Obituary of Gerard Francis Berry
Gerard F. Berry, affectionately known to all as Jerry Berry, passed away on July 2, 2024. Born on September 22, 1950, in Mount Vernon, later moving to his beloved hometown of Peekskill, New York, he is predeceased by his son, Gerard F. Berry, Jr. (1983.) He is survived by his loving family; daughters Chrissy and Bonnie, partner Toni, and her daughters, Janine and Melissa, son-in-law, Scott, his grandchildren, niece and nephews, siblings and many friends.
There were no boundaries or limitations to his deep gratitude for the many beautiful things in life - family and friends, a beautiful sunset over the Hudson, a great ski day, a good song to sing and dance to, the end piece of Italian bread or a great pastry.
Dad would light up a room with just a smile. His energy was contagious and he loved everyone he met unconditionally. He welcomed strangers into his home and turned them into life long friends. He cared for all living creatures, big and small. He gave openly and hoped only that you pass on a good deed to someone else. Everyone was family.
Jerry was a master builder, fixer and creator. He learned by watching, studying and simply figuring it out. It is hard to look around and not see the many things he created, from masonry to carpentry, from beautiful rose gardens to amazing vegetable gardens.
As a longtime and dedicated member of AA, Jerry shared his gift for helping people become and remain sober, organizing meetings, serving as a sponsor and helping to get people back on their feet. He also had the innate ability to know which meetings had the best cakes and pastries on any given night (a gift he shared with one of his best friends, Henry)
May his love and creativity live on in us and inspire us to live unselfishly, to forgive and give. We are better because of Jerry. He is forever in our hearts and souls.
A celebration of life is planned for Fall 2024. Please email bonnieberry123@gmail for information.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Stepping Stones, Katonah, NY
Little Orphan Animals, Peekskill, NY
SPCA of Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY
or to a charity of your choice.
