Fred G. Berger, 89, of Boca Grande, Fla., formerly of St. Thomas, died Nov. 3. Born in New York City, Fred G. Berger grew up in Reading, Penn. He was a veteran of WWII and a graduate of Temple University. He settled in Bucks County, Penn., where he published a newspaper and raised his family. He was a fine writer and his weekly column was often a source of discomfort for local officials.
He fell in love with St. Thomas after vacationing there and moved the family to the island in 1965. He was the director of public relations in the Paiewonsky administration and wrote many of the governor’s speeches. He had a deep affection for the islands and its people, and he developed many lasting friendships. In 1970, he moved to N.Y.C., where he was an executive with several PR firms, including his own: Berger, Olsen and Beaumont. He retired in 1992 and moved to Boca Grande, Fla., where he was active in numerous community organizations.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his children: David, Steven, Leslie and Lisa; grandchildren: Jenna and Nikki; and many relatives and countless friends.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
