C. Joseph Berger, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Matthews, North Carolina on July 12th in the presence of his daughter, JoAnna, who was visiting for the weekend. Born on April 24, 1936 in Emmetsburg, lowa, Joe was the youngest of seven children and garnered his deep faith, work ethic, and heart for serving others from his beloved family.
Joe graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a cryptographer stationed in Savannah, Georgia. It was there that he met his bride, Mary Quarles. Following the Air Force, Joe attended The University of Georgia. He graduated in 1962 with a degree in accounting and entered the field of textile management working for Milliken in Abbeville, South Carolina, M. Lowenstein & Sons in Manhattan, and finally Springs Industries in Fort Mill, South Carolina. At the request of the President of Milliken, Joe served on a task force to revolutionize barcode tracking and technology which became today’s Universal Product Code (UPC).
In Rock Hill, Joe earned an MBA from Winthrop University in 1977. He served three terms on the Rock Hill School Board and was instrumental in facilitating the advancement in public school education. He was appointed to the York County Board of Elections where he served with distinction. Joe was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church where he served on the finance committee and parish council, was a CCD instructor and a founding member of The Knights of Columbus.
Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; parents, Mary Florence and C. Joseph Berger, Sr.; and four siblings, Jean Bywater, Bill Berger, Bob Berger, and Ruth Schuller.
He is survived by his brother, Jack Berger (Sandy) and his sister, Carol Pascuzzi; children Tom Berger (Cari), Gina Summer (Keith), and JoAnna Yoder (Bob); grandchildren Blake Summer (Kasey), Anna Kenkel (Brad), Kyle Summer (Jacqueline), Will Yoder (Rachel), Thomas Yoder (Caroline), Luke Summer, and Davis and John Berger; great- grandchildren Adelyn and Emery Summer, Mary Maxwell Kenkel, John and Lucy Summer, Kaleigh Scott, and Andrew and Addison Yoder.
Joe’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
The family wishes to thank his many friends at Windsor Run Senior Living who came to be like family.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 28th at 11AM followed by a reception with the family in the Family Life Center of St. Anne Catholic Church, 1698 Bird Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus, Council #6756, St. Anne Catholic Church, 1694 Bird Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.