Charles W. Berry, 84, of Tampa died May 19, 2010 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.
Born in Chicago, IL he was raised in New Jersey and moved here from Puerto Rico in 1990. He enlisted in the Navy and retired from the US Air Force in 1964 and moved to Puerto Rico holding various positions in business. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Carrollwood. He was a veteran of WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War earning the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was an avid stamp collector and talented illustrator.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maria de Lourdes Caban; 4 sons, Cristobal S. Berry of Fayetteville NC, Carlos E. (Angela) Berry of Tuscaloosa AL, Dennis (Genie) Berry of Clark, NJ and Kevin Berry of San Diego, CA; a daughter, Maria M. (Luis Vall-Llobera) Berry of San Juan, PR; a sister, Louise Reynolds of Atlanta, GA; 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass for the Repose of his Soul will be celebrated at 4:30 PM on May 21, 2010 at Rocky Creek Village Chapel. Charlie’s remains will return to Puerto Rico to be interred in the land he loved so much at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery.
My sincere condolences to Lourdes and the rest of the family.
Charlie lived right across the street from me for several years on Ridge Point Drive. I’ll never forget his friendliness and kindness. He went out of his way to bring me motorcycle magazines whenever he could. And when he left, he always said the same thing, “Take it slow, Tiger.” I sure miss him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.