"Gil did a great job for me. Reading his obituary I had no idea of the stature of this man. God Bless his family, and God rest his soul. Thanks Gil, I'll never forget how you helped me out."
In loving memory of
Gilbert Berry, Berry,
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Gilbert ?Gil? I. Berry, Jr., 75, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, June 21, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Gil was born on April 22, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Gilbert and Madeleine (Leonard) Berry, Sr. In middle school, he moved with his family to Indianapolis. Growing up in Indianapolis, Gil was active in sports, with a lifelong fondness of football, especially the Chicago Bears. He attended church at St. Luke Catholic Church.
Gil graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1955, and then obtained his undergraduate degree in 1959 from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After his graduation from Indiana University he received his Law Degree from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis in 1963. Gil began his practice of law as a Marion County deputy prosecutor for Noble Pearcy, then joined the law firm of Fulmer, Burrus and Byron. He was a founding partner of Buck, Berry, Landau and Breunig. He practiced law for 49 years and was definitely not ready to retire. His work ethic, integrity and honesty were well known throughout the legal community. During his career he was a member of the American Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association and Indianapolis Bar Association. He was licensed by the Supreme Court of Indiana, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals. He also proudly served as Secretary and Vice President on the board of ICLEF (Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum). He frequently chaired seminars for ICLEF, giving annual updates on DUIs and traffic law. These seminars were often ICLEF?s highest attended seminars, as he was such an informative and entertaining speaker. He enjoyed volunteering his time, and for many years, he was a character and fitness examiner for those entering the Bar Association; and spent many days as Judge Pro Tempore.
Gil had a wide variety of passions--family, fitness, travel, hunting, fishing, riding his Harley Davidson Road King, spending time ?putzing? at his prized Owen County log cabin and Sanibel homes, as well as Tae Kwon Do, to name a few. He was especially proud that he didn?t start his martial arts training until the age of 50, eventually earning his 3rd degree black belt. He never rested and was always on the go, leading some to compare him to the Energizer Bunny or even Superman. Most men half his age could not keep up with him. His passion for life and how to really live life to the fullest was well known.
With all that he did, one of his proudest accomplishments was his grandchildren. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren as ?Papa.? They loved being around him because he was a big kid at heart himself.
He cherished each and every one of his countless friends. He considered everyone to be his ?best? friend, and treated each as such. To know him was to love him. Gil always exhibited an unconditional love that extended well past the borders of blood relations. Gil Berry Jr. was definitely ?bigger than life? to anyone who knew him. He lived every single day to its absolute fullest. He had a passion for life, as well as a fabulous sense of humor. Everyone who was near him was constantly smiling and/or laughing.
Gil is survived by his loving wife Celeste English Berry; beloved and adoring children Gilbert Berry III (Beth) and Nikole Brimer (Scott); step children: Peggy Stamm and Patrick Stamm (Lisa); grandchildren: Emily Brimer, Abby Berry, Carter Brimer, and Marissa Brimer; step-grandchildren: Michael Stamm and Angela Stamm; siblings: Katie McKinney, Chuck Berry (Paula), Maddie Linder (Greg), and Bob Berry (Diane); and many nieces and nephews.
Gil was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Kay Berry.
Visitation (Celebration of Gil?s life) will be on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, June 25, 2012 at his home parish, St. Luke Catholic Church, Indianapolis, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Paul Peterson officiating. Burial will be at Our Lady of Peace cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and/or CaringBridge.org. The Berry Family would also like to extend an invitation to all who knew Gil by to leave an online ?Gil Berry Favorite Story? so that they may reflect back on the times Gil spent with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, You may do so by visiting
www.leppertmortuary.com.
This man whom we all loved so dearly will be truly missed--Gil, ?Dad,? ? Papa,? you will be forever in our hearts. You certainly did do it ?My Way.?
Tributes
"My condolences to Celeste, children and grandchildren. I clerked for Gil throughout law school and remember him as an enthusiastic and encouraging mentor and, above all, a man of his word. All the best."
" I would like to offers thoughts and prayers to the entire Berry family.. I know that Gil is in a better place but his loss hurts us all because he was such an extraordinary man. Gil was an outstanding lawyer and a class act in and out of the courtroom. He was always patient with young lawyers i(ncluding me ,way back when), taking the time to offer advice and counsel. He was a true advocate for his clients and a great example for all of us who practice law. His kindness, humor and talent will be greatly missed by all of us in tthe City-County Building . Peace to you, Gil"
"Even though we were aware of Gil's condition, it was still hard to believe that he has left us for awile. We remember having dinner at George's and the good times with Chuck and Paula. You all will be in our thought's as you move through the next few days. We are still on your old homestead Celeste."
"I am also a l955 graduate of BRHS and my memory of Gil is one of helping me through algegra. Katie, Gil and I often did our math homework together and he was very patient with my lack of understanding at times. Fun times long ago. May the many beautiful memories yuou have of your time with Gil, the depth of your faith and the love of those who share your loss comfort you at this time of sadness.Diane Ralphy MayesAcross the street neighbor on Pennsylvania St."
"Daddy-O - I really enjoyed working for you. I enjoyed our talks together. I really enjoyed your countless stories that you shared, I rally learned a lot from you. You were A GREAT GUY! Thanks!"
"James and I send all of our thoughts and prayers to Celeste and all of the family. We are heartbroken that we did not have a chance to meet Gil in person, but feel we knew him from the wonderful (and often funny) stories we heard from Celeste. We are certain he will always live in the hearts of those he knew and loved. Peace be with you all."
"My condolences to the entire Berry family. I remember Gil from when I was on IPD. Will always think of him as Baby Face from the CB days. He will truly be missed."
"Although I didn't have the opportunity to meet Gilt, I feel like I know him through the wonderful stories that Celeste shared on facebook. Thanks Celeste for taking the time to share your wonderful husband with so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family as you move forward with your cherished memories."
"Celeste, I won't be able to be with you today to help you and everyone celebrate Gil, his family, and the wonderful life the two of you shared. In my visit and long walk with Michael yesterday, I told him of Gil's death. His fondness for Gil and the many fun times the two of them had are buried deep, and I know at a different time Michael would be so saddened to hear this news. We are with you in spirit, and hold you in our hearts at this very sad time. Take comfort in the friends and family you have around you today and tomorrow.Michael & Susan Kias"
"Celeste, My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. Working with you I know how much you loved Gil. I pray for you and the days to come. Take cae my friend Carroll"
"Gil and I had so much fun and laughs it seems that they would go on forever. He practiced law like he did everything in life in an excellent way. He was a person who I turned to whenever I needed advice as to what I should do for a particular case. He took me under his wing when we went on our Annual antelope hunting trip.which was a total laugh- filled experience. I loved Gil and know that somehow the world is a lesser place because he is gone. May the rain fall softly on your face;may the rain be at your back ;and may God hold you in the palm of your hand until we meet again. All omy love to the wonderful Celeste and his family"
"gil was a good friend geat guy, for almost 50 years he love to come to my xmas parties and i loved having him."
"I have not seen Gil since 1955 altho I did talk with him a couple of years ago. Gil was a friend at Broad Ripple High and a person whom I held in the highest of esteem. During my years at BRHS, Gil was always a good guy and had a friendly greeting for me. I am sorry that I was not able to see Gil again. My condolences to his family who I know will miss him greatly, but will have many fond memories of times spent with Gil."
"Celeste, We will always rember those times at the Friendly Tavern in Zionsville. Also, helping you plan your trip on Route 66.And comparing pictures after the trip.Our condolences to you and the rest of Gil's familyWally & Patsy Taggart"
"Celeste, my Gamma Phi Beta daughter , my thoughts and prayers are with you at this hard time in your life. Just rememberthe good times you had and it helps a littlebit. I know what you are going through andhaving family and friends close will help easethe pain. If you ever need to get away, my door is always open and my heart. Love, Deanna"
"Celeste,You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Celeste. I,m so sorry to hear about Gil. Always a good friend & counsel, May God bless you and family"
"Gil was not only my attorney but also a very good friend for over 30 years. I am deeply sorry for your loss."
"I remember the first time I met you (1986), and since that day, our family was forever tied to your friendship. You always made us laugh, hosted fun parties, and most of all, I could call you anytime, anyplace, and you would always accept my phone call. You will be forever missed and I promise to watch over your beloved wife, Celeste. Maybe someday I will take a leap in your lake and hope you will be watching from above. Rest in peace our friend Gil.Tom and Cindy Urban"
"Susie and I, along with Doc Fisher and Maxine had the pleasure of Dining with Gil and Celeste on numerous occasions at the late Chanticleer Restaurant where Find Food and Excellant service was traditional. One New Years Eve we were seated at a long table, along with our Families enjoying a delicious meal and Friendship. After dinner I asked Gil why he always seemed to get such "Royal Treatment" from the servers and staff? He replied with a chuckle "I guess its because I keep thier asses out of jail"With our Deepest condolences and Utmost Respect.Bob, Susie, Doc, & Max"
"May the spirit of the Lord be with you. Without you professional legal guidance and wisdom I may not be on this earth. It is hoped that your spirit with live on in eternity."
"Just heard about the loss of Gil. He was one of my favorite persons whom I will always remember as a kind, considerate and compassionate guy."
"Gil was by far the most entertaining and thoughtful man I had the pleasure of knowing. He frequently would help those less fortunate and never sought publicity or recognition for his kindness. "