John Berninger, 83, WWII Veteran, Retired Printer Ghent, NY John C. Berninger, lifelong resident of Ghent, died July 12, 2007. Mr. Berninger's life was spent gardening and helping others. He was a loving husband and father who raised his children by serving as an example of strength and kindness. Much of his working life was spent as a printer, most notably and proudly of The Chatham Courier from 1948-1965. Additionally, he was employed by Johnson Press of Latham, and later as a messenger for RT Blass Inc. of Old Chatham. Born February 15, 1924, in Hudson, he was the son of Albert Berninger and Mabel (Schermerhorn) Berninger. He made his home in the house his family has lived since 1902. On November 26, 1955, he married Nancy Studley Berninger, who survives him in Ghent. Mr. Berninger was a 1941 graduate of Hudson High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman on board an Auxiliary Submarine Rescue ship, the U.S.S. Mallard. Always devoted to the community he was raised in, Mr. Berninger was a charter member, 61 year member, and past Commander of Ghent VFW Post 5933. He was also a 61 Year member and Past President of the Ghent Fire Department, Past Commander of the Chatham American Legion, board member of the Ghent Union Cemetery, member of the Ghent VFW Liar's Club, and member of Ghent Rod & Gun Club. In 2005 he was given the Lyle "Pete" Wager Firefighter of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ghent Fire Department. Additionally, Mr. Berninger was a fixture in his family pew at the Ghent Reformed Church where he served several terms on the consistory. Mr. Berninger was well known for his tomatoes, turnips and other vegetables he grew, sold and often gave away. He proudly worked the land his father and grandfather had before him. Besides his wife, Mr. Berninger is survived by his children, Chris and Regina Berninger of Ballston Spa, John Berninger and Nancy Gardner of Slingerlands, Beth Colwell of Hudson, Glenn Berninger of Ghent, Gregg Berninger of Kinderhook, two granddaughters Christine and Carolyn Berninger of Ballston Spa and one grandson, Matt Colwell, of Hudson. Additionally, Mr. Berninger is survived by his brother Allen Berninger of Ghent and sister Barbara Hart of Greenport. Two brothers, William and Harold, and a sister, Edna, died previously. Family will receive friends Sunday July 15 from  4 to 7 pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham.  Religious services will be conducted by the Rev. Joan Mitchell on Monday at 11 am  at the Ghent Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Hospice, Ghent Reformed Church, Ghent Food Pantry in John's memory. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.frenchblasl.com