Dick Chaffee Berry

Richard Chaffee Berry, affectionately known as Dick, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on October 24, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on October 11, 1942, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Louis Elmer Berry and Sara Jane McCarty Berry.

Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by direction of the President of the United States. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued his education, earning a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky State University and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Kentucky in 1969.

His professional career took him from Lone Star Industries to International Paper Company, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed Manager of International Finance and Futures Operations. His work took him around the world, opening the door to new countries, cultures, and experiences that would remain part of his life.

Despite his many accomplishments, Dick found some of his greatest pleasures in life's simple moments. A lifelong and passionate supporter of the Kentucky Wildcats, he faithfully followed their football and basketball seasons, proudly wearing his "Big Blue" colors and cheering on his beloved teams with unwavering loyalty.

On May 14, 1995, Dick married Dominique Martine Berry, a native of France, in a beautiful and spontaneous ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by family and friends. Their love story had begun years earlier, and together they shared more than 42 years of companionship, adventures, travels, culinary discoveries, and the everyday joys of building a life together.

Above all, Dick was a devoted and loving husband, a man of integrity, loyalty, and a deep sense of duty and respect for others. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and a seemingly endless supply of jokes, he had a gift for making people laugh and feel instantly at ease. Dick never met a stranger; wherever he went, he had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation and turn a chance encounter into a friendship. His generosity came naturally, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed him. His warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Dick will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dominique Martine Berry; his mother-in-law, Janine Mazeyrat; his brothers, Jim Berry and his wife, Carol, and David Berry; his niece, Lisa, and her husband, Chris; and his great-niece, Veronica. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Janet Berry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 15th, with the family welcoming guests beginning at 2:00 pm. A memorial service with military honors will begin at 2:30 pm. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to gather for a time of fellowship, remembrance, and reflection.