Photo by Frank Curtin

Vincent Berger Jr., an attorney and resident of West Islip, is taking on the Suffolk County Republican Party and waging a primary challenge against Suffolk Surrogate Judge John Czygier who was recently appointed by Gov. George Pataki and has the Republican party’s official backing. Czygier filled the post formerly held by Gail Prudenti who is now a State Supreme Court Judge.

Berger, 62, is no stranger to primary challenges. In 1975, he waged a Conservative primary for County Court Judge Ernest Signorelli over Democratic judge Frank De Luca for Surrogate. Signorelli won that post.

A fundraiser for Berger was held recently. Berger is shown, third from left. Left to right are Rev. Msgr. Domenick Graziadio of Ss. Cyril & Methodius R.C. Church Deer Park, Berger’s mother Lydia, Berger and his uncle Michael Sorrentino.