John G. Berger

John Garretson Berger, Age 88, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Dublin Hospital. Born September 5, 1936 to Henry W. and Margaret E. Berger (step-mother, Eunice Berger Grossi). John had three years training in electricity during his time in the Navy reserves. John proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. He had a tremendous sense of humor, loved talking about stories with his Navy Buddies who served with and after him on the USS Basilone, DDE 824, and his many truck friends. He formed many friends in all groups he joined.

John was retired from the City of Columbus, Division of Electricity after 37 years of service.

John was one of the founding members and former President of Buckeye Vintage Haulers, member of the USS Basilone Association, Tin Can Sailors, and The American Truck Historical Society.

John was also a member of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1963, where he served as President of Church Council, member of the Ecumenical Ministry team. John visited people in their homes during Stewardship Month, and visited people who had shown an interest in our church, served on Church Property Committee, where he enjoyed cutting the grass for several years, served as Usher and also Greeter for several years. He thoroughly enjoyed playing softball with his church friends when they were in their 50’s.

A big fan of the OSU Buckeyes, Bengals, and Reds, he was also a proud Grandpa of his 8 year-old grandson, Zane’s, flag and tackle football teams. John and Shirley loved to travel and also loved to camp and hike. They visited almost all of the US States, and traveled abroad, loving every minute of their travels.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley. They had been married 64 years and 10 months. Also survived by their son, Timothy (Laurajane), grandson, Zane, granddaughter, Elizabeth (fiance’ Kyle Linton), granddaughter, Riece Burger, sister, Margaret Stein (George), sister, Leslie Stewart (Donnie Pfister), brother, Anthony Gianninoto (Brenda), brother, Eric (Leslie), sister-in-law, Patricia Schwab (Jerome), brother-in-law, Randy Williams. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom he was very close.  Pre-deceased by father, mother, step-mother, step-father, Vincent Grossi, niece, Jill Gannon, sister and brother-in-law, Mary (David) Russell, aunt and uncle Caroline (Walter) Olsen, and his loving grandparents, 

Funeral Service will be held 12:00p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024 at RESURRECTION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3500 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 with the Reverend David Kamphius, officiating. Family will receive friends before the service from 10:30a.m.-12:00p.m. SATURDAY. A luncheon will follow the service.

Memorials can be made to Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3500 Main St., Hilliard, OH 43026, in John’s memory.

The Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722, assisted the family. Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Berger Family.