In Memory of

Thomas

L.

Berry

Obituary for Thomas L. Berry

Thomas L. Berry, 93, of Clearfield died on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

He was born on September 25, 1923 in Clearfield, a son of the late James F. and Catherine B. (Buckley) Berry.

Mr. Berry began his career employed as a fireman on the New York Central Railroad. He then worked at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven and Ryan Brothers Contracting in Clearfield. He retired from PennDot as a licensed registered professional engineer, where he started as a draftsman. In his younger days, Mr. Berry held a pilot's license and owned his own airplane. He also was a licensed Hamm Radio Operator.

Mr. Berry had many interests throughout his life. He was an avid reader and frequented the Public Library in search of new books. Tom was a volunteer tutor for the Mid-State Literacy Council. He was a member of the Chinklacamoose Square Dance Club where he and his wife, Jean, enjoyed dancing together. He held memberships with the Frequent-C-Flyer Radio Control Aircraft Club, the Knights of Columbus, Clearfield and was past president and a member of the board of directors for the Clearfield County Housing Authority. He was also a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, where he volunteered in many positions. Mr. Berry served his country during World War II as part of the 283rd Field Artillery Battalion with the US Army. He saw action in Northern Europe was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in battle.

He is survived by and was a devoted father of eight children; Tom Berry and wife Susan of Battle Creek, MI, John Berry and wife Peggy of Clearfield, Barbara Davis-Bartley and husband Don of Clearfield, Kate Pursel and husband Bill of New Cumberland, Margaret Berry of Sacramento, CA, Joe Berry and wife Yvonne of Pearland, TX, Fred Berry and wife Shelli of Grampian and Bob Berry and wife Janine of Harding; twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (McLaughlin) Berry on February 4, 2011 and whom he wed June 9, 1951. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters and was the last member of his generation.

Mass of Christian burial will be said at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield on Friday at 10:30 AM with Rev. Brandon M. Kleckner as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.

Friends will be received at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield on Thursday from 5-7 PM and on Friday from 9:30 am - 10:00 am.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front Street, Clearfield or the Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library, 1 S. Front Street, Clearfield.

To sign the on-line guest book go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.