STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Michael Berg, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose generosity, humor, and tireless dedication made him a beloved presence at Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto for more than a decade, died on Jan. 28. He was 70.
Since 2014, Berg served as facilities director of Catholic Charities of Staten Island at Mount Loretto, a role he embraced not simply as a job, but as a calling to serve people with dignity, care, and compassion.
Colleagues said his work touched every corner of the organization and countless lives beyond it.
“Today, our Catholic Charities of Staten Island family is heavy-hearted as we mourn the loss of a truly cherished family member,” said a social media post announcing his passing. “We are deeply saddened to share that Mike Berg, our longtime facilities director, has passed away after a courageous battle for his health.
“Mike retired last year to focus on that fight. And while we hoped and prayed for a different outcome, we can find comfort in the incredible legacy and numerous memories he leaves behind.”
Born April 20, 1955, in Oceanside, N.Y., Berg was the son of Jack Victor Berg and Selma Berg (née Mishkin). He grew up in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, and graduated from Lincoln High School, where he distinguished himself as both a lifeguard and a pre-Olympic gymnast and speed skater.
A lifelong helper by nature, Berg’s early years foreshadowed a career defined by service. In the 1980s, he volunteered as a firefighter in Hazlet, N.J., later founding his own ambulance transport company in North Jersey.
Michael Berg, left to right, Vincent Ignizio with his daughter Lina, Joe Delaney (the Bunny), Anne Tommaso, Nancy Delaney and Anthony Rapacciuolo at the Catholic Charities of Staten Island Easter Egg Hunt Event, held on the campus of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, Mount Loretto, Pleasant Plains. April 15, 2017. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)(Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)
His varied professional background also included work as a printing company manager and as a merchant marine captain.
Berg ultimately found his professional home at Catholic Charities of Staten Island, where Mount Loretto became what colleagues often described as his “second family.”
Joseph Delaney, retired chairman of the board of Catholic Charities of Staten Island, reflected on Berg’s deep faith and devotion to those in need.
“As director of our facilities for Catholic Charities of Staten Island, Mike Berg was devoted to the people of God in need,” Delaney said. “Mike worked very hard to assure that our facilities at Mount Loretto and Anderson Ave. were always accessible to people who came to Catholic Charities for the services our agency offered.
“Mike was so proud to be a part of the management team that helped to serve the people who Christ called us to serve, ‘the least of my brethren.’”
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. He is pictured with Claire Atalla, the CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)(Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Indeed, Berg was hailed as “a ‘one-in-a-million’ guy— a true Renaissance man, as talented, versatile and funny as he was kind and big-hearted.”
On Facebook, Berg was credited for many of the successes of Catholic Charities. “Over the last decade, he played a major role in our organization’s success, and, more importantly, he was simply a joy to be around.
“Beyond his professional dedication, Mike’s vibrant personality made him a beloved figure across our entire community.
Outside of his professional life, Berg was known as a man of remarkable versatility and curiosity. He was a scuba diving master and instructor, a black-diamond skier, a merchant marine captain, a keyboard pianist, and a skilled “Mr. Fix-It” who could repair almost anything.
Photo of Michael Berg, left, standing next to Claire Atalla, the CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island, and staff members. Berg has recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
In 1995, he met Donna Berg (née Bellino), the love of his life. They married two years later in the Bahamas, and Berg was quickly embraced by the Bellino family.
Berg is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Dawn Spina (née Berg) and Jason, and his grandchildren, Madison, Victoria, Justine and Emma. He was predeceased by his son, Justin.
He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Phil and Diane, Anthony and Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Vincent Ignizio, former chairman and CEO of Catholic Charities, honored Berg in a Facebook post following his passing, crediting him as a foundational force behind many of Mount Loretto’s programs and facilities.
“This man gave his heart and soul to Mt. Loretto for many years. No issue or problem I had as CEO was ever too challenging for Mike. We wouldn’t have our festivals, sport plex, camps — anything — without Mike.
“Everyone will take credit; he was one of the true originators of it all,” Ignizio said. “Every challenge he was given was always met with ‘No way, let me look at it, maybe,’ and then, ‘Chief’ (what he called me), ‘it’s done.’
“He loved the kids, the seniors, and our DD population. He was a jokester, a sincere friend, and one who was always there when anyone needed him — for anything. The world is a worse place without him in it. RIP Mike Berg. Thank you — you will be missed. Love ya, pal.”
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Claire Atalla, current president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island, shared similar fondness for Berg on social media, honoring his memory and emphasizing the deep sense of loss felt throughout the organization.
“Our hearts are broken. This morning, we lost Mike Berg — one of our dearest colleagues and a truly special part of our Catholic Charities of Staten Island family,” Atalla said. “Mike was loyal, funny, and sarcastic in the way only he could be.
“He was deeply dedicated to his work and truly loved what he did every single day. He was proud of his work, proud of his team, and proud to serve others — and it showed in everything he did. Mike brought laughter, honesty, and heart into our days.“
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. He is pictured with (l-r) Kerianne Kelly, Michelle LaVignera, Claire Atalla, and Donna Berg. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)(Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Atalla added: “He cared deeply about the people we serve and about the colleagues he worked alongside. The loss we feel is profound, and his absence will be felt for a long time.
“Rest easy, Mike Berg. Thank you for your dedication, your humor, and the love you had for this work and this team. You will always be part of us.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home in Middletown. A private service for immediate family will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Berg’s memory to Blood Cancer United at bloodcancerunited.org.
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)(Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)
Photo of Michael Berg, the beloved Director of Facilities of Catholic Charities of Staten Island and Mount Loretto, who recently passed away at 70. (Courtesy Catholic Charities of Staten Island)