Francis T. Berry, Sr., "Frank," 93 years old from Center Valley, PA and formerly of Philadelphia, died peacefully in the presence of his loving family at the home of his daughter, Christine, on Sunday, June 27, 2021, exactly 7 years to the day of the passing of his son, Frank, Jr.

Frank was born September 8, 1927 to Michael J. Berry (born in Pittsfield, MA) and Kathleen V. Doherty (born in County Kerry, Ireland).  Frank graduated from St. Joe's Prep, then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a Quartermaster, receiving the Victory Medal. He attended LaSalle College on the G.I. Bill and then started his 45-year accounting career working with the Gene Forman Accounting Firm.

For 53 years, he was the "ever loving" husband to his wife, Mary A. (nee Bidey) until her passing in 2005. He was the beloved father and an inspiration to his 7 children:  Veronica Lyster (Tom), Frank, Jr (deceased), Patricia Smith (Tom), Christine Berry (Ed Jennings), Natalie Berry, Matthew (Ester) and Michael (Jessica). He was a wonderful Pop-Pop to 10 grandchildren: Melissa Pearson (Forrest), Jimmy Berry (Daly), Katie Jane Mathew, Brian and Jacquelyne Smith, Tommy Lyster (Rose), Sarah and Julia Jennings, Christian, Mason and Adria Grace Berry.  He will be missed by his 5 great grandchildren: Jayda and Forrest Pearson, Emily and Joshua Berry, and Issac Mathew. In later life, Frank was blessed to have a dearest companion in Susan Krievenko (deceased).

Frank was a devout Catholic, active member of Holy Child Church in Phila. from 1951-2003.  During this time, he volunteered countless hours to the church, including ushering and managing Sunday donations, was a member of the Golden Achievers Seniors, and later served at the St. John Bosco Food Bank in Hatboro, PA and Inter-Faith Food Cupboard in Roslyn, PA. Frank loved connecting with people wherever he went, entertaining them with his gift for storytelling. He was also an avid reader.

Later in his life, Frank and Mary moved to the Lehigh Valley to live with their daughter, Ronnie, to support Mary's medical needs.  Frank was an active member of Assumption BVM Church in Bethlehem from 2003 to present, during which time him he volunteered yearly with the Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinners. He was a member of the Coopersburg Senior Citizen Center.  Distraught from the loss of his wife, Mary, Frank found the grief support group at Assumption of BVM to be very helpful in coping.  He later volunteered his time to help others struggling the loss of loved ones as he assisted with the group that he once participated in.  Frank further helped others by sharing his positive spirit as he visited the homebound/nursing home parishioners frequently saying the rosary together.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 Calling Hour 10:00am - 10:45am followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00am at Assumption BVM Church 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA; interment to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Assumption BVM Church