Harold L. Berger, 89, of West Hartford died on October 8, 2013 at Hartford Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Cheryl Berger and father of Jane Cristantiello, who were at his side, along with other family members.

He was born in Hartford on November 28, 1923 and was the son of Rose and Abraham Berger. Harold graduated from Weaver High School and at 19 was drafted into the U.S. Army, attending radio specialist training at Harvard before serving in the European theater for the duration of the war. He received his BA from the University of CT; his MA in English from Trinity College in Hartford, and his PhD from the University of Tennessee. He was a Professor of English at the University of CT, inspiring students for many years before his retirement in 1986. His book, “Science Fiction and the New Dark Age”, prophesizing much of the dark side of today’s pop culture, was published in 1976.

Hal was described as an “incredible person” by those who knew him well – a friend, confidante, loving father, grandfather, uncle and husband–an active liberal committed to social justice issues all his life.

He is survived by his wife to whom he was married for 60 years, his daughter, Jane Cristantiello and her husband, John, grandchildren Ross and Lucy Cristantiello, nieces Leslie Lindenauer and Thea Lloyd and sister-in-law Jinx Lindenauer. Calling hours and memorial service will be Sunday October 20th at 2:00 PM at the family’s home in West Hartford. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Dialysis Clinic of Hartford Hospital for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.