David Berg

David Benjamin Berg of Rocky Hill, CT passed away at the age of 67 on February 18th in Port St. Lucie, Florida after battling cancer for a year and a half.

David was born on April 20, 1957 in Rahway, New Jersey to Abe and Bess (Melnick) Berg (both deceased). He was the youngest of four children, with older sisters Carol (Sherling; deceased), Diane, and Eileen (Schreibman; deceased). David grew up playing checkers, chess, basketball, and tennis, and – according to him – walking to school uphill in the snow and rain both ways.

David attended Rutgers University where he studied mathematics and forged lasting friendships. He often regaled stories to his family of his classes and the high marks he received during his studies. His children would quickly remind him of his failed attempt at student teaching so that his ego wouldn't get too high.

After college, David moved to Connecticut where he started and ended his 35-year career at Aetna in the actuarial program, working his way up to become the Head of Underwriting, National Accounts before retiring at the end of 2014. It was through his work that he made lifelong friends, and where he met his wife, Janice, on a ski trip with mutual friends in 1986. Luckily for David, they got stuck on the ski lift together, and the rest is history.

David and Janice married on September 4, 1988 in a multi-faith ceremony in Providence, Rhode Island. They honeymooned in Hawaii, which David would later claim was his second favorite trip – his first was a trip he took with his son, Andrew, to San Antonio, TX, in 2004 to watch UConn men's basketball in the Final Four.

While David was known for his love of math, golf, joking around, and chocolate, his greatest joy in life was his family. He was the biggest cheerleader – often embarrassingly so – for his three children, Jennifer, Andrew, and Samantha. He shared his interests with them while also encouraging them to pursue their own passions – although he was relieved when all three of them excelled in math.

Though he worked hard to take his family on special trips over the years, David was happy with any time he could spend with them. A man who appreciated routine, David valued his evenings with Janice catching up on their many shows, playing card games with their friends, or going out for fro-yo – chocolate topped with M&Ms. He spoke regularly with his sister, Diane, who always kept him in supply of Entenmann's chocolate donuts and peanut M&Ms despite his relentless teasing.

David enjoyed playing games with his wife and children, always requesting that the board face him, and taking extra pleasure whenever he beat Jen, his ultimate competitor. He loved watching sports with Andrew and visiting ballparks with him across the country. He even begrudgingly delighted in watching horror movies with Sam, often laughing at the jump scares. David was ecstatic to welcome Jack into the family when Jen and Jack married in August 2023. We will forever cherish the memories of David walking Jen down the aisle and sharing a father-daughter dance. And he couldn't wait to become a grandfather this March.

David is survived by his wife, Janice (Alfano) Berg; his children, Jennifer and her husband Jack, Andrew, and Samantha; his sister Diane Wions; 11 nieces and nephews, as well as their partners and children; his beloved dog Ziva; and a mountain of friends and extended family. His wit, silliness, and expansive heart will be missed by all.

Memorial services will be held on September 28 from 2-5pm at the Wethersfield Country Club. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, Treasure Coast Hospice, the ALS Association, or the National Math Foundation.