Stan “smiley” Berger of Clearwater, Florida and the Clearbrook Community in Monroe Township, New Jersey, completed his earthly journey on January 4th, 2026. A genuinely good and nice man, he was surrounded by family as he took his last breaths.
Born in the Bronx, NY, on February 28th, 1930, to Molly and Anschel Berger, Stanley was a devoted brother of Caroline Shalansky and Henny Kitaeff-Buckner, beloved husband of Arlene for nearly 70 years, doting father to Debbie (Bob) Schwankert and Stuart (Helene) Berger, and loving grandfather to Jason (Ainsley), Michael, and Jacki Schwankert, and Alana and Daniel (Neer) Berger.
Stan was a graduate of Lowell Textile Institute in Massachusetts. After a twenty-five-year career with The Wool Bureau in New York City, Stanley enjoyed a second career as a model and actor, sometimes appearing with Arlene in commercials and print ads.
Stan was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War. When thanked for his service, he’d point to Arlene and say “thank her. She waited two years for me”.
Stan will be remembered for his infectious smile, his finger-waving advice (“Stay positive!”), and his kindness toward all he met (“Bon appétit, everyone!”).
A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been his 96th birthday at Veterans Funeral Services, 830 N. Belcher Rd, Clearwater, on February 28th at 10 AM. A gathering of friends and family will also take place in New Jersey in August. Donations in Stan’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
