Edward S. Berger, Sr.

Edward S. Berger, Sr., loving husband and father of three children, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the age of 82. Edward was born on January 2, 1939 to Sabina and Joseph Berger in Port Richmond and was the second oldest of six children. Affectionately referred to as "Wildcat" by friends and family, Ed grew up a die-hard fan of Villanova basketball, Phillies baseball, and Eagles football. His passion for sports led him to become a water boy for the Venango Bears, a coach for youth baseball, and a catcher for local town teams. Ed began working at the age of 15, never turning down an opportunity to provide for his family. As a young adult, he enjoyed working as a forklift operator and trailer jockey for Callahan Trucking and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 107. At 25, he met his first and only love, Rita (deceased), at The Wagon Wheel and they wed on April 30th, 1966. Together they raised sons Eddie Jr. and Joseph "Jay" and daughter Rita. Ed's dedication to his family was undeniable. His unparalleled work ethic and sacrifice remained constant throughout his life, maintaining multiple full-time jobs, simultaneously, to ensure a good life for his wife and children. Family, friends, hard work, and all things Philadelphia were the fabric of Ed's existence. He often reminisced about his younger years, his old neighborhood, and the many different jobs he held. Some of his favorite memories were taking road trips with his family, going fishing and hunting, attending sporting events and concerts, visiting his daughter in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Playing the daily lottery was routine for Ed, and a win, no matter how small, was a big deal. His kind and caring spirit was matched by his enthusiasm for live sports. There was never a game he didn't watch or attend without shouting plays, penalties, and expletives at players and opponents. After reluctantly retiring in his early seventies, Ed took pleasure in the simple things. He cherished weekly visits with his sister, breakfasts and brunches with close family friends, quality time with his children, and the companionship of his late beloved dog, Lady. Ed is survived by his three children, Eddie Jr., Joseph, and Rita; his brothers, Stanley Berger and Francis "Huckle" Berger; his sister, Theresa Leddick; numerous multigenerational nieces and nephews; and his many grandpets, which brought him great joy. Memorial services will be held Friday, April 30, 2021, at Greenmount Cemetery, 4301 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Social distancing required. For more details, visit slabinskifuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Edward Berger, Sr. to the Pennsylvania SPCA, where Ed adopted his beloved dog Lady. Donations can be made online at pspca.org/tribute-memorial-gifts or by mail to 350 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134.