Samuel Berger, 96

Samuel Berger, 96, of Union Mills, NC, passed away Monday July 22, 2013.

He was born January 27, 1917, in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of the late Rose and Max Berger.

He served in the US Navy, and worked for 69 years before retiring. As a young man, Sam moved to Tampa, FL in 1934 and moved to Miami, FL in 1946, where he met his wife Frieda, and lived there for 53 years. When he moved to North Carolina in 1999, and after his wife, Frieda who passed away just three weeks later, Sam volunteered at the Rutherford County Senior Center where he helped out in the kitchen, sometimes chopping onions and passing out milk during lunch. He became the Volunteer of the Year for Rutherford County on August 26, 2003. Sam volunteered at the Senior Center for over 12 years. During his many years at the center, he became very active in dancing.  He performed at numerous nursing homes with the Senior Center’s dance troop, and he always found time to perform in the North Carolina Senior Games.  During these games, Sam and his best friend, Missy Hughes, even went on to win a Gold Medal at a state competition!  He won many medals during the sport competitions at the NC Senior Games as well! Sam became a recognized person from dancing at Rutherford County’s Relay For Life, dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller and even the Beastie Boys.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Jay Aldrich of Union Mills, NC; son Murray Richard Berger of Miami, FL; grandchildren, Ellen Holly Aldrich, of Greenville, SC, Benjamin Michael Aldrich and his wife, Laura Leigh Aldrich, of Seiverville, TN.

He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Frieda Rubitsky Berger, his sister, Mary Walker, and his brother, Benjamin Berger.

A service was held at Crowes Mortuary with Deacon Andy Cilone officiating and Military Honors provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Burial took place at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Miami, FL.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, POB 336 Forest City NC 28043. 

Crowes Mortuary is serving the family.