Mr. Thomas G. Berry, 89, of Rohrersville, died suddenly at his home Monday, June 21, 2021. He was the husband of the late Jacquelin Howard Berry, who preceded him in death on October 19, 2018. He was granted his hope to live out his life on the farm he loved for 45 years.
Born April 20, 1932, in Hagerstown, he was a son of the late Helen Berry. Thomas attended Hagerstown High School where he is listed as graduating in auto shop. He went into the U.S Army after graduation and served in the 11th airborne as a platoon sargeant and jump master and continues as a member of the 11th and 511th Airborne Associations. After his honorable discharge from the military with very limited math skills he chose to attend Hagerstown Junior College and study engineering. He transferred to the University of MD and completed a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering and spent most of his career at Fairchild Hiller/Fairchild Space and Electronics where he was Director of Mechanical Launch Operations for the ATS-6 satellite and retired as Director of Mechanical Engineering in 1987. He was the holder of 7 patents on satellite mechanisms that were used on several spacecraft including Skylab.
After retirement his interests focused on the community and specifically education. Thomas was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church where he served on the council, served on the cemetery committee, as president of the council and as Parish president. He served on the Washington County School Board where he served two terms as president; was a member of the Washington County Republican Club and served time on the Central committee.
Additionally, Mr. Berry served as a volunteer with Hospice of Washington County; and was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 378, Hagerstown.
Surviving is his son, Curtis and wife Kate; grandchildren Lauren, Kristin and Kalyn; and great-grandchildren Hailey, Ethan, Natalie and Logan; as well as his half-brother, Dennis.
Besides his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by his son Mark; and brother Mike.
The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, is assisting the family with arrangements. There will not be a viewing. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 24, at his church, Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 20214 Locust Grove Road, Rohrersville, beginning at 9:30 AM, until the funeral service begins at the church at 10:30 AM, with his pastor, Rev. Regina R. Beard officiating. Interment will follow in church cemetery. The family will receive friends afterwards at Friendship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, in light of Mr. Berry’s devotion, memorial contributions may be offered in his name to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 20214 Locust Grove Road, Rohrersville, Maryland 21779.
Those desiring may offer condolences to the family at www.akcoffmanfh.com.
