Robert Nolan Berry passed away at the age of 72 on October 10, 2019 after a long battle with health issues. Bob, as most people knew him, was a devoted father and leaves behind two daughters, Amy (Brian) Neyhart and Jennifer (Sean) Jones, who believed he was larger than life. Bob was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren -- Tyler (Ariel) Neyhart, Kyle Neyhart, Courtney Neyhart, Curtis Jones, Brenna Jones & Quentin Jones. Bob leaves behind his brother, Richard (Charlene) Berry, and nephew, Greg (Janeka) Berry. He also leaves behind several extended relatives.
Bob was born to Harold & Jean (Lee) Berry in El Cajon in 1947. He grew up in several neighborhoods of San Diego County, including La Mesa, Carlsbad, and Allied Gardens. He attended Carlsbad High School and received his BS in Accounting from the University of Baltimore, MD.
Bob was drafted in February 1966 and served in the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the Army’s 9th Military Intelligence Detachment, 9th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in November 1967. Bob earned several medals during his service, most notably the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism.
After Vietnam, Bob was recruited to the Central Intelligence Agency for several years before entering into civilian life and settling with his family in San Diego. He worked for Solar Turbines and consulting firms Deloitte-Haskins & Sells and KPMG between 1975 and 1990. In 1990, Bob helped grow SMAC, an automation machine company, from which he retired in 2013 as vice president. Bob was very proud of his partnership and contributions in the opening and success of Shimbashi Izakaya, located in Del Mar, an authentic Japanese Izakaya sushi restaurant.
Although Bob was very dedicated to his career and family, he did have a few hobbies himself. Everyone enjoyed a meal made by Bob as he was an amazing cook. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, impossible house projects and, most recently, art.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, niece and her husband, Stephanie (Matt) O'Connor.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, November 15, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at Erickson-Anderson Mortuary in La Mesa, CA.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18