Ronald J. Berge

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald J. Berge, of Bayville, on December 31, 2024, at the age of 81. Ronald was born on January 16, 1943 in Hackensack, NJ, to William and Marie Berge. Ron was raised in Ridgefield, NJ, where he excelled at sports and met the love of his life, Karen, with whom he would spend 60 years. In 1973 he moved his family to Bayville, NJ, where he resided until his passing.

Ron fell in love with Karen and they married when they were both only 20 years old, their love was unwavering and they remained together until Karen’s passing. As they raised William, Gary, Guy, and Jennifer in Bayville, Ron coached numerous sports teams in the town throughout the years. He always had time after work to grab his glove for a catch, pick up a tennis racket for a game, or “shoot some hoops” with his kids. Family meant everything to him.

Ron was a very gentle soul, he enjoyed interacting with people, always worked hard, held few grudges, and prided himself on keeping his word. He spent countless hours perfecting his lawn and he was endlessly proud when it was once used in a TV commercial.

He loved watching sports, especially baseball’s New York Yankees and football’s New York Giants (although both teams have disappointed him frequently in recent years.) He would nervously observe the games from his couch and circle the ottoman when a good luck omen was called for during particularly stressful moments. It rarely worked.

Ron was a mail carrier for 38 years, starting out in Ridgefield before relocating to the Toms River post office. After retiring, he was employed at Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes in Jackson, NJ, an adult community, and also worked at his son Guy’s “Berge HVACR” company in Whiting.

Ron, who could be quite strong-willed, was the definition of a devoted husband and father. While we all wish he was still here, the joy and love he gave us were more than enough. We will miss him.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Karen, who sadly passed in November 2022, and he never fully recovered from her loss. Ron is survived by his children William, Gary, Guy and Jennifer; sisters Patricia Dempsey and Eileen Berge; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on January 18, 2025 from 3:00-5:00pm at Mastapeter Memorial home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Ron’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org) or a charity of your choice.

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