We are saddened to learn of the passing of Janet (Buttino) Berger, Class of 1971, on September 4, 2025.

Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this difficult time.

Below is an obituary published by our friends at:

Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes, 245 Main St., West Sayville, NY 11796  Tel: 1-631-589-2345    Fax: 1-631-589-5436

Janet Berger, 72, of Westhampton, NY, died on September 4, 2025. As a child, Janet lived with her sisters and parents in Freeport. When she was starting high school, her family moved to Sayville, where they created a loving and welcoming home. During high school, Janet worked at Charlotte Shoppe, where she developed a sense of style and a love of beautiful clothing. Janet graduated from Sayville High School in 1971. 

An adventure seeker and in her late teens and early 20’s Janet would race muscle cars on Sunrise Highway, after they were restored by her cousin. She loved watching jets swarm the air and practice landing maneuvers while visiting her daughter who was in the Air Force at the time. Accruing many flight miles, Janet also travelled to California to visit her son when he ventured to the west coast. There were many family vacations to Florida, and one to Wyoming where Janet became mesmerized with the views of the West. She often shared her desires to para sail or hang-glide with her husband who inevitably told her that it was too dangerous. 

A resident of Sayville for most of her life, she worked for many years as a Licensed Real Estate Broker and owned and operated Century 21 Bay’s Edge in Sayville. Through her work in real estate, Janet cultivated close friendships with colleagues and other small business owners. These relationships were special to Janet, and she was sure to demonstrate generosity and love through her cooking and community activities. Friends of her children were always welcome in the Berger home, especially during holidays which often culminated in overwhelming laughter from board games or family shenanigans. Janet was extremely active locally, volunteering her time and talent wherever there was a need. 

She was a longtime member of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce and tirelessly chaired their Summerfest for many years. Sayville Summerfest was one of her passions, earning her the nickname “Summerfest Jan,” and she was excited to share the endeavor with her daughter in the 2000’s. Janet loved Christmas and as a testament to her generous nature, she acted as Mrs. Claus. Annually, she and her colleagues at Century 21, “adopted” local families to ensure that Christmas was a joyful time for everyone. In her own home, countertops would be covered with trays of ricotta cookies, and cream puffs after long nights of baking ran deep into early morning hours, in preparation for holiday gatherings. 

Her love of travel was evident in her many trips to Saint Maarten with her husband, children and friends. Saint Maarten became a special place for the entire family, and her children are committed to maintaining this family tradition. She loved fiercely, and could not get enough of her grandchildren. It was important to Janet to show her grandchildren her favorite vacation spots, and to find adventure in activities like zip lining over the tree-top canopy in the Caribbean.

Janet was predeceased by her beloved husband Phill, just 13 months ago. She is survived by her two children, Jessica Shuren and her husband Bill of Bayport and Phil and his wife Colleen of Patchogue, her three grand-children, Alex and her wife Sara, Ava and Mason, as well as her sisters, Barbara Buttino, Liz Mehrmann and her husband Bill, Maria Ferrara and her husband Lawrence as well as 13 nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Friends and relatives will gather on Tuesday, September 9th, 4-8 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 10th at St. Lawrence RC Church in Sayville and a private cremation will follow.

A memorial page has been created in Janet’s honor and the Sayville Alumni Association will remember her annually on her birthday, February 13th. We hope these remembrances will provide solace to those who knew and loved her.

Thank you so much to Ginger Farrell and Judi (Hone) McHugh for confirming and advising us of Janet’s passing.