Donald B. Berge

Donald Bryan Berge, age 82, of Sewell, answered final roll call on Friday, September 30, 2011 at home. He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Tripp Berge; a son, Thomas Berge (Sherri) of Millville, and two daughters, Susan Carbone of Williamstown and Kathy McSorley (Michael) of West Deptford; a step-son, John Conley of Washington, Illinois, and three step-daughters, Trish Doebler of Glassboro, Debbie Kellerman (James) of Palmyra, VA, and Beth Jackson (Alan) of Atco; a brother, Richard Berge of Warrenton, VA, eighteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Predeceased by his first wife, Marie, brother Bud and grandson Steven. Born in Johnstown, PA, graduated from Dundalk High School, Baltimore, MD, and enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in combat at the Chosen Reservoir, Korea. He was discharged after ten years as S/SGT. He was employed by Boeing Aircraft Co, Seattle, while pursuing his BS at the University of Washington and Seattle University. While in Seattle, Don enlisted in the USAF Reserves, serving nine years as a Load Master and Preventive Medicine Specialist. In 1965, he was transferred to Boeing Helicopters in Morton, PA where he retired after 35 years of Boeing service as a Warranty/Overhaul Administrator. Don and his family resided in Woodbury Heights where he served as term President of the Republican Party and on the Planning Board. In 1998, Don and his wife, ‘Ardie’, moved to Bridlewood Estates. Don remained active in the Marine Corps via the Semper Fidelis Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Wenonah where he served as Paymaster, Judge Advocate, Chaplain and four years as Commandant. He later served as 10th District Commandant and as Southern NJ Chaplain for the Department of NJ, MCL. He was instrumental in the development of the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, serving as Chairman, and was active in the Gloucester County Veterans Advisory Board. He was inducted into the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and was active with Toys for Tots. He was also a member of VFW Post 15031; American Legion Post 0049 of Pitman; Pound 96 Military order of the Devil Dogs, MCL; NRA, 1st Marine Div Assoc.; Marine Corps Assoc., and Boeing Management Assoc. His primary interests were his ‘Love’ (Ardie), his family, hunting, floral gardens, landscaping and design, singing and ‘The Corps.’ In spite of his gruff demeanor, he loved all who really knew him and those who didn’t. Maybe his last words were, “Yo, Semper Fi!” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gloucester County SPCA, 55 Ogden Rd., Swedesboro, NJ 08085. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service Monday 2:30pm at BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, 1757 Delsea Dr., Deptford.

Donald B. Berge

January 19, 1929 - September 30, 2011