RALPH BERGER

Ralph Leonard Berger, loving and devoted father, loyal friend and enduring husband, passed away October 25, 2017. He was born November 5, 1939, in New York City, and was aproudLas Veganfor the past 56 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Friedman, in 1960 and soon after, the newlyweds, along with his parents, and two brothers moved cross country to Las Vegas, where the entire Berger family still calls home. In 1961, Ralph began what would be an impressive 36-year career as a Computer Systems Analyst at EG&G, retiring in 1997. Ralph is known for his easy-going personality and genuine warmth, greeting everyone with his big smile and welcoming words. Ralph made friends easily everywhere he went, particularly while making his thrice weekly “food rounds” at a few of his favorite haunts, Honey Crisp apples at Vons, Kosher pickles at Weiss’ Deli, hot dogs at Sam’s Club and, his favorite, Joey’s New York Pizza. A lifelong Democrat, (much to his very Republican daughter’s chagrin) Ralph had become quite the political animal in past years. In fact, on most evenings, he would conduct rather spirited (loud) repartee with a variety of cable television political pundits from the comfort of his favorite recliner. Another of Ralph’s great joys came from his meticulously cared-for yards. From his perfectly manicured lawns, pristine pool, prized rose bushes and delicious Vegas-defying fruit trees, Ralph took immense pride in the beauty he could create living in the dessert. His love of sports was palpable and nothing topped his passion for UNLV Runnin’ Rebel basketball. He instilled that same love in his daughter, Alicia, at age five, as they attended every home and many road games with their Runnin’ Rebel’s. Above all, Ralph loved his family, they were his greatest joy. Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Moe and Faye Berger; brothers, Irv and Artie, and their wives, Gloria and Natalie Berger; and nephew, Joel Berger. He is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Brenda Berger of Henderson; daughters, Alicia Jacobs of Las Vegas, and Monet Berger Galanis of Los Angeles; four grandpups, Sparkle, Star, Baby Wayner and Newton. He is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Harriet Hecht of Arizona; nieces and nephews, Helene Smith, Beth Gambardella, Brian Berger, and Pamela Lellouche, all of Las Vegas, Erica Goodman of Washington, and Dr. Nieta Shapiro of Pennsylvania; two grandnieces; and eight grandnephews. The family would like to thank his incredibly dedicated & gifted physicians, Dr. Loring Jacobs, Dr. Ed Kingsley and Dr. Rajat Sood, all of whom meant the world to Ralph. Memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, November 5, at King David Memorial Chapel 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nevada SPCA in memory of Ralph’s precious pups, Rufus and Bettina Berger.