James "Jay" Berry

With broken hearts and profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of James (Jay) Berry, age 61, at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in Guelph, surrounded by love, on May 6, 2026. Born in Montreal and raised in Ottawa, Toronto, and Guelph, Jay was the beloved and devoted husband of Antonella (Nina) née Anastasio, and cherished and adored father of Noah (Anna) and Joshua (Allison).

Much-loved son of Sandra (Joseph †1992), dearly missed brother of Ed Berry (Jennifer) and sister Katie Rankin (JJ), cherished son-in-law of Giuseppe Anastasio (Anna Maria †2024), treasured brother-in-law of Maria Johnston, Marcello Anastasio, and Patrizia (Greg) Pyper. Proud uncle to Matthew (Natalie), Clare (Rob), Megan (James), Emily (Tanner), Ava, Ryan, Austin, Andrew, Lauren, and Desmond.

A loyal and steadfast friend to many, his kind, genuine, and gentle manner will leave cherished memories in the hearts of the people he worked with, coached and refereed with, and played sports with. He was generous with his time, care, and humour. Jay's passion for sports shone brightly from an early age and he was skilled at football, hockey, soccer, and rugby. He believed that sports and teamwork acted as a classroom where individuals could learn how to navigate emotional and physical obstacles, manage success and failure, and build character. This belief made him a proud, committed, and supportive sports Dad; he never missed a game and taught the boys that setbacks define your character more than winning does, and that respect and fair play were non-negotiables, both on and off the field.

A more passionate Montreal Canadiens fan you will never meet.

To a beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend—know that you will be forever missed by those blessed to have been captivated by your charisma and your infectious presence. Today and always, you will be eternally loved.

Family and friends are invited to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel (1099 Gordon St. Guelph) for visitation on May 11, 2026 from 3 – 5:30 pm. A funeral service will be held at Hart Chapel at 10:30 am on May 12, 2026. Cremation to follow and private family entombment at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum at Marymount Cemetery at a later date.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the exceptional medical care teams at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre and the Krembil Research Institute/UHN.

In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, a donation to a charity of your choosing in Jay’s memory is sincerely appreciated. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids Foundation) was close to Jay’s heart.

A tree will be planted in Jay’s memory at the Guelph Arboretum and the Rockwood Memorial Trail.

"Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality."

~Emily Dickinson