Robert C. Berry, 97, of Belleville, IL, born June 7, 1927, in Granite City, IL, “laid down and died” Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Bob graduated in 1945 from Carlinville High School and then served in the United States Navy during WWII. He later worked as a buyer in the meat department at Tom Boy and then General Grocer before retiring as a sales manager for Haag Foods. After retirement, Bob and his wife, Fay, traveled extensively, visiting their children and grandchildren, all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Panama Canal. He loved to golf whenever he could. He was a longtime member of the Belleville Health and Sports Center, where he spent many hours exercising and socializing, both of which undoubtedly contributed to his long and happy life.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Fay, nee Frank, Berry, whom he married on September 5, 1948, and who died on March 8, 2017; his mother, Nita, nee Tapscott, Berry; and two brothers-in-law, John West and Jim Frank.
Surviving are seven children, David (Sue) Berry of St. Charles, IL, Steve (Patty) Berry of O’Fallon, MO, Tom (Mary) Berry of Kirkwood, MO, Jody Berry of Belleville, IL, Sandy (Ed) Wood of Oberlin, OH, Scott (Lori) Berry of Cedar Rapids, IA and Jon (Rebecca) Berry of Woodinville, WA; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jackie West of Issaquah, WA; a sister-in-law, Vada Frank of Plainview, IL; a brother-in-law, Bob (Sylvia) Frank of Edwardsville, IL; and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Health and Sports Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
According to Bob’s wishes, cremation services were held.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
