Daniel Victor Berry

June 1, 1954-February 5, 2013

Daniel Victor Berry was born to Dan and Anna Berry on June 1st, 1954 in Athens Georgia. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia with his one brother, Michael Berry. His childhood was spent in sports, music, and the Boy Scouts. Vic would later attain the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 17. In 1972 he graduated from Walker High School.

After a brief time working for BioLab, Vic worked at Rockwell International for 16 years. It was during this time that he relocated his family to Merritt Island, FL to work in the space program. He then worked for Oracle for 15 years.

In 1992, at the age of 40, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Warner Southern. He also would receive two Master’s Degrees many years later from Colorado Technical University

On August 4, 1978 he married Cindy Daws of Covington, Ga. They spent 35 years of their lives together, and Cindy was at his side when he passed. They raised two children; Paul, born in 1980 and April, born in 1982. Many years later he would welcome the arrival of his 2 grandchildren, Dante and Marcel.

One of Vic’s biggest passions was music, and he was a talented musician. His accomplishments on instruments included classical guitar, acoustic guitar, tuba, French horn, violin, and cello. His favorite was the bass guitar. Recently he and Cindy were members of the Worshipping Arts team at Church at Viera. For over 35 years, they were heavily involved in their Worship ministry of whatever church they served.

Vic also had a passion for mentoring youth. For 12 years Vic and Cindy gave their Sunday afternoons to be with teenagers and adult sponsors in a group called the Jubilation Student Choir of First Baptist Merritt Island. The group traveled from Canada, to California, to Colorado, the east coast and even on two occasions to Nicaragua.

For their entire married life, Vic and Cindy served in several Worship Ministries at churches in Georgia and Florida. In recent years, they found their home to be Church at Viera. In addition to music and youth, Vic loved birds, reading, writing, watching movies, wood carving, and collecting Hallmark ornaments. He had a big heart, an encouraging word and a big hug for everyone. He treasured his family and friends. He always forgave, and when he made a mistake, he asked forgiveness and moved on.

Vic was a Christ follower, encourager, wonderful father, devoted husband, true friend, and a daddy to many. Most of all, he was a big guy who's body could not contain the love of his heart.

Vic is survived by his wife Cindy of Merritt Island FL and his two children: Paul and wife Kelly of San Pedro CA; and daughter April and husband John Tomassoni of Orlando FL. He is also survived by his grandsons Dante and Marcel Tomassoni, of Orlando, FL; his dad Dan and wife Susan of Mineral Bluff GA; and brother Michael Berry and wife Mary of Johns Creek GA. He leaves behind many extended family members and a host of friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16th at Church at Viera at 9005 N. Wickham Rd. in Viera, Florida.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to:

1. Donation to Cindy:

Checks may be mailed to her at home, or deposited directly in a special checking account established to help provide financial relief to cover medical bills, mortgage payments, and funeral-related expenses. Please make checks payable, and mail to:

Cynthia Berry

500 Buttonwood Drive

Merritt Island, FL 32953

Or, deposit at any Bank of America branch:

A/C #89805532204 – Cynthia Berry

2. Donation to carry out Vic's desire for Music lessons for his Grandkids

Please make checks payable, and mail to:

April Tomassoni

5970 Scotchwood Glen, #105

Orlando, Fl 32822

3. Make a donation to the International Bird Research and Rescue Center

http://www.bird-rescue.org/

Re: in memory of Vic Berry

4. Help provide funding for the Jubilation Student Choir Mission Tours

Please make checks payable, and mail to:

FIrst Baptist Merritt Island

140 Magnolia Ave.

Merritt Island, Fl 32952

Re: in memoryof Vic Berry