Bernard E. Berlinger

Bernard Ernst Berlinger Jr. passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87. Born in Philadelphia to Bernard Ernst Berlinger and Marguerite Wagner, Barney graduated from William Penn Charter School in 1956 and earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. While at Penn, he captained the football team to its first Ivy League Championship in 1959. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps both active and reserves from 1961 to 1965, and later devoted his career to the family business, Quaker City Gear Works. He went on to found ASI Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of electric propulsion systems, and later Gear Innovations, an advanced technology firm pioneering the Convoloid gear tooth form. A longtime member of the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), Barney served on numerous technical committees and was elected president in 1986. He was widely respected for his innovation and leadership in the gearing industry. Barney was also a licensed instrument-rated pilot and an avid outdoorsman. He was a proud member of Porters Lake Hunting and Fishing Club, where his family has had deep roots since its founding in 1900. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and reading history - particularly about the events leading up to World War II. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Vollmer Berlinger; his sons Bernard (Barney) III, Mark, and Darryl; and four beloved grandchildren. Barney will be remembered for his intellect, humility, and quiet strength, and for the lasting legacy he leaves in his family and profession.
Family and friends are invited to gather Saturday, September 27th, from 11am-12 noon, with Barney's Life Celebration starting promptly at noon. The location is Stoneleigh Gables Farm in Carversville, PA. If planning to attend, please respond to Darryl Berlinger by September 7th at dberlinger@novativedesigns.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barney's name to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation would be appreciated.