A native New Yorker, Alex Berger came to Kansas City in the early 1940s where he and his wife, May, lived until they bought their first and only home in Reinhardt Estates in Fairway, Kansas, in 1955 where they lived for over 50 years together.
He was a born salesman and with his delightful sense of humor and gift for gab, he could sell anything. The predominance of his successful sales career was in children’s wear in which he represented a variety of children’s clothing lines.
He was a wonderful, loving, hands-on father who took great pride in raising his two children. His whole raison d’être was to create a happy environment for his wife and kids.
He had a big personality with a booming voice and infectious laugh, always joking, happy and upbeat. Known for the twinkle in his eyes and his wide bright smile that lit up his face, he was a charmer and seemed to touch all who came in contact with him, both young and old. He died on Sept. 23, 2016, at the age of 99, less than three weeks from his 100th birthday.
Alex was born on Oct. 12, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York, the third of six children. He served in the Army as a staff sergeant for five years during World War II and among the many cities where he was stationed, his most memorable was Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was just about to arrive on Iwo Jima when Truman dropped the atom bomb that ultimately aborted his unit’s mission and the landing of his ship on the Japanese island.
Alex met May, the love of his life, at a USO dance at Temple Emanuel in New York City and from the first moment he saw her he knew he would marry her. They had two children, Sherri, a voice over performer, and Bobby (Robert) Berger, the CBS Radio News correspondent in Jerusalem.
Alex and May had a passion for traveling and took trips all over the world. He was also an avid reader and loved discussing current events and history.
An enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Jewish community, Alex had great pride in being Jewish and was well-versed in Jewish history. He was a long time member of Congregation Beth Shalom dating back to the beautiful original synagogue at 34th and Paseo.
He leaves behind his two children, Sherri and Bobby, and his three adoring grandchildren, Elia, Sharona and Shirel Berger.
Funeral services were set to take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Louis Memorial Chapel; with burial services following at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Minyan and shiva will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at Brookdale 119, 6101 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS.
The family requests no flowers, but if you would like to honor Alex in some way, they suggest a contribution to the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in Alex’s name. Because of his intense love for Israel and desire to see the country thrive, he’d be so pleased. You may donate online at: www.jnf.org; or send a check to: Jewish National Fund, 78 Randall Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.