William Frederick Berry

As a young man, Bill had a lot of hobbies. He fished, hunted, and built houses. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the time of the Korean War. At the top of his class, he chose to remain state-side working in Naval Aviation as an aviation electronics technician. His flight crew flew all around the Caribbean doing their jobs and, also hiding rum around the plane to bring back to the base.

In his early thirties, Bill moved to Chicago and within a year found himself with the woman of his dreams. Bill and Ann were married for 57 years and blessed with two children and four grandchildren.

Bill was a gardener, amateur astronomer, wood-worker and carpenter. Gardening was a great passion of his. Bill designed, built, and tended to his gardens for hours. He said if he could do his work life again, he would choose an outdoor job to be in nature. His love for woodworking led him to make beautiful toys for all his grandkids starting with the cradle they slept in as infants. He was active with the grandkids crawling under tables, running around, reading to them, and attended many of their school activities. In the early 80’s, Bill joined the Northwest Suburban Astronomer’s club to see the sights of the sky and satisfy his love for astronomy and photography. He enjoyed the camping excursions, the people and seeing the sky’s celestial wonders including Haley’s comet.

Bill and his family were active St. Edna’s Catholic Church parishioners for 57 years. He participated in the Men’s Club, mixed bowling league, and used his electrician and carpentry skills to help the youth group and support the Summerfest picnics. He loved giving his time and made many friends through St. Edna’s.

William is survived by his two children Lisa (Chris), William (Diane); grandchildren Jack, Mark, Robert, and Grace; sister Lucille, loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Antoinette, his parents: Robert and Harriet, Brothers Robert, Richard and Thomas and sister Lois.

Visitation and mass will be at St. Edna’s Catholic Church (2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004) on Saturday, October 26, 2024, starting at 9:00 am.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Edna’s Catholic Church 847-398-3362.

For further information, please contact the Glueckert Funeral Home 847-253-0168 or www.glueckertfuneralhome.com