Emil H. Berges, Jr

LONG ISLAND - Emil H. Berges, Jr., 91, of Island Avenue died at his home on Sunday, July 27, 2014. Emil was born in Derby, CT on May 21, 1923, the second son of Emil H. Sr. and Lillian Wehrle Berges. He attended schools in Ansonia and New Haven, graduating from New Haven High School in 1940. He spent a year at Tilton School before enrolling in Colorado School of Mines. When his education was interrupted with the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the US Navy, training as a hardhat diver in the SEABEES. He was attached to the 23rd Construction Battalion, serving in the Marshall, Marianas, and Aleutian Islands. He was involved in salvage diving at Pearl Harbor following the Japanese attack and was honorably discharged in 1945. Following his war service, Emil resumed his education at University of California at Berkeley, working summers for Western Condensing Co. in Gustine, CA. He transferred to Brown University in Providence, RI where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1949 and was a member of Zeta Psi fraternity. His long and successful career in sales and marketing began in 1949 selling Lustron Homes, which were prefabricated enameled steel houses. He then worked for West Virginia Pulp and Paper in Meriden, CT for 9 years as District Sales Manager. Emil began working for The Abbott Ball Company of West Hartford, CT in 1959 travelling throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. He rose to the position of Executive Vice-President of Sales during his tenure of 40 years at Abbott, retiring to his home on Long Island in 2000.During his youth, Emil was introduced to Long Island, ME by the Chase family and he could never return often enough. He bought his first home there in 1960, hosting outings of the Meriden Ski Club, as well as visits from clients, family and friends throughout the years. He quickly became part of the community, supporting numerous island organizations and developing many lifelong friendships. He was Vice-Commander and past Commander of VFW Post 9605 and was fiercely proud of his military service. He was a vocal participant at Town Meeting and was recently cited by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for his commitment to protecting and serving his country and the citizens of Long Island. He will be fondly remembered for his broad smile, quick wit and genuine interest in his fellow man. On September 29, 1985, Emil married Nancy Mae Kilgore at Camp Hammond in Yarmouth, ME. He was predeceased by his former wife Charlotte Thompson, his brothers-in-law Lance Thompson and Peter Kilgore, and nephew Christian Kilgore. His beloved brother John "Jack" Berges followed him in death on August 3, 2014. Emil is survived by his loving wife Nancy, sisters-in-law Margaret Berges of Notre Dame, IN, Carol Kilgore of Sumas, WA and Kathy Thompson of Brunswick; brothers-in-law Mervin R. Kilgore and his wife Yoshiko of Brunswick and Michael Kilgore of Long Island; special cousin Paula Mueller of Portland; longtime friends George Lange of Wallingford, CT and Mark Greene of Long Island; and eleven nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 23, at 11:30 a.m. at New Hill Cemetery, Fern Avenue on Long Island. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m. at the VFW Hall, Island Avenue, Long Island. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.Those who wish may make contributions in Emil's memory to:Hospice of Southern Maine180 US Route 1Scarborough, ME 04074or Long Island Fire and Rescue Assoc.15 Leavitt StreetLong Island, ME 04050Online condolences may be expressed below.