Gerald Giles Berry

At age 78, Jerry lost his valiant 25-year battle with Hairy-Cell Leukemia, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010. Jerry was born in Inglewood, Calif., to Giles Berry of Massachusetts and Geraldine Larson Berry of Wyoming. He was raised in the South Bay beach cities by his mother and stepfather, Dennis Neff. He grew up playing in the Pacific Ocean and reading everything the Redondo Beach Library had available while attempting to avoid trouble due to his extreme curiosity and vast interests. In 1952, he entered the U.S. Navy and became part of Navy Air, where he proudly served as crew chief of Patrol Seaplanes during and after the Korean War. After his Navy years, he worked at Douglas Aircraft. In 1964, the self-confirmed bachelor met and married Maryann (Cardoza) Coleman, a young widow with five children. He then accepted a position at The Aerospace Corp. as an Electronics Engineer. Jerry and Maryann added a sixth child to their family and moved into Torrance, Calif., where he proudly raised his new family with unconditional love and care. He was a devoted, loving husband and a remarkable father to all six of his children - he made the first five his own by adopting them. Jerry''s friends and family were in awe of Jerry''s inborn intellect, desire and ability to learn. He was truly a Renaissance man. During his long battle with leukemia, he relaxed by completely rebuilding classic British cars. He met many wonderful friends before and during his battle, all of which were treasured. His appreciation for a strong work ethic was apparent and self practiced. Upon retiring from Aerospace Corp in 1994, Jerry and Maryann moved to Templeton, Calif., where the two became active in their new community. Jerry is survived by his wife, Maryann; their children Susan, Armon, Leann, Robert, Janna and Karin; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and siblings Anita, Dennis Jr. and Nancy. There will be a memorial ''˜party'' in several weeks to celebrate his life. Call Karin Berry at (310) 999-2787 for more information. His ashes will be interned during a private family service. At the family''s request, consider a donation in Jerry''s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the KUSC''s Classical Music Station Jerry so enjoyed.