John M. Berry

One of the best professors I ever had. I hold on to a paper I wrote for his class over 30 years ago because it reminds me of his wonderful class.

Dr. Berry, I took 3 of your philosophy courses and was always so fascinated with your teachings. Here I am c/o 2000 UHD, and I still think of you.

1988 UHD grad-I still often think of him. He was a great teacher and friend.

Dear Dr. Panchok and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you upon the death of John. May God comfort you in your loss, and may light perpetual shine upon John. In deepest sympathy, Carol Worthing

From the e-mail Prayer Chain of St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY. This group has about 25 participants. Excerpts of two messages sent by Carol Stone on Friday, August 2:



“The Phone Rang at Midnight,” when Chris Giangreco's college friend Frances called to tell us that her husband had died. John, a former priest and philosophy professor, has been ill for some time After a service in Houston, they brought him to New York for burial, and Frances called as soon as she arrived in Brooklyn last night. They have two daughters, one at Yale and the other at NYU. Frances and her parents have been good friends of Chris's for many years.



“Please remember this good family in their loss.



“God welcome home His servant John.”



Later in the day, I wrote again, adding his fine credentials: “We asked this morning for your prayers for the family of our friend John Berry, who died in Houston earlier this week. I received his Obituary this afternoon and it put me in touch with a good memory. I had only one two-day opportunity to converse with him, but [with his background] you can imagine how immersing and thought-provoking that was -- I remember it 26 years later!”

Knowing john now smiles upon his daughters and his wife, one can only find victory. God rest his soul.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Berry's passing. I know he will never be forgotten by the many students who had the honor of being taught by him. He will live on in each of us through his thoughts and ideas.



May you find comfort and peace in God's presence.

Dear Frances, Andrea, and Janine,

A teacher affects eternity...he never knows where his influence stops.

Your beloved husband and father was indeed such an educator who lived not only by word but by example.

The legacy he leaves behind to his family, students, and friends is both priceless and beyond measure.

The world is a better place because of John Berry and the difference he made.

Although this is a time of great sadness, I am honored to know you and to share in the celebration of his life and in the celebration of the three of you who brought joy, pride and love to him to fuel his mission and to sweeten his days.

I will pray with you in Brooklyn as I do now.



With all my love,

Amy

Dear Frances, Andrea, and Janine, Good thoughts are with you. May you find strength and comfort in rememberances of the many good times that you shared.

Sincerely,

Roanne Stern

Dear Frances & Family: Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this sad time. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love, Gil & Joanne

Dear Frances, Janine and Andrea, You are close to my heart at this sad time. I know how dear you all were to John and how well you took care of him during this past year. He was a lovely man. Bo, Ben and I are not in Houston. I will look forward to seeing you when we return to Houston. Love, Pam

Dear Frances and Family,



Please accept my deepest sympathies on your great loss. May God be with you at this difficult time.



With love and prayers,



Frank du Preez.

As a former student of Dr. Berry at UHD, I was saddened to hear of his departure from his family and all his former students. He opened my eyes to the myriad of life's complexities and enriched my mind forever. I think of his wisdom often and I always will, as he is part of me as he is a part of all his former students.. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Take comfort and joy in knowing how many students at UHD love him and will miss him.

Dear Frances,

You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of John. He is now at peace with his Lord and the suffering he has endured is no more.

Although there are no words to comfort you at this time I want you to know my prayers are with you in your time of grief and sadness. May time heal your wounds.

Our lives were so enriched by Dr. Berry's lectures, I thank God that I was fortunate to experience his goodness. May God bless the entire Berry family and I am sure that Dr Berry is at peace with God.

Dear All:

Unfortunately I am In Aspen for the month of July and unable to be with you at this very sad time. May John's memory serve as a blessing to us all.My family joins me in sending our sincere condolences. Yours, Sherry