Michael Berger

Michael Ian Berger, 61, of Mount Tabor died March 14, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, he grew up in Queens and Old Bridge and moved to Mount Tabor in 2004.

Mr. Berger started his career in the pulp and paper industry with Westvaco Corporation. He next joined specialty chemicals manufacturer Degussa Corporation as a senior applications specialist and later became a marketing executive. His passion for science led him to a second career as a teacher of chemistry, physics, and earth science, first at Union High School for four years and subsequently at Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway for the past 14 years.

He earned a B.S. in chemistry and an M.S. in paper science and engineering from Syracuse University.

An avid golfer at Mount Tabor Country Club, he was also a member of the Morristown Field Club, where he and his wife, Janice, enjoyed playing tennis and pickleball.

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He became president of the Mount Tabor board of trustees from 2011 until 2014.

His many interests included storm chasing throughout the Midwest, restoring vintage pinball machines, collecting 45 rpm records for his 1956 Rockola jukebox, and tinkering at his workbench.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Kriegman-Berger; his mother, Shirley; a brother, David; and four nieces and a nephew.

Services were held March 17 with arrangements by Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, Livingston. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service of MetroWest (jfsmetrowest.org) or Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital (NJShelter.org).