Theodore John Berger - Obituary

n February 6, 2024, Theodore “Ted” Berger, age 84, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his loving family. He was loved by many, had a long and fulfilling life, and will be missed dearly by his family and all who knew him. Ted was a hard working, intelligent man who felt strongly about doing the right thing by others. Ted was born in Buffalo, New York on November 16, 1939, the only child of Theodore and Eleanor Berger. He attended the University of Buffalo and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and began a long career in banking, starting with Marine Midland in Buffalo, NY. He married Margaret Emerling, had 4 children, and rose through the ranks to become regional Vice President at Maryland National Bank, prompting him to move his family to Severna Park in 1972. He resided in the Annapolis/Severna Park region for the rest of his life. Professionally, he went on to serve as Vice President for Second National and Farmers National Banks and served the Annapolis community in many capacities, including a long-term tenure on the Board of Trustees of Anne Arundel General Hospital. He trained in later years to become a life insurance agent and also worked with an accountant during tax season where he meticulously prepared people’s taxes. Ted was an avid reader and a talented musician with a lifelong love of music. He could whistle any tune from memory on perfect key right up until a few months before his death. He had a great sense of humor, and he laughed and smiled easily - especially at the absurdities of life. He cherished spending time with his ever-growing family, humans and pets alike! Ted was always well-regarded by his friends and associates who appreciated his friendly, calm, and mature demeanor. Ted was a skilled and accomplished sailor who competed in many ocean as well as local races and was an excellent golfer - proudly scoring a hole in one during a golf tournament for a cash prize. He was an accomplished pitcher for a softball team in his earlier years and played tennis in his later years. Probably his greatest love in sports was the game of squash. He was a volunteer coach with the Naval Academy squash program for better than 30 years and joined the staff as an assistant coach for 10 additional years. He was dedicated to the program and loved working with the midshipmen as a coach and mentor. Ted is survived by his devoted former spouse, Margaret with whom he reunited 5 years ago and who took loving care of him as his health declined. He is also survived by his children, Paul (Julie) Berger of Allentown, PA, Anne Berger (Drew) Denicoff of Annapolis, Peter (Suzanne) Berger of Pylesville and Kathryn Berger (Patrick Brooks) of Manassas, VA, 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins and countless friends. The family wishes to thank La Casa Nursing Home staff as well as private caregiver Julie Heath, for the steadfast care given and kindness shown to him - and recognize all the love and support from friends and extended family. Friends are invited to celebrate Ted’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, February 24 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with brief remarks at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, P.O. Box 3471, Annapolis, MD 21403 (donatenow.networkforgood.org/AACSPCA). Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.