Richard “Pete” H. Berger

Schenectady – Richard “Pete” H. Berger, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Born in Schenectady, Pete was the son of the late James and Elizabeth Berger and a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962. He served aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59). In the early part of his service, he was involved in the “Lebanon Conflict.”

Pete’s lifelong passion for cars began with one of his first jobs - pumping gas at a local filling station at the age of 12. That passion grew into building and working on race cars, including several race cars that were driven by well-known local racers such as Butch Jelley, Chuck Ely, and Stretch Van Steenberg. Pete also spent countless hours helping his grandson, Kevin Jr and Kevin Sr working on Kevin Jr’s race go karts all over the northeast. Though he gave up his beloved 1962 Corvette when his children were born, his love of cars never left him.

As a young man, Pete worked at Leech’s Machine Shop before building a long and dedicated career with the Local 12 Ironworker’s Union, later working many years as a welder for Bendick Construction Company.

Pete’s happiest place was always the camp on Sacandaga Lake, where he found peace and joy surrounded by family, friends, and the outdoors. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep love of family, his quick wit, and his talent for building not just cars - but lifelong friendships.

Pete was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary; his brother, James; his sister, Mary Czub; and his stepson, William “Billy” Templer.

He is survived by his children: Theresa Benaquista (Emerick), Kevin Berger (Tamara), Christine Cubello (Mario), and Colleen Senecal (John); his stepson, Robert Templer (Kimberly); and his cherished grandchildren: Brianna, EJ, and Dylan Benaquista; Kevin Berger Jr. and Kylah Covey (Israel); Lucas and Cameron Berger; Michael, Mario, Matteo, Massimo, and Marissa Cubello; Jackson and Austin Senecal; Nathan and Bryce Templer, Randi Fisher and Robby Templer. Pete was also blessed with great-grandchildren Rosemary and Hans. He is further survived by his in-laws Richard Czub and Patricia Berger, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12 noon at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1241 State Street, Schenectady. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Schenectady.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Albany Medical Center for the wonderful care and respect they extended to Pete and all his visitors throughout this process.

The family would also like to thank all extended family members and friends for their love and support throughout the last several months of Pete’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to The Children’s Miracle Network at Albany Medical Center.