Jason Berger Obituary

Jason (Jay) Berger passed away Saturday, January 27 in Agawam. Son of Samuel and Frances Berger, Jay was born in Lawrence, MA, and grew up in Haverhill. He served in Army intelligence during WW II and was with the first troops to enter Japan. He graduated from UMass with a degree in food technology. Still working and active at 91, he worked for most of his career as general manager with the Samuel Black Co., a book wholesaler, then in retirement became a magazine publisher and consultant; he also operated an advertising business, volunteered for many good causes in Springfield and Agawam, and was co-originator of the local Hebrew Free Loan Association. In recent years he was a regular contributor to the Agawam Advertiser, sharing personal stories of his “Life of Fun and Adventure.” He leaves behind his beloved wife Kitty (“My beautiful wife”) of 63 years, sons Scott (Jan) and Joe (Valerie) and daughter Cynthia (Bill), grandchildren Anna (Pete), Ben, Margot, Allison, Emma, and Amelia, great-grandson Jacob, and sisters Marilyn Willner and Sheila Brandow. The funeral will be Mon., Jan. 29, 1:00 pm at Sinai Temple with burial in Sinai Memorial Park. Donations in Jay’s memory may be made to Baystate Visiting Nurses Association, the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, or Sinai Temple. For further information or directions, please visit ascherzimmerman.com.

Published by The Republican from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2018.
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Jay was a wonderful man.
Marc J. Schweiger

September 29, 2018

Dear Kitty,

Marion told me of Jay's passing and I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. I know how important the Pavas and Bergers have always been to each other. And I always found you and Jay so warm and welcoming. Reading about him I realize how many of his accomplishments, not least your family, I would have loved to talk to him about. I am glad you have my wonderful aunt Marion to help comfort you as you have her.

Warm regards
Marty Nemirow

Marty Nemirow

February 7, 2018

Dear Kitty, I am very sad to hear of Jay's passing. Jack and I go back many years in our friendship with you, Jay and your lovely family. One of the nicest memories we have is being guests in your succah and enjoying the celebration with you and your family and friends on this wonderful holiday. Then we always had pleasant thoughts of being with you at the ROMEOS and JULIETS for many years. Jack has been ill for 9 years, but I know he would want me to convey his condolences along with mine to you and your family. Take care of yourself, Kitty, and stay well. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love, Ruth Feinstein

Ruth Feinstein

January 31, 2018

My sincerest sympathies to the entire Berger family. It was a pleasure to speak with Jay, who remained sharp and active into his 90's and he was a personal inspiration to me. May his memory always be a blessing.

Bonnie Gibson

January 30, 2018

Even in my limited acquaintance as a member of the Agawam Cultural Council, Jay was a was a true "gentle-man" in every sense of the word. When he and Kitty would see me onstage at the Majestic, he always made it a point to be complimentary and supportive of my work. Never one to burden others with his own problems, even toward the end of his life, a "How are you doing, Jay?" would always elicit an "Outstanding!" or a "Just great", or an "I can't complain".
It always surprises me, as it surprises me now, when we are "outdistanced" -- left behind by one who has gone on ahead -- how much we realize that we always wished we had been more like him.
I certainly wish that now, and will miss him greatly.

Walter Mantani

January 29, 2018

So sorry to hear.I remember Jay working with my Dad,Lepo at Samuel Black. He was always good to me

Lois Dunaisky

January 28, 2018

Whenever Jay spent time at the Agawam Senior Center he was very present in his conversation. He and his wife Kitty were happy and he enjoyed sharing his life stories.
Jay has made his mark on Agawam and the world! Rest in Peace!

Joan Linnehan

January 28, 2018

My old boss at Sam Black when I was just a high schooler working after school. He was a great boss and a pleasant person. I still remember after almost 40 years how he used to use his power of skillful persuasion, to get me to drop off some books or magazines after hours, on my time, at Walden's bookstore at the Eastfield Mall. Jay....I still think you owe me a tip or two, but we'll let someone donate that amount in your honor. My condolences to the family. He certainly had a remarkable life, and it was my pleasure to have known him, if only for a brief time.

Gary Bertassi

January 28, 2018

Jay was a very bright person
who knew history well especially City politics.Enjoyed speaking with Jay and Kitty.I will miss him.

Brian Santaniello

January 28, 2018

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