents I drove to 170th Street and parked in front of the house. For almost an hour I sat there with a tear in my eye remembering all the wonderful memories I have in which your parents were part of, trips to the beach every summer, church picnics, your mother helping me with my lines in The Tom Thumb Wedding a play we put on at church. I remember going down to your basement and trying on your fathers firefighter boots and hat.
I’m sitting here with a smile thinking that up in heaven there’s a group organizing a Couples Club dinner and the Bergers have their aprons on already. I love you Mr & Mrs Berger.
Steve, Joanne & Nancy……you guys have a special place in my heart, I love and miss you.
Thinking of you and Irene and Jack. Memories keep love alive.
Nina
I have so many fond memories of Irene and Jack and the rest of the “Church On The Hill” family. There was always laughter and shenanigans at the Couples Club dinners, Barge Parties and other church outings ie: The Northfield Inn and Lake George.
Irene and Jacks smiles and positive energy were contagious. May the 70 years of love that they shared be a comfort to you during these difficult times.
Drew, Marcia, Max and Ida
Our hearts are broken but we are so grateful to have been their friends
Evie and Ron Taylor
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for your family. You are in my prayers.
Love you guys!
Liz , Craig , Aimee and Jared
Dieter and Fred Henderson