A life measured in moderation

The residents of North Aurora and Kane County have recently lost a real gentleman and a genuine leader. Every time I would speak with Dale Berman, our conversations and his sage advice would always remind me of an ancient Greek phrase “Pan Metron Ariston” that translates to “Everything in moderation.”

With a truly timeless and sophisticated style, Dale advocated for balance, advising against extremes and emphasizing that more is not always better. He never sought the spotlight, but always showed up — prepared and willing to listen. He lived his life on being dependable, measured and principled., an approach that was respected and recognized by both sides of the political aisle.

Dale’s time in public service does read like a grand manuscript dedicated to civic duty. He has a legacy of many achievements including serving in the United States Army, being an NIU Football All-Century Team member, serving four terms as village president of North Aurora, elected a Kane County Board member, serving on the Fox Valley Park District Board, member of the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and contributing to a multitude of local organizations. But Dale’s greatest accomplishment was always his family: his wife, children and grandchildren.

All of his successes were anything but accidental. Dale had a measured approach that provides a timeless guide for any elected official to learn from.

His name may not be chiseled in enough monuments or remembered in textbooks moving into the future, and that is just as he would prefer it to be. Instead, he etched a lasting road map: a legacy of a fruitful life measured in moderation.

Ted Mesiacos

Aurora