OFDA received word this afternoon Roger Stanton Berry, age 81; beloved husband of 57 years to Nancy M. (nee Feighan). Loving father of Kathleen M., Sheila A., Nancy B. Peyton (Ron), Roger S. Jr., Mark (fiancee Therese Austin) and Tim. Loving papa of Molly and Ryan Peyton, Danielle, Roger III, Kaitlyn, Adam and Patrick Berry. Predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Margaret (nee Gilby) Berry, Patsy Greulich, Daniel L. Berry, Sr. and Joyce Ruddy.
Mr. Berry devoted his life to helping families in the capacity of a funeral director for over 50 years. When he was 16 years old, he began working at the funeral home when his brother Dan went off to war. In the 1960's he and his brother purchased the funeral home from his mother, Margaret. Roger was the owner of Berry Funeral Home in Cleveland's West Side, as well as in Westlake for many years. He was still employed by Busch Funeral and Crematory Services.
Roger was a loyal friend, devoted husband to Nancy, whom he met at her grandfather's funeral and married at St. Luke's Church, as well as a dedicated father and grandfather.
Roger was a legend. Among his memberships Roger was involved with the Cuyahoga County Funeral Director's Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Director's Association. He was a founding member of the Callistian Guild in the Diocease of Cleveland, a organization that provides dignified burials to indigent Catholics. He was a board member and trustee of the HELP Foundation. He was on the board of St. Augustine Manor in Cleveland. He was a long time member of the Westwood Country Club and was a Hiberian Guaranture. He and his brother Dan were Irishmen of the Year. He was also a long time member of St. Malachi Church in Cleveland.
Roger passed away Friday August 26, 2011 at the Cleveland Clinic after a brief illness. Memorials may be forwarded to Magnificat High School, 1973 Star Scholarship, 20770 Hilliard Road, Rocky River, OH, 44116 or to St. Ignatius High School, John P. Feighan Scholarship, 1911 W. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44113.
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ladislas Church 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake, Tuesday August 30 at 10:00am (Please meet at Church). Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon, OH. Friends may call at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 21369 Center Ridge Road, Fairview Park, from 3-7pm Sunday and Monday.