Obituary of Joseph S. Berg

Dr. Joseph Starr Berg, a longtime dentist, and resident of Gloversville for over 60 years, passed away peacefully on Monday evening at his home in Pompton Plains, NJ. He was born on October 28th, 1917 in the Bronx, NY. His early years were spent in Brooklyn and Queens, with a brief period in Petersburg, VA. His father, Samuel Berg and the family of his mother, Bella Starr, emigrated as teenagers from Odessa, Russia in the first decade of the 20th century. Their work ethic and stress on the importance of education shaped Joe's life. He and his younger sister Esta, were both serious students who excelled in school. He was drafted into the US army in 1942 and, after basic training, was assigned to Paris, Texas in the army hospital. It was here that he married the love of his life, Jean Newman, who at just 24 years old, made the journey by train from Queens, NY to join him; her luggage, containing her wedding dress never arrived. They were married by an army chaplain on December 5th, 1942, and celebrated their wedding with cherry pie in the army mess hall. Three days later, they were married again by a rabbi, making it an official Jewish wedding. They celebrated 74 years of marriage last December! Prior to the war Joe attended night school at Washington Square College, NYU, preparing for a career in medicine. Because of an opportunity presented by the army, and the GI bill, he was accepted and enrolled into dental school at New York University. There, he and Jean lived on tiny North Brother Island in the East River in housing for returning young veterans. With D.D.S. degree in hand, Joe and Jean moved to Brooklyn, NY where, in 1948, their daughter Susan Marjorie was born. With a dream to move out of the city and into the mountains to start his own dental practice, Joe "discovered" a dentist looking to sell in a little town in upstate New York called Glens Falls. As luck would have it, a snow storm stranded him in Gloversville and that is where he decided to stay! They moved a few months later, where he established his practice at 11 Church Street, remaining for the next 34 years. Their second daughter, Barbara Ellen, was born in 1952, and by 1955 they had built and moved into their home on Country Club Drive where Joe and Jean remained for 54 years. At the ages of 91 and 92, they gave up their beloved Gloversville home to move closer to their children and became residents in an independent living facility, Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, NJ. Joe was a dedicated dentist and was much loved by his patients. It was well-known that he never did work that wasn't needed, never over-charged, and never turned anyone away for lack of money. He often brought home things that he "traded" from patients who couldn't afford treatment but offered something in return for his services. Joe was an active member of many community organizations, including the Rotary and Eccentric Clubs. Joe was an active and involved member of the Jewish community in Gloversville. From president of the synagogue, to involvement in the JCC and B'nai Brith, he set an example of leadership, fairness, kindness and integrity. He could always be counted on to do the right thing. He and Jean enjoyed their years of activity in the synagogue and made many lasting friendships. Joe loved his wife with all his heart. He also loved his daughters, encouraging them to do well academically and in whatever of life's endeavors they chose to follow. He enthusiastically welcomed his sons-in-law into his life, and later was blessed with three grandchildren. As a dad and grandpa, Joe will always be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor—ever the master punster— and for his "corny" jokes. He possessed an avid intellect, relished lively discourse, loved literature and working the NY Times Sunday Crossword puzzle. He was also a talented painter and in retirement, enjoyed crafting Queen Ann style furniture from cherry wood. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Jean, and sister Esta Thomas, his daughters Susan Fishman and Barbara Sutherland, his sons-in-law Gregory Sutherland and Chuck Fishman, his grandchildren, Jeremy Sutherland, Emily Sutherland and Adam Fishman, and his great-grandchildren, Viviann and Benjamin Sutherland and Avni Ben Moshe. A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 PM at the Knesseth Israel Cemetery, So. Kingsboro Ave. and Clyde St; Gloversville, NY. Donations may be made to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Ave., #402, Edison, NJ 08837. ghospicecom Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.