WILLARD BERRIEN

1936 - 2025

BERRIEN--Willard Hewitt Jr. (September 3, 1936 - March 13, 2025). Willard "Bill" Hewitt Berrien Jr., born in Trenton, NJ, in 1936, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving children. Raised in Pleasantville, NY, Bill was predeceased by his devoted parents, Willard and Helen, and his cherished sisters Alice, Phyllis, and Gail. Bill graduated from Lehigh University in 1958 and proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve for four years. His career in finance began at Hemphill Noyce & Co. in Manhattan, followed by a brief role as Director of Business at CBS Labs. He soon returned to finance, thriving in Institutional Equity Sales at Goodbody and then Loeb Rhodes where, continuing through acquisitions, he retired from Lehman Brothers in 1998. In 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Jane Baer. Together, they raised two children, Andrea (Drey) and Bill, and created cherished memories at their Manhattan apartment and beloved Quogue, NY home, purchased in 1973. Bill was an active member of Quogue's Field Club, Beach Club, Surf Club, Yacht Club, and Quogue Club, delighting in year-round weekends and sunny summers. Deeply committed to his community, Bill served on the Quogue Public Library Board, including as its President, and the Quogue Village Planning Board, including as its Chairman, and was honored as Quogue Association's "Man of the Year" in 2007. He enjoyed tennis with his friends and son Bill, golf with Jane, Drey, and son-in- law Kevin, spirited beach and ocean volleyball games, cocktails overlooking the ocean, lively family dinners set to 1920s jazz, and avid stock investing during retirement. Bill showed unwavering devotion in lovingly caring for Jane throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He was an inspiring role model for his children, demonstrating grace, wisdom, and integrity in every decision and action. He delighted in hearing about the accomplishments of his grandchildren, and loved his family deeply. Bill spent his final years surrounded by family and dear friends, summering in Quogue and wintering first with his daughter in Delmar, NY, and later with his son in Whitefish Bay, WI, where he peacefully passed away listening to his favorite 1920s jazz tunes, embraced by his children. He is survived by his son, Willard "Bill" Berrien III, and daughter-in-law Betsie; daughter, Andrea Berrien Martone, and son-in-law Kevin; beloved grandchildren Grace Berrien, Willard "Will" Berrien IV, Joe Berrien, Kevin Patrick Martone Jr., and Brendan Martone. He also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched. His services will take place in Westhampton, NY with a wake on April 4, 2025 from 4-8pm at Werner Rothwell and a service on April 5, 2025 at 11am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.