Wilmer Earl Berry Sr. born August 17, 1941 passed away Tuesday, November 15. He was married to Alva Maria Grottendick Berry for 57 years. Never an angry word was heard between them. She was the love of his life and the light of his world. She brought out the best in him. He was the classic blue-collar hard-working man who sometimes took night jobs in order to help pay for their five children to attend private Catholic school. Wilmer and Alva loved entertaining friends and extended family with cookouts and games of horse shoes in the backyard of their Elkridge home. Always known as “Pop Pop”, he loved putting on an ever greater Fourth of July fireworks display. Will was an avid golfer and when he was not at home with his family, Wilmer could be found on the golf course. Wilmer and Alva’s home was always the warm central hub of food, friends and family. A legacy which now extends outwards through all of their many grandchildren. Wilmer “Pop Pop” Berry will be missed.


Wilmer is survived by his beloved wife Alva and his children Angela (Angie) Maria Schwartz and husband John Schwartz, Sherry Lynn Snyder and husband Steve Snyder and son Wilmer Earl Berry Jr., and wife Kathryn Lee. In addition, Wilmer is survived by 14 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. Will is pre-deceased by his parents and his sons Timothy Earl Berry and Curtis Lee Berry.


A celebration of life will be held at a later date, due notice will be given. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wilmer’s name may be donated to the American Lung Association: 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.