Rene Leo Berger, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 3,2014.  He was born in Fall River to the late Leo and Evelyn (Messier) Berger.

Rene was a 1966 graduate of Prevost High School in Fall River and earned his bachelor’s degree at SMU Dartmouth after serving his country during the Vietnam War.  He spent his career working in the textile industry throughout New England.

He will be fondly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Jeannine (Lapointe) Berger; his children, Lorie Erickson and her husband Bill, Ken Berger, Amanda Gould and her husband Geoff,;as well as his four grandchildren, Joshua and Haley Erickson, and Derek and Ryan Gould, all of Belchertown, Mass.  In addition, he is survived by his sister, Diane (Berger) Preston of Attleboro, Mass.

A loving father and devoted husband, Rene enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and knew not to sweat the small stuff.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and thrived in the great outdoors, most especially at his summer retreat on Stafford Pond in Tiverton.  His laid-back, calm, fun-loving personality brought peace and laughter to those blessed enough to know him.  He will be deeply missed.

Contributions in Rene’s memory may be made to JDRF for type 1 diabetes research at https://jdrf.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/.

Following cremation, a memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, 265 Stafford Road, Tiverton, RI 02878 with a reception in the church hall immediately following the Mass.