Dr. Leonard “Lenny” Paul Berger, a health care entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist, and former owner and president of Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, died on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
A former Pikesville resident, Berger, who lived in Ocean City and Boca Raton, Florida, was 90.
“Known for his boundless energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and generosity, he lived a life full of achievement, adventure, and connection,” wrote his family.
On social media, former Gov. Larry Hogan posted, “Yumi and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend, Dr. Lenny Berger. We were fortunate to recently celebrate his 90th birthday and it’s hard to believe he is now gone. Lenny lived life to the fullest, with boundless energy, an incredible entrepreneurial spirit, and a generosity that touched so many.
“From his early years as a doctor making house calls, to his success as a businessman and his contributions to Ocean City and beyond, he left an indelible mark on Maryland and on everyone who knew him.”
Born in Canada, Berger grew up in Baltimore and started his working life as a door-to-door Bible salesman.
After graduating from from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
After serving in the U.S. Army with the 92nd Field Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and reaching the rank of captain, Berger started a medical practice in Baltimore County’s Parkville community “where he was remembered as the kind of doctor who still carried his black bag and made house calls,” wrote his family.
Throughout his life, Berger also owned and operated car dealerships from Maryland to New Jersey, as well as a chain of nursing homes. In addition, he owned a racquetball and fitness club.
Later, Berger relocated to Ocean City where he operated the Ocean Club, the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau (for more than 37 years), Marigot Beach Suites and the Gateway Hotel.
In his spare time, Berger enjoyed dining out and spending time with family and friends. Among the nonprofit groups that he supported were the Art League of Ocean City, Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland, Temple Bat Yam and the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
“His warmth and charisma made him unforgettable to all who met him,” his family wrote. “He will be remembered by his family as a generous and loving husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. His legacy lives on not only in the businesses he built and his philanthropy, but in the lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and spirit. Lenny Berger’s extraordinary journey leaves behind a family and community deeply proud of the life he lived, and grateful for the example he set.”
Berger is survived by his wife, Kari Berger; his children, David Berger, Jackie Berger and Kelly Forsberg; his stepdaughters, Shannon Rosa and husband Charles Rosa, and Karlie Southcomb, and his grandchildren, Maddie Simons, Ben Forsberg, Jack Forsberg, and Bella Rosa.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Anne Berger.
Funeral services will be held next Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 1 p.m. pm at Temple Bat Yam, 11036 Worcester Highway in Berlin, Maryland.
Donations in Berger’s memory may be sent to to the TidalHealth Foundation, designated for Graduate Medical Education, 100 E. Carroll Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21801, or online at tidalhealth.org/about-us/donate
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