Robert Berry

Robert Berry (Paw Paw), a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on April 6, 2018 at the age of 86. He was born November 11, 1931 in Natchez, MS and was adopted as an infant by George Lowery Berry and Ethel Bernice Crist Berry. Robert’s formative years were spent along the Gulf Coast where his father served in the Coast Guard.

At the age of 18, Robert joined the U.S. Navy serving as a signalman and as a member of Underwater Demolition Team 1 (UDT1), commonly known as Navy Frogmen. UDT1 and other UDT personnel were assigned to provide action segments for the 1951 movie, The Frogman. However, Robert’s potential Hollywood stardom came to an abrupt end when he and his UDT1 team were deployed to support the Korean War effort. When Robert’s Navy service ended in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served for 25 years. Notable duty stations included the CGC Northwind Arctic Tanker Test, CGC Duane W33 (Cuban Missile Crisis) and the CG Air Station in Annette, AK. Upon military retirement, Robert began his second career in the transportation industry.

While working in New Orleans, Robert met and married the love of his life, Diane Kelly, who was his soulmate for 36 years. They moved to Baton Rouge in 1989 and quickly embraced Baton Rouge life. Quick with a joke or a good story, Robert always enjoyed entertaining his family and friends. Among his many interests were photography, history, Vespa motor-scooters, music, and nature. Robert was considered to be very supportive and caring by all who knew him well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel Berry. Survived by his wife, Diane Kelly Berry, two sons, Robert David Berry (Mary) and Thomas Lowery Berry (Pam), four grandsons, T.J. (Katie), Chris (Lana), Sean (Lacey) and Jeremy, and five great grandchildren, Christopher, Trey, Hannah, Akira, and Maliyah. The family wishes to thank his physicians, Dr. William Russell, Dr. Vince Cataldo, their staffs, Amedisys Home Health. and Hospice for their excellent care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 22 in Baton Rouge, and a private military service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center or Trident House Charities ([email protected]) in his name.

Arrangements entrusted to the Neptune Society of New Orleans.