Frank R. Berger

Mr. Frank R. Berger, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

Frank was born in Rochester, June 8, 1934, a son of the late Raymond G. and Caroline (Ferguson) Berger. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1955 aboard the U.S.S. Missouri and the U.S.S. Macon. A graduate of SUNY Oswego, he went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education from Buffalo State College. On August 25, 1956, he married the former Nancy Wilson and the couple were longtime residents of the Medina area ever since.

Mr. Berger started his 30-year teaching career in the industrial arts department at Medina High School in 1959. He also taught driver’s education for many years. Mr. Berger retired in 1989 and stayed active with the Orleans County Retired Teachers Association.

Scouting played a major role in Frank’s life. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 79 years, beginning in 1946. He fondly recalled stories of attending the 7th World Scout Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria in 1951 and leading troops to the Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and would serve in various leadership roles throughout scouting in his life. He earned many awards, including the coveted Eagle Award, Silver Beaver and the Wood Badge Award. He was a charter member of the National Eagle Scout Association and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, an honor society within scouting leadership.

A proud Veteran, Mr. Berger was an active member of Butts-Clark Post #204 American Legion in Medina, where he served as Commander and participated on the Honor Guard at veteran funerals for many years. He organized and ran the Medina Memorial Day Parade since 1971. Frank was also a proud Mason and belonged to Towpath Lodge #1193 F&AM and was a member of the Scottish Rite.

Active in the community, Frank was awarded the Medina Citizen of the Year in 1972 and 1989. He served on the Orleans County Legislature for 14 years from 1980-94, serving as Chairman of the Legislature for several of those years. He also served on the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation Board and the Medina Canal Task Force Committee. Frank had a keen interest in history, both local and abroad, and was a charter member of the Orleans County Historical Association and was active with the Medina Historical Society. He was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Medina, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. In recent years, he became a member of the East Shelby Community Bible Church, where he felt a strong family bond of faith.

The man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Berger has unquestionably left a profound impact on the Medina Community and beyond. Often outspoken and possessing a quick wit, his presence in the community will be missed by former students, community members, friends and family alike.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Nancy W. Berger in 2015; his brother, George (Martha) Berger; and brother-in-law, Alan Wheeler.

Survivors include his two sons, Gary (Katie Houseknecht) Berger of East Bethany and Bryan Berger of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Corey (Kyra), Nicole and Brenna Berger; two great-grandchildren, Zuri and Avi Berger; and sister-in-law, Sandra Wheeler of Fairport; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service with full military honors on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11AM at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, 5278 E. Shelby Rd., Medina. Private interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Shelby Community Bible Church (address above) or the Butts-Clark Post #204 American Legion, 305 Main St., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.