Charles Martin Berger

BERGER--Charles Martin, on December 8, 2008 at the age of 72. Served as chairman and chief executive officer of The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company from 1996 through 2001. Born in 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to Edward and Sadie Berger. Graduated from Princeton University in 1958 and Harvard Business School In 1960. Married Jane Purdy of Newport, Arkansas in 1960. Started his career in marketing management at Procter & Gamble. He then enjoyed a 32-year career at the H.J. Heinz Company. Initially managing the Heinz ketchup brand, he later served in several executive roles with Heinz: including running Heinz's Italian operations from 1972-1979, serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Weight Watchers International from 1979-1994, and running its Indian operations from 1994-1 996. He was chairman of the Board of Directors of the Naples Botanical Garden; a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples; the North Shore Hospital System in Long Island, NY; the southwest Florida chapters of the Worlds President's Organization and the Princeton Club; as well as the Harvard Club of Naples. He was previously a director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Columbus, Ohio; the National Board of World Presidents' Organization; Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn, NY; the American School of Milan and the Harvard Business School Club of Milan. He maintained residences in New York City, NY, Sands Point, NY and Naples, FL. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane Purdy Berger. He is also survived by one brother, Sheldon Berger, and two sisters, Judy Tawil and Marcia Harris, three children, Cary, Elizabeth and Valerie, three grandchildren, Hazel, Eleanor and Cooper, and five nieces and three nephews. Services will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10:30am at Temple Emanu-El, Fifth Ave. at 65 Street.