Charles (Charlie) Edward Berry peacefully passed away on September 29, 2023 at the age of 75. Beloved husband of 44 years to JoAnne Berry (nee Caruso) and son of the late Charles Edward and Mary (Lewis) Berry. Charlie was a graduate of Chaminade High School, Class of 1966. He then enlisted in the Army and served as a warrant officer during the Vietnam war where he earned several medals, including: the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Galantry with Silver Star, and Army Commendation Medal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.
After Charlie’s service, he went on to get his Bachelor and Masters degrees from St. Louis University for educational psychology. He accepted a position teaching and coaching in the St. Louis Public Schools.
Furthering his education, Charlie went on to get his law degree from Michigan State University in 1995. He then pursued a career in private law. Charlie ended his career as Municipal Judge of the City of Crestwood in June of 2023.
Services: Visitation is Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Burial service is Friday, October 13 at 10:00 am from Kutis Funeral Home to Jefferson Barracks for interment.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Clare’s House St. Louis, 1606 Bardman Court, St. Louis, MO 63049 (Capital Campaign Fund). Your donations will assist in keeping families and pets together in illness. Donations may also be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, or APA, 1705 S. Hanley Rd., St. Louis, MO 63144.
Joanne, Words can’t begin to describe how very sorry I am for your loss. May your many years of wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort as you grieve. You’re in my prayers.
Charlie was a highly decorated Vietnam war hero but to me and so many others – he was a hero as a person to us. He helped me out so many times without saying a word (though I did bride him a few times with scratch offs). Also, behind every great man is a great woman and his wife, Joann is just that. As sad as his passing is – every time I think of Charlie, I get a smile on my face because he was so wonderful to be with – we argued about every issue known to man and would often laugh at the end when we agreed to disagree. Besides my parents, I don’t know if I have ever missed anyone as much as I miss Charlie. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Love you John❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a wonderful guy and friend. May you RIP peace . Prayers and hugs to Joanne
I had the honor of going to Chaminade High School with Charlie and when thinking of his legacy I cannot forget the image of him running with the football many yards ahead of opponents trying to catch him, the fastest player in the state. He always was assigned the last leg of a relay in track and it was amazing to watch him catch up and overcome the lead runners. His life defines what a winner he was for his family and his country. It is an honor to have such a friend.
I just recently met Charlie at a memorial service for a fellow Vietnam vet. Charlie represented the best of those who severed our country. His bravery undoubtable saved many lives. His life of service, both as a soldier and a civilian earned him the title of HERO.
Jo
Charlie was a unique and special guy in my life: two teachers stepping out of the classroom and into the courtroom. Charlie did a lot more stepping than I , but without our B&L partnership, my life would be less rich.
I admired his incredible service to our country. He was brave and determined in many areas of his life. Berry &Leibrecht LLC will have a special spot in my memory file. Sandy and I salute him and pray for you both.
With affection, Jim & Sandy
Jo
Charlie was a unique and special guy in my life: two teachers stepping out of the classroom and into the courtroom. Charlie did a lot more stepping than I , but without our B&L partnership, my life would be less rich.
I admired his incredible service to our country. He was brave and determined in many areas of his life. Berry &Leibrecht LLC will have a special spot in my memory file. Sandy and I salute him and pray for you both.
With affection, Jim & Sandy
A slow hand salute to my Viet Nam brother
Joann I am very sorry for your loss. We grieve together. Charlie is in my heart and will always be here with us. He is still very much part of our days in conversation. He will be remembered for years and years to come. His presence is felt daily. His name is spoken daily. I cannot tell you how he has touched me. I truly loved him. With love thank you for letting him be in our lives. If you need anything just call. I’m here for you anytime and always. Dan and team at Franklin Specialists and beyond.
Rest easy my dear friend. I salute you. We all salute you. Thank you for your service and for being you. I got your six. We will take it from here. You get some shuteye. Talk to you soon buddy. Dan
Charlie was a friend to all. This is such a loss. My condolences to the family of Charlie. Rarely did you not see a smile on his face. Then there were the stories. He had plenty. He’s entertaining the good Lord and all who went before him now. Charlie you will be missed by all. I miss you.
Charlie was an athlete, war hero, city teacher and coach, lawyer and judge; but more importantly he was a great man. He meant so much to my family, he married our oldest, was a confident to our second son, our daughter wears his Army Aviator wings and he was a mentor to our youngest son. Charlie and JoAnne were a part of our family. I will miss his texts on Veterans days, and our talks on every subject in the universe. The Counsel of Nicaea is permanently adjourned.
God Speed Sir Charles!
Charlie was a year ahead of me at Holy Redeemer and a good friend of my friends at Chaminade. Charlie’s Dad coached us in Cub Scout softball.
He helped me recently in a project at HR to honor 2 of our friends who were killed in Vietnam. Just last month he came to our memorial Mass at HR where we dedicated a bronze plaque. We were so appreciative of him being there and I thank God we were able to salute Charlie one more time.
Charlie was not a hero for the 4 times he was shot down in Vietnam. He was a hero for the other 700+ missions where he succeeded in deliverying the badly wounded to medical care. As someone who occasionally helped carry stretchers from those helicopters, God bless those pilots.
Rest in Peace and Godspeed Charlie Berry.
So sorry for your loss. I’m so glad I was able to visit with you and Charlie.
Thinking of you often and keeping you in my prayers.
Sincerely, Darlene
Charlie accomplished so much in his life with service! We in the munlcipal court community admired him for his energy and mature, unbiased temperament. He was the fastest runner at CCCP too.
charlie was my closest friend in our high school years. We double-dated a thousand times and we decided one night to join the military. He went Army, and I to the Marines. On my 20th birthday I was at my firebase in Happy Valley, Vietnam when an Army dustoff chopper lands in our crappy nothing of a camp. Out jumps pilot Charles E. Berry. The chopper continued on. Charlie said he would not miss my birthday, spent the night out there, got picked up the next day. Who does something like that! Nobody except CHUCK. Semper Fi old friend. Semper Fi.