EDWARD H. BERGER

Edward H. Berger of Pleasantville passed away on February 8, 2003. He was 91 years old. Mr. Berger was born in Hawthorne, NY on October 9, 1911 to the late Ernest Robert Berger and Elizabeth Georgiana Lapp Berger. He attended grammar school in Hawthorne and then went to Concordia Preparatory School in Bronxville. After graduation from Concordia in 1929, he attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where he met his future wife, Florence Finlayson. He graduated from Stetson in 1934 with a degree in Chemistry. Ed and Florence were married on June 20, 1941. Mr. Berger served his country in World War II as a US Army officer in the 51st Chemical Warfare Company. He served most of his time in England and France. Mr. Berger established the Berger Hardware Co. in 1937. He loved "the store" and sought to remain actively involved until his death. Mr. Berger was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawthorne and he also attended the Methodist Church in Pleasantville. He was very active in the community. He served as past Commander of the American Legion and was a charter member of the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club. He was very involved with Rotary International and was District 723 Governor, 1980-1981. He embraced the values of Rotary in his business and in his life: "Service Above Self - He Profits Most Who Serves Best." He is survived by his son John of Pleasantville; his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Ward Mathis of East Granby, CT; his granddaughters: Rebecca and Diana Mathis of East Granby; a sister and brother-in-law Edna and William Pricher of Ft. Meyers, FL and eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Florence, and brothers Ernest and Otto. Mr. Berger was a wonderful husband, father and "Papa" to his granddaughters. He was a gentle man who will be remembered for his humility, positive attitude, depth of faith, sense of humor, desire to help others and quiet courage during his prolonged illness. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532; Pleasantville Ambulance Corps, PO Box 201, Pleasantville, NY 10570; or either of the churches he attended: Trinity Lutheran Church of Hawthorne, 292 Ellwood Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532 or Methodist Church, 70 Bedford Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570. BEECHER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 418 Bedford Road Pleasantville, NY 10570 (914) 769-0001