Richard Philip "Dick" Berry ’54, of Meadow Vista, Calif., passed away peacefully in the company of his children on Monday, June 19, 2012 after a trying battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in San Francisco in 1932 to James and Anne. Richard attended Bellermine Preparatory where he excelled in football. He received his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Santa Clara in 1954, and served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Richard married the love of his live, Elizabeth Jane in 1955. They raised their family in cities including San Jose, Denver, Salt Lake City and Meadow Vista.
Richard supported his family while employed at the AMFAC Distribution Corporation where he began his career in 1976 and retired as the Senior Vice President of Product Support in 1984. Richard excelled in all that he did and upon retiring he enjoyed gardening, watching his much loved 49ers and attending church where he was a Eucharistic minister. He was a warm, loving man who was described as a role model.
Richard is survived by a large family who will miss him deeply. He is the beloved father of Richard W. Berry, Kathryn (and Sidney) Smith, Susan (and David) Pierce and Linda Aldrich; devoted brother of James, William and Jay Anne; caring grandfather to Samantha Berry, Amanda and Gretchen Smith, David (and Kari) and Mark (and Jenna) Pierce, Megan and Kyle Aldrich; adoring great-grandfather to George Berry, Wyatt Pierce and Wesley Pierce. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law. Richard will be remembered for his kind smile and dedication to his family. Richard’s beloved ‘Bets’ passed away in 1999. He is reunited with her and they are surely enjoying their first dance in the life after this.