Obituary of Michael David Berger
Michael David Berger passed unexpectedly on April 24, 2026 with his beloved wife, son and daughter-in-law at his side. He was 88 years young.
Born in New York to the late Max and Vita Berger, Michael was the eldest of three sons (his brothers Howie and Mel preceded his passing). He met the love of his life, Jane Prisco, in 1970, and as they say, the rest is history. They married and eventually made their home in Parsippany, where they built a life centered around their family and raised their beloved son, David. They moved to Mountain Lakes in 1991, where they have resided ever since.
Michael was an adoring husband, and a devoted father and grandfather who never missed a family event and reveled in being part of family laughs - even when he was the center of them. In fact, he and his son were able to share one more laugh together in the hospital on that Friday evening. He was a gentle soul who approached most things in life with a smile, grace, and kindness. The impact he had on those around him was outsized, and the void that he will leave behind is immeasurable.
To anyone who was in times of trouble, upset, tumult, or despair, he would calmly, quietly, and reassuringly say these simple four words: “everything will be ok.” Always trying to be of help to others, his greatest assist came in the form of introducing his son to his future wife.
He loved sharing his passions for tennis, cars, televisions, stereo systems, and pinball machines with friends and family.
Of all the roles he held, his greatest joy was being “Pop Pop.” His granddaughter, Isabella Rose, was the beginning, middle, and end of his world. The sun rose and set on her, and he was endlessly proud of the bright light she brought into his life. He did not smile often in photos, except when it came to those with Isabella Rose. Some of his favorite memories included being
with his son and granddaughter at the US Open, the NY Auto Show, and a visit to his childhood favorite pizza place, Pizza Town USA. The thing he loved most, however, was listening to Isabella Rose sing as often as he could. He had the blessing of hearing her sing one last time not too long before that Friday.
He leaves joyful memories to his wife Jane of 55 years, his son and daughter-in-law David and Giovanna Berger, his granddaughter Isabella Rose Berger, and many more dear relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family welcomes memorial donations to Good Grief in honor of Michael Berger.
The family will be having a celebration of Michael’s life in the coming weeks - please check back
here for updates.
In Loving Memory
Michael Berger
1938 - 2026