Robert Lee Berry

ROBERT L. BERRY, 95, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 6:30 am, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home, Chester, Illinois

He was born to the late Donald Ambrose and Ida Caroline (nee Bessen) Berry on May 30, 1925 in Sparta, Illinois.

Robert enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17. He became a Navy Flyer and flew from Okinowa and Iwo Jima. His Squadron was known as Privateers, their plane was named Hogan’s Goat and their daily mission was to search and destroy the enemy. One flight found them attacked by a squad of six Japanese Zeros. They were engaged in what became the longest air battle over the Pacific in World War II. They were able to shoot down two Zeros. Hogan’s Goat was riddled with holes and would never fly again but only one crew member out of eight received an injury. Robert received a letter of recognition and appreciation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 3 Stars Air Crew Insignia.

When he returned from the war he married Jeffery Jeanne Ward and they had one daughter, Deborah.

He put himself through college and after working for the railroad and later Monsanto. He accepted a position with Lockheed/NASA in the late 1950’s. He moved to Florida and worked at Cape Canaveral in the early days of rockets and space travel. His team developed and constructed the Polaris missile and later other rockets used by the United States military. He retired after 35 years of service and was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.

Robert was a member of the V.F.W. and was of the Catholic faith.

He moved back to Chester in February 2020 and lived at the Manor at Craig Farm.

Survivors:

1 Granddaughter:

Cristi (Rick) Goldberg Gomez

3 Great-Grandchildren:

Robert Lee Dionne

Emily Jeane & Tyler Dixon

Gracie Bell Goldberg

3 Great-Great-Grandchildren:

Gabbie Glover

Noah Dixon

Derrick Roberson III

Feline Companion:

Miss Kitty

Many Loving Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, and Neighbors.

Preceded in Death by : Parents, Wife, 1 Daughter – Deborah Goldberg, 1Granddaughter – Heather Jeane Ann Goldberg, 1 Sister – Maev Berry (Spencer “Bus”) Brown, 3 Brothers – Avon (Della) Berry, Charles Berry, and Garrett (Jewell) Berry, and In-laws – Henry and Viola Ward

Graveside Service :

10:00 am, Monday, March 29, 2021

Mausoleum in Evergreen Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

We ask that everyone wears a mask and please use social distancing guidelines.

Officiating:

Fr. Iuvenius Iheme

Robert’s nephew, Don Berry

Memorials :

St. Mary’s Catholic School