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RICHARD BERGER  – devoted husband; loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather; successful entrepreneur; adventurous traveler; and energetic New York man-about-town – passed away on Wednesday, February 10^th at the age of 91.

Richard radiated a delight in living that inspired all around him. His smile would brighten up a room and it was easy to see how much he loved being with other people, and especially family.  

After an early career in advertising, Berger developed trailblazing new consumer products, launching several companies and giving full expression to his creative intelligence and enormous drive. He imagined into existence Sweater Fresh, which was the first product of its type; Carpet Fresh, also the first of its type; and most famously Plax, an anti-plaque dental rinse that created an entirely new market and was a Fortune magazine “Products of the Year.”

Richard was a voracious reader of nonfiction and intensely curious. He and his wife Marilyn Berger loved new experiences and traveling around the world. Marilyn, a children’s book author and former vice-president for children’s television at ABC, was at his side along with his daughter Julie and son-in-law Jim when he passed in hospital from complications following a fall near his Manhattan home.

Richard was born January 20, 1930, to Mike and Shirley Berger in Rockville Center, NY. He was a popular camper and then counselor at Camp Powhatan in Maine, a family tradition. He met his first wife, artist Bette Alexander, at the University of Rhode Island, where he played first base and kept free-flying parakeets to the delight of his fraternity brothers. He joined the Army, graduating first in his class from counter-intelligence school, and served in Korea during the Korean War. His son David was born while he was overseas, and his daughter Julie came a few years later.

Richard married his second wife, Marilyn, in 1981. They remained inseparable and best friends for fifty years, facing thick and thin with their motto “gotta keep moving.” Richard had many nicknames over his lifetime. “Dick” in his early years, “Ace” for those who knew when he was part-owner of trotter race horses in appreciation of his handicapping skills, and finally as “Rich,” an apt description for his rich, full life.

Richard truly enjoyed his 91 years on this planet. His contributions left this world a better place. His passion for life and big heart will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Berger, son David Berger (Karen DeWinter), daughter Dr. Julie Berger O’Shea (Jim), grandchildren, great-grandchildren and an extended family. Predeceased by his older brother Stuart Berger.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled by Zoom for noon on Sunday, March 21. 

This obituary was originally published February 27 in The New York Times.