SUTTON-Herbert Elmer (“Harky”) Berg, age 96, died on May 26, 2015 at UMass Medical after a period of failing health. Born on April 10, 1919 in Worcester, Mr. Berg was the third son of Gustaf L. Berg and Julia C. Holst Berg. He was predeceased by his brothers, Carl G. and Henry S. Berg and his wife, Ethel Mae (“Becky”) Sharp Berg.
Herbert graduated from North High School in Worcester where his interest in horticulture began. He started his florist business, Herbert E. Berg Florist, in 1934 selling garden plants. The business continues at its original location in Quinsigamond Village.
He was a past president of the Worcester Horticultural Society, member of Florist Transworld Delivery, Society of American Florists, American Orchid Society, Massachusetts Flower Growers, former member of Fairlawn Hospital Board of Directors, Worcester Host Lions Club and an honorary trustee of Tower Hill Botanical Gardens. His love of travel brought him to many FTD conventions across the country, and around the world, which he and Ethel enjoyed immensely.
His first years in the flower business were interrupted when he volunteered for active duty in the Navy in World War II. He was a radioman/rear gunner in the Curtis Hell Diver SB2C with dive bomber squadron VB17 operating from the deck of USS Bunker Hill in the South and Central Pacific. While on board his squadron was the first to take the Hell Diver into combat when they attacked the Japanese Naval Base at Rabaul. Herbert was a great storyteller and had a smile on his face as he reminisced about his adventures in the Pacific.
Following his naval career he returned to Worcester where he married his high school sweetheart, Ethel, in 1945. Together they built their beautiful home in Sutton where he lived until just a few years ago. He was often seen mowing his vast lawn on his John Deere or tending to his many gardens. Herbert is a member of Quinsigamond United Methodist Church, the church where his parents were married.
Mr. Berg enjoyed his more than 60 years with the Masons, where he was a past Master of Morning Star Lodge, Scottish Rite, member of Melha Temple, consistory of Boston 32nd degree, and in 1984 was chosen honorary member, 33rd degree of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the USA, a most coveted award.
He leaves many friends and family including his nieces and nephews, Alan Berg (Jeanne) of Holden, MA, Mark Richardson (Maxine) of Brockton, MA, Lauren Farrell (Joseph) of Cresskill, NJ, Marilyn Berg Piusz (Peter) of Albany, NY, and Janice Berg (Jim McLaughlin) of Sutton, MA. His close friend, Sally Jablonski, continues his floral traditions as the current owner of the Herbert Berg Florist business. He was predeceased by his nephew, Paul Berg. He also leaves several grand nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours are Monday, June 1 from 5-7 pm at LINDQUIST LUNDIN Funeral Home, 36 Butler Street. The Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 2 at Quinsigamond United Methodist Church, 9 Stebbins Street, Worcester. Burial in Massachusetts National Veterans Cemetery in Bourne will be private.