With heavy hearts, we share with you that the patriarch of the Berger Family, Richard (Rich) Jacob Berger, passed away at home on June 20, 2024, at the age of 92.

Rich was born on February 12, 1932, to Mary and Isadore Berger in Far Rockaway, New York.

In his younger years, Rich worked at his father's hardware store where he lived above the store with his parents and sister Norma Berger Presley. Rich graduated from Far Rockaway High School Class of 1950.

Rich served our Country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was an aviation machinist mate 3rd class petty officer on the USS Monterey. As plane ground crew captain, he was responsible for seeing that the F6F Hellcat was fit to fly. Rich was a very proud Navy Veteran.

Rich loved all genres of music and shared countless stories about some amazing jazz musicians he saw at Birdland and Bop City in New York. Rich learned to play the guitar and saxophone.

Rich worked as a dental technician and even got his real estate license. He was best known for building his own successful business as a flooring contractor, perfecting the craft of sanding, refinishing and installing hardwood floors for 45 years.

Rich met the love of his life, Leatrice (Lee) Kozlin, and were married in 1984. Rich and Lee enjoyed traveling, all types of dancing, ice skating, snow skiing, and riding a Harley Davidson together.

Rich had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed joking around with anyone he met. He taught those who knew him the importance of not taking life too seriously and having a few laughs along the way. He often joked that death was just holding your breath for eternity . We will miss his charismatic smile and zest for life.

Rich truly loved his family and is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lee Berger, who loved him so, their children Iris (Matt) Dunbar, Nancy R. Berger, Jeff (D'Anna) Berger, Ron (Leslie) Swichkow, Lori (John) Lynch, along with 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Rich will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton, Georgia on June 28th at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, tell someone a good joke and laugh! Then turn up the music and boogie. This is what Rich would have wanted...