Jay Berger

Jay K. Berger, 93, businessman and lifelong resident of Orwigsburg, passed away Tuesday, September 26th, at Lehigh Valley Health Network Schuylkill-East.  
He had been a guest at Luther Ridge at Seider's Hill, Pottsville since 2018.
Jay was born in Orwigsburg on June 7, 1930, a son of the late Mary Christine (Shoener) and Bright Augustus Berger.
He was the widower of Ruby Lorraine (Mengel) Berger, his bride of 65 years.  Together, they enjoyed raising their family, the company of many close friends, traveling our country and beyond, and some beautiful harmonies around the piano.
Jay enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and hunting as a youth.  His baseball talents lead to his continued play for area semi-pro teams and during his Marine Corps service.  He later added fishing and golf to his recreational pursuits. 
Jay  graduated from Orwigsburg High School, class of 1948. He also attended Ford Business School and the early version of PSU-Schuylkill, both in Pottsville.
He proudly served in the United States Marines during the Korean War, honorably discharged as a Corporal. 
After his service, he returned to join his father and brothers in their roofing and sheet metal business, Bright A. Berger and Sons. 
He continued to provide service and employment by owning and operating Berger Roofing Company with his son, Barry, until his retirement.  
He was respected by his employees, his customers, and his competitors as an ethical, knowledgeable and honorable businessman.
Jay was a member of Saint John's UCC, Orwigsburg, having served several terms on its Consistory.
He was also a member of Schuylkill Lodge No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons.
Jay was most proud of his role as husband, father and patriarch of his family, survived by three daughters, Bonnie J. Laverty, wife of Rob, Joanne B. Sullivan, wife of John, and Christell Berger; two sons, Barry J., husband of Lauren Berger and James B., widower of Eileen Berger; grandchildren Carolyn E. Pfau, wife of Jim Henry, Emily A. Kelly, wife of George, John Sullivan, III, Meghan Reeves, wife of Tremaine, Caitlin Sullivan, Christopher Berger, husband of Christine, Elizabeth Berger, Andrew Laverty, husband of Alyssa, and Ryan Laverty. Great Grandchildren: Brayden, River, Denver, Remi, Zoey, Beau, Keoni, Andrew, Emily, Dominic, Madeleine, Liam and Eileen
Jay is also survived by his two sisters, Mardelle, widow of Fred Deibert, Mary Anne, husband of Gale Sterner and his brother, Willis, husband of Barbara Berger.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jerry Berger, husband of Peg, earlier this year and great granddaughter Savannah Sullivan.
The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers at Luther Ridge for their comfort and friendship, the Zawisza Young Family Practice for their care and guidance, and the staffs at Geisinger-St. Luke's and Lehigh Valley Medical Centers for their excellent services.
An evening viewing will be held Sunday, October 1 from 6-8 PM at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home, Inc, Orwigsburg. A masonic Service will be at 7:00 PM. The religious service will be held Monday October 2 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Orwigsburg at 11 AM with with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Guests are also invited to view from 9:30 until 11 in the church on Monday. Interment, with military honors, will be at Kimmels Cemetery ,Orwigsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's UCC, 236 East Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jay Berger, please visit our floral store.