Stephen L Berta

Stephen L. Berta (Steve), 87, of Jackson, NJ, passed away peacefully with family at home on February 5, 2025.
Steve was born in Queens, NY, and lived in NJ most of his adult life. He lived in North Plainfield and Belle Mead with his wife, Carole. Following Carole's passing in 2007, Steve lived in Howell with his daughter and son-in-law for 17 years, and recently moved into his own home in Jackson, NJ, where he lived until his passing.
Steve served in the U.S. Army and built a successful career in commercial insurance with Frenkel & Co. He also owned two businesses-a precision machine shop and a candy and beverage vending company-before retiring.
Steve was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, especially around the holidays. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. His sons, Frank and Anthony and daughter Maria were always his priority and at the forefront of his mind. Steve adored his grandchildren. He would beam with pride talking about Caitlin, Frankie, Alexis, and Matthew. He loved hearing their stories and watching them play sports and dance. To say they each had him wrapped around their finger is an understatement. They called him Pop, Stev and Poppy and he could not have been prouder of each of them. Chris, Steve's son-in-law, was Steve's technology guru and his midnight troubleshooter when his cherished tv wasn't working.
Steve's passions were many. He was an avid golfer, often playing on Sundays at Rutgers University. He also enjoyed poker, rummy, billiards, and reading the New York Post and Reader's Digest. A sports enthusiast, Steve followed his favorite teams-the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks-so intensely that he preferred to watch games only after knowing they won. His love of music spanned artists like Neil Diamond, Andrea Bocelli, and ABBA, and his movie tastes leaned toward action and gangster films, such as The Godfather and Goodfellas. If you knew Steve you know he loved talking about the news, especially politics, whether you were a willing participant or not. Known as the "Candy Man," Steve had a sweet tooth and loved treats like banana splits, Charleston Chews, and jelly fruit slices.
Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Carole A. Berta, his mother Estelle, and Emily and Leslie Hansel who raised him. He is survived by his children: Frank S. and Anthony M. Berta, and Maria E. Gresko (husband, Chris); his grandchildren: Caitlin, Frankie, Alexis, and Matthew; his sister, Geraldine Maimone (and son John); and the family's loyal Australian Labradoodle, Reese, who used to shower Steve with kisses! He also leaves behind many close friends and family members that filled his heart with joy.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd, Jackson, NJ. Interment will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, at 11:30 AM at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory may be made to Howell Township Senior Services, 251 Preventorium Rd, Howell, NJ 07731.