Robert L. Berg

Charlottesville, VA - Robert L. Berg, 89, of 250 Pantops Mountain Road passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2013 in his home with his family at his side. He was born February 29, 1924 in Bellevue, PA the son of the late George and Amy (Matson) Berg. On January 31, 1959 in Wellsville, NY he married Phyllis Elaine Reuning who predeceased him on August 2, 2004. They were married for 45 glorious years and each adored the other. 

Bob resided in Oak Park, Illinois from 1926 to 1942. He entered Northwestern University after high school, but soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served from 1943 to 1945 as a navigator on a B-29 in the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. He bravely flew 23 combat missions over Japan and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He returned to finish his education at Northwestern from 1946 to 1948 and obtained a B. S. Degree in Chemical Engineering. He was employed by Esso, and subsequently Exxon, for 35 years and for 10 of those years he was posted overseas in Venezuela, Brazil, England, and Singapore. He began his career as a chemical engineer and advanced to being an international marketing executive.

Bob was a wonderful husband and father who deeply valued time spent with his family. He shared his passion for skiing, golf, sailing and long walks outdoors with his sons. He had an adventurous spirit which was fueled by all of his international experiences that he loved to share with all of those around him. As a Leap Year baby, he celebrated some remarkable birthdays, including festive celebrations for his 16th, 18th and 21st birthdays. In his later years, he was fond of remarking that he was doing remarkably well despite his advancing age, and that as long as he ate well, slept well and could take a long walk that he was well satisfied. His positive outlook will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by two sons and their wives, Dr. Carl L. Berg and Dr. Martha L. Barnett of Charlottesville, VA and John A. and Lisa W. Berg of New York City, five grandchildren, Emily, Alison, Alexandra, Michael and Andrew, one sister, Frances Berg of San Francisco, CA as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Al Berg, whom he loved dearly. 

A private service is being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY. The family suggest memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made in his memory to Northwestern University or the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com