Wilfred A. Berry, age 96, passed away on December 17, 2011 at his home in California, Maryland. Wilfred was born in Patchogue, Long Island New York on August 24, 1915, to the late Edwin B. Berry and Edith A. (Weeks) Berry.

He married Gertrude E. (Saxty) Berry on May 26, 1939 and celebrated their 62nd anniversary before her death in October, 2001.

Dear father of Kenneth A. Berry (Mellie) of California, MD., Claudia D. Hipkins (David) of Waterford, VA., and the late Clifford D. Berry. He is also survived by his brother, Stanley M. Berry of Hagerstown, MD.

Wilfred came to St. Mary's County in 1942 when the construction of the U.S. Naval base began. He was commander of the U.S. Power Squadron at the Patuxent Naval Base. He loved gardening, boating and sailing, cutting and splitting wood and walking his dog, Molly.

Wilfred took great pride in having taught three of his youngest grandchildren to play the piano. They are Stephanie Berry, Crystal Berry, and Luke Berry who lived next door to their grandfather. He is also survived by five other grandchildren, Mark Hipkins, Daniel Hipkins, Darla Dodl, Kendra Mortureux, and Timothy Hipkins and by fourteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

The family received friends on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 5 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. 20650. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

For those desiring, contributions in memory may be directed to the Hospice of St. Mary's County.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.