Stephen M. Berger, M.D.

Dr. Stephen Miles Berger of Columbus, Ohio and Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully December 7th at the age of 83. He is survived by his adoring wife of 53 years, Yong Suk “Sukie,” daughters Lisa, Danielle and Michelle Berger, sons-in-law Peter Lusenhop and Cubie King, grandchildren, Lilinoi, Samuel, Louis, Annabel, Sukie and Leia, his best friend and “brother,” cousin Dr. Gary Reiser, cousins and friends, Drs. Nate and Melvin Berger and friends and family too numerous to name. Steve is pre-deceased by his grandparents, Esther and Samuel Shor, parents, Sarah and Louis Berger, and sister, Caliope Brattlestreet.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Sarah and Louis Berger in 1939, he played streetball on Cedarbrook Street with his many neighborhood cousins and friends.

He loved his days at Central High, where he excelled at science and football, ultimately earning a scholarship to Princeton University (1957-1961). He attended medical school at Columbia University (1961-1965), interned at Albert Einstein Medical Center (1966) and began his residency at the Mayo Clinic (1967) before completing a tour as an Army Physician in South Korea (1969).

In Pusan, he nurtured a love of medicine, service and Sukie, marrying her (1969) at the Joy and Happiness Orphanage, founded and operated by her mother, Bok Ran Han, thus beginning their one-in-a-million love story.

The Bergers returned to Philadelphia to complete Steve’s residency and fellowship at University of Pennsylvania (1969-1972).

A pioneer of invasive cardiology, he settled in Columbus, Ohio with his young family, ultimately founding Cardiology, Inc where he and his eventual ten partners ran Ohio’s largest cardiology practice for 40 years.

But his greatest joy and achievement was the family he and Sukie created and for whom he was the moral compass. The Berger household emphasized education, music, cuisine and a devotion to family. Steve took great pride in his daughters’ and grandchildren’s educational achievements, musical talents, athleticism and eagerness to be together.

Steve played the piano and guitar, was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and a lifetime collector of jokes, antique fountain pens and traveling inkwells.

He was a foodie who loved to entertain in his home, which he proudly designed and built on the banks of the Olentangy River. He spoke French with a signature raspy voice, loved jazz and the cha-cha, was a news junkie, a hugger and an avid reader.

He was a stylish, opinionated, open and fair-minded, compassionate, kind, generous, honorable and affectionate stinker. In short, Stephen was a real mensch. He knew no enemies and loved countless friends. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and his diversely cultured family.

He received a lifesaving transplant in 2009 and was sustained thereafter by Sukie’s constant love and determination.

We will celebrate his life with a service and luncheon at Le Meridien at the Joseph Hotel in Columbus, Ohio beginning at 11am on Saturday, December 17th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen M. Berger’s honor (Class 208) to

The Associated Alumnae of Central High School at

www.centralhighalumni.com/tribute-gift/

or by check made payable to

AACH

P.O. Box 26580

Philadelphia, PA 19141

The family also asks that you consider becoming an organ donor: https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsmemorial.com for the Berger, family.