Obituary: Gerald Edward Berger

Gerald (“Gerry”) Edward Berger, 92, formerly of Mobile, Alabama, died Sept. 7 with his wife and children by his side.

Gerry attended the University of Alabama, where he earned his undergraduate and DDS degrees. Graduating in 1954, he was inducted into the Air Force and assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. In the summer of 1954, he met Joan Robinson from Lufkin, Texas while she was visiting Mobile for the first time. They married in 1955 and settled in Mobile, where he practiced dentistry for almost 60 years and the couple raised their four children. In 2015, Gerry retired with his wife to Atlanta.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Gerry was known for his love of family, quick and clever humor, his incredible memory, his drawings, carvings and other artistic talents, his fascination with nature, his various collections and a fondness for the boats in Biloxi.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Robinson Berger, and their four children, Laurie Galanti (Don Peirce), Bari Engel (Andy), Sharla Kahn (Brian) and Joel Berger (Nikki).

He is also survived by his grandchildren Sarah Shoemaker (Joe), Melanie Galanti, Ilana Bloch (Ryan), Taylor Engel, Blake Engel, Ethan Engel, Brooke Pastroff (Jeremy), Hayley Kahn (Adam Levinson), Erica Kahn, Courtney Kahn, Justin Berger and Evan Berger, as well as his three great-grandchildren, Lenna, Carson, and Leo.

In addition, he is survived by his sister, Linda Brener (Josh), sisters-in-law Carol Braun Moss (Gary) and Rachiel Berger.

He is predeceased by his brother, Hugh Berger, and brother-in-law Paul Braun.
A private graveside burial was held on Sept. 9.

Donations in honor of Gerry may be sent to Ahavas Chesed, 705 Regents Way, Mobile, Alabama 36609.

Please reference Gerald Berger and Rabbi Silberman’s discretionary fund. Arrangements in Atlanta by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.