George Carr Berger Jr.

George Carr Berger Jr., age 99 ½, departed this life to be with his beloved wife Myrta on January 31, 2021. He was born July 5, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late George C, Sr. and Alice E. Berger.

Living through the Great Depression was difficult, but his caring parents sacrificed and shepherded him and his beloved sister, Peg, through in such a way that they never felt deprived and were able to enjoy happy childhoods. Incurring significant hearing loss due to a childhood illness, George learned to compensate by reading lips. After graduating from Haverford HS and working for GE, he joined the Army in 1942, served in World War II and left the Army in 1945 with a strong sense of patriotism.

The GI Bill enabled George to attend Drexel Institute, leading to a degree, career, wife and family. George’s early life experiences led him to appreciate hard work and the good that came his way, to be able to make do with what he had, to plan and work towards achievement, and to be unaffected by the greater materiality that surrounds us all.

George was a kind, generous, humble and practical man of good humor with a quiet strength, a cheery disposition, an active mind, strong beliefs and principles who didn’t take himself too seriously. He would rather make the best of a situation than complain and maintained his sense of humor in dealing with life’s difficulties. George enjoyed sharing a good laugh and was always looking for the joy in life, with a kind word for all. He was rich in the positive side of life.

Dad’s life centered on and he was incredibly loving of his family, sought to take care of them, and wanted them to have good lives and to be happy. He said he hit the jackpot when he met Mom and they were fortunate to share over 66 years of married life. Together with Mom, Dad endeavored to and succeeded at providing more opportunity for their children than that available to them as they grew up. While happily sacrificing for their children, they provided gifts of love, guidance, encouragement, support and education. Dad was pleased with and proud of his children. He was gracious enough to view us as wonderful, loving children and he appreciated all that we did for him. We must admit it was impossible to fully pay back all that Mom and Dad gave us and the sacrifices they made. Ultimately, he felt happy and grateful for his life and thankful and blessed for his family. Dad was our hero and best buddy, a bright spot in our lives.

A self-taught and enthusiastic golfer, a good day included 36 holes in his younger days. George played as often as he could and bagged 5 holes-in-one. In his retirement, he was able to play steadily and his 80’s saw him shooting his age now and again.

Dad quit golf to take care of Mom as her health declined, enabling her to stay at home and them to spend quality time together.

George was a 32-year employee of Reynolds Metals, working in export credit management, frequently lap swimming at lunch. Afterwards, he spent a long and happy retirement with Mom, including a good amount of golf together, square dancing, and continuing their bridge playing; however, bowling and maintaining the vegetable garden tapered off.

Dad had many friends over the years, but he wanted to thank a few special people past and present who were important in his life: nephew, Alan Wolfe (Elaine), Bill Kraekel, Bill Bassett, Beth Beasley, Janice Stadelmeier and fellow golf nut, Jim Tyler with whom he used to wear out the fairways at The Hollows (we think this was due to frequency of play and not quantity of divots).

George and the family wanted to thank At Home Care Hospice, especially Chelsea, Patti and Nicole, as well as caregivers Jean, Stephanie and Sabine, all of whom provided exceptional care and enabled him to stay in his home while completing his journey.

Dad was always thinking of others, even as his health declined and the end was near. He was more concerned about his children than himself. Dad was an extremely fine gentleman who left with the same grace and caring that he lived in his life. He is survived by his children, Ken (Nancy), Janet Rogers (Greg) and Mike (Judy) and grandson, Will Rogers who were blessed and thankful to have him for this long. While his children were able to comfort George along his last journey, Will was deeply disappointed that Covid travel restrictions precluded his spending time with his grandfather, who meant so much to him.

Funeral services were private and included military honors. Should you care to honor George, please consider making a contribution to a charity of your choice.