Gregory Wayne Berger

Gregory Wayne Berger passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, surrounded by his loving family in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He was 83. Born on October 9, 1940, in Forest Hills, NY, Greg was the son of Michael "Mickey" and Mary "Mitzi" Berger. His early life was marked by academic achievement and athletic prowess. Greg attended Parsons Jr. High School and Forest Hills High School, before graduating from Milford Prep Academy in 1958, where he played basketball, baseball, and football.

Following high school, Greg briefly attended the University of Miami, joining the Phi Epsilon Fraternity and earning his associate degree before returning to New York to join his father’s furniture business, Allied Plastics. Greg worked at Allied for 63 years, serving as its President for the last 40. When Greg initially joined the family business, Allied made dinette sets and laminate products. But with Greg at the helm, Allied eventually transitioned to manufacturing school furniture and through his hard work, mind for business, and entrepreneurial spirit, Greg’s vision of making Allied a leader in the industry was realized. In fact, up until only a short time ago, Greg was deeply involved in every aspect of the business. He loved his work, led by example, and mentored many employees through the years.

Greg met his first wife, Lynnore, when he returned home to Forest Hills, and they married in 1964. He was a loving husband and devoted father to their two children, Larry and Susan. In 1969, Greg and Lynnore relocated to Florida after learning of several new business opportunities, prompting him to open a second Allied facility in the state. They settled in Jacksonville after a fire destroyed their original factory in New Jersey. Greg immersed himself in the Jacksonville community, making close friends, engaging with the local Jewish community, and indulging his passion for tennis, golf, and cards at the Beauclerc Country Club. He was especially proud of twice winning the tennis club doubles championship.

After Lynnore's passing in 1998, a void was left in Greg's heart. That void was filled when he met his second love, Donna Gruen, and they married in 2006. Greg had a lifelong love for travel, often journeying to Europe and the Far East with his best friend, Jack. Each trip was considered "epic” and filled with enough cigars and laughs to last a lifetime.

Greg loved a good cigar. He was a true “cigar aficionado” with a unique ability to know each cigar's tobacco composition and details. To be sure, he had a cigar for every occasion and was generous in sharing one with friends and family. If you smoked a cigar, Greg wanted to meet you.

Greg had an amazing and loyal group of friends, who he broke bread with often. And he cherished his Tuesday night "boys' dinner" at Ruth's Chris, a tradition lasting more than 40 years, almost as much as he loved his family and his work. While Greg often joked about his three priorities - family, friends, and business - without a doubt, he loved them all.

Greg is preceded in death by his first wife, Lynnore; his parents, Michael "Mickey" and Mary "Mitzi" Berger; and his younger brother, Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Donna Berger, his son, Larry Berger (wife Wendy and children Griffin and Georgia), and his daughter, Susan Berger Katz (children Logan, Sydney, and Jaden). He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Alisha Stanford (husband Doug and children Will and Jilly) and Erika Fisher (husband Jerry and children Kaelyn and Jake).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 10:30 am at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Cemetery, located at 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Following the service, all are welcome to join for a kiddush luncheon at Beth El Synagogue, located at 288 North Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Shiva will be held on Thursday, May 2nd immediately following the condolence meal (approximately 1pm) at Beth El The Beaches Synagogue. Additional Shiva will be held on Monday and Tuesday evening (5/6 and 5/7) from 6pm - 8pm (Shiva minyan to start at 7pm) at the home of Donna Berger, 177 Sea Hammock Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.

Condolences can be sent via phone or to the following email: [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to Beth El The Beaches Synagogue or to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, in loving memory of Greg Berger.

The family wants to extend a special, heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who supported Greg in his final months: Maria, Sandra, Julia, Joii, Glenda, Audrei, Carole, and Christy. Your dedication to ensuring his comfort and dignity deeply touched our family. All you ladies are “Angels on Earth.”