Stephen Paul Berg

Stephen Paul Berg, age 75, died peacefully at home in Sausalito, CA on July 8th, 2020, his beloved wife and best friend Judy at his side. After battling neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer for an extraordinary ten years (and what extraordinary years those were!), Steve welcomed his own lasting peace with quiet dignity, grace, and love in his heart. Steve lived life to the fullest, regularly golfing, taking road trips to national parks, resorts and renowned golf courses, visiting his beloved New York City, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Europe, and parts beyond. In the time of COVID, he regularly held Zoom visits with family and friends, hosting virtual cocktail hours while spreading joy and connection. A common theme running through Steve's pursuit of games, trips and travels was his unyielding desire to share joy and beauty with those he loved - it wasn't the canals of Venice, the lights of Broadway or the green overlooking the Presidio that won his heart – it was sharing those sights and experiences with friends and family that brought those wonderful, contagious impish grins to his face. He will be remembered for his big smile, hearty laugh, and punny sense of humor. He loved playing the tour guide and always made sure every visitor to his home felt like family.

Steve was a kind and generous man. He was the guy in your corner cheering you on, the champion at your back shouting down your demons, the lighthouse shining steadfast and true through the fiercest storms to show you the way to safety and to home. The advice he shared does not tarnish, but grows more lustrous through passing years, illuminating the depth of his insight. Perhaps more remarkable still, his wisdom was never conveyed through lectures or diminishing chides, but offered as a gentle guide, through humor and compassion, to his own profound understanding of human nature. He had a unique way of turning strangers into dear, lifelong friends, and welcoming with an open heart and open arms all who would become his family. Indeed, Steve has always been a kind and generous man with family, friends, children and grandchildren, and especially in the case of the latter, the bonds he formed were instant and foundational. A visit from Grampa Steve (a.k.a. Grampaccino) & Mema was pure magic - the highlight of the season.

It must also be noted, here and for everafter, that Steve was a Foodie. One of his favorite topics for lunchtime conversation was: 'what's for dinner'? He never let anyone leave the Bay Area without a stop at his favorite dim sum restaurant in San Francisco. His pursuit of Sarabeth's sticky buns is legendary. On his last trip to Wisconsin, he led Josh and his family on a quest to find Door County's best cherry pie, which naturally required sampling more than a dozen of the tart, succulent, crusted confections up and down the coasts. Steve was everyone's favorite California barista, tempting visitors with delicious coffee treats, hot chocolates and smoothies as well as gourmet concoctions from his kitchen range, bbq grill and smoker.

Steve will be sorely missed, often celebrated, and indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of so, so many family and friends. He lived life in the moment for the moment, unfettered by his 'dark passenger' for so many years, and will continue to shine on as a beacon to all who choose to embrace happiness and joy despite the many hardships along the path through life.

Biographical Information

Born in 1944 to Murray and Dorothea (Ferar) Berg. He grew up in Homewood, IL graduating in 1962 from Homewood-Flossmoor high school where he played football and tennis. He liked to remind everyone of his high school motto "We like sex, we like brew, we're the class of '62". He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (Circle Campus) in 1967 with a BA in Psychology, he previously attended the University of Iowa. He received his MSW from Smith College School for Social Work in 1971, his thesis was on "The Nature and Effects of White

Racism in the United States". He worked at the Berg & Zoubek Center For Psychotherapy as a psychotherapist with his close friend and business partner Roseanna Zoubek. Steve lived in New York City in the Bronx before moving to Sausalito, CA for retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his former wife Dorothy Poynter Berg (married 1973, died 1990).

He leaves behind his beloved and amazing wife of 21 years Judith (Nosanchuk) Berg, son Joshua Berg (Elizabeth Davis-Berg) of Homewood, IL, brother Peter Berg (Nancy Christen) of Sausalito, CA, step-sons Jonathan Smith (Doris Garcia) of New York, NY, R. Tyler Smith (Stacey Laker) of Birmingham, MI, and Ryan H.Smith (Julie Hanna) of Littleton, CO, and six grandchildren including Sophie Berg, Charles Berg, Eden Smith, Sawyer Smith, Ella Smith, and Jude Smith. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and golfing buddies.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the pancreatic cancer research firm The Lustgarten Foundation. Donations can be made at https://www.lustgarten.org/donate/.

An online memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 16.