Shrewsbury – Jeffery E. Berg, 55, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Serenity Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation.
Jeff leaves his high school sweetheart and wife of 32 years, Amy S. (Watson) Berg of RI and his father, John C. Berg of Wareham. He was predeceased by his mother, Judith M. (Cartier) Berg in 2016.
Jeff also leaves his sister, Christine Fantoni and husband Mark of Marion; his brother, John Berg and wife Paula of Wakefield; his sister-in-law, Nancy Watson; his brother-in-law, Christopher Watson and wife Cheryl; his sister-in-law, Ellen Nuzzolilo and husband John.
The love Jeff had for his nieces and nephew was immeasurable. He treasured the strong connections he had with them and spoiled them every chance he could. They include Kelsey Mansfield, Torie Cohen, Jamie Berg, Nicole Fantoni, Rachael Fantoni, Kathlyn Morgan, Cailey Watson, Samantha Nuzzolilo and Christian Nuzzolilo. Sadly, he never had the chance to meet his three youngest nieces or his nephew, who only know him through stories. Although Jeff was unable to watch them grow up, there’s no question he would have played a significant role in their lives had he been given the opportunity. He would be very proud of the amazing humans they have become, and his legacy lives on in the beautiful lives they’ve each created.
Jeff also leaves 13 great-nieces and nephews.
Jeff was born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1986.
In 1989, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving for five years. He lucked out with his initial station, Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Patrick was a sought after assignment and Jeff had a lot of fun while stationed there. Some would say he had too much fun!
Jeff graduated from the Community College of the Air Force. Later, he pursued his bachelor’s degree through the University of Maryland’s continuing education program, taking as many courses as he could – including many Oceanography and Science classes – while balancing his work duties and being a newlywed.
While in the Air Force, Jeff specialized in Satellite Communications. During the Gulf War he participated in Operation Desert Shield and was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Jeff and Amy spent two years at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. There, Jeff provided Communications support for countless special missions and even had the honor of speaking to Air Force One pilots. While in Turkey, Jeff and Amy made lifelong friendships in Julie Christie and Ed Graham.
After being honorably discharged in 1994 as an E-4 and moving stateside, Jeff embarked on a successful sales management career — which suited him perfectly. He enjoyed talking to and meeting people, and his family would often say “he could sell ice to an Eskimo.” Jeff led teams at several different offices, and everyone wanted to work with him. His location became known as “The Land of Milk & Honey.” He even had an office motto: “Lookin’ good…feelin’ good.”
Jeff loved the ocean and was proud to receive his Advanced Scuba Diver certification while living in Turkey. He also had a profound love of music of all genres and played the drums from an early age.
Jeff enjoyed rooting for all Boston sports, but his favorites were the Red Sox and Patriots. He was an animal lover and was not shy about the love he had for his cats, Moe Kitty (rescued while they were in Turkey) and Cleo, who both lived to be nearly 20.
In 1997, Jeff was in a car accident while on the way home from work and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He has been in a vegetative state for the past 26 years.
Jeff had a love of life like no other and wherever he was, the fun followed. It was his mission to make everyone laugh, even if he had to embellish a story or poke fun at Amy or someone else to do so. Jeff laughed and smiled more in his 29 ‘active’ years than most people do in their lifetime, and his family will do their best to keep the laughter going in his memory.
The family has comfort knowing Jeff no longer faces the battle he fought so bravely for so many years, and they hope he can now truly be at peace. Though this world only knew the true Jeff a mere 29 years, he has served as compelling evidence that a flame which burns twice as bright burns half as long.
Calling hours are from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. A “Cheers & Tears” memorial event will follow from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Leo’s Ristorante, 11 Leo Turo Way in Worcester. Family members and friends from all chapters of Jeff’s life are cordially invited.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts by going to www.biama.org.
