Wade Berry Sr.

Have you’ve ever basked in the beauty of the majestic Oak Trees on Miller Avenue? Were you ever in awe by the sheer size of the mighty Pines of Christmas Hill Park? If you have, chances are they were once cared for by this man, Wade Berry Sr.
Wade Berry Sr. was born March 12, 1949 in Oakland California to the loving Larry and Winnie Berry. He moved to Los Banos his senior year of high school where he graduated from Los Banos High. Shortly after his graduation he moved to Gilroy to attend Gavilan Community College where he met his wife, the former Rosemarie Blanco. While working hard to pay his tuition as a member of the cafeteria staff, Wade joined the Gavilan Rams Football Squad’s defensive backfield, sporting the No. 21 jersey. It was here that he ran a 64 yard punt return and achieved a long standing record, lasting several years.
During his enrollment at Gavilan, Wade was given the opportunity to work for the City of Gilroy as an Arbor Maintenance Specialist. This dangerous trade is both an art and a science that he managed to pick up very quickly. Day or night. Rain or shine. He was called upon when a tree was in danger of falling onto property or power lines.
When Christmas came around though, Wade was tasked with installing decorations on all the light poles in Downtown Gilroy. Although he was not a big fan of the winter, this was something he looked forward to and enjoyed every year. Wade would continue to service his community of Gilroy for the next 32 years in this profession caring for trees of all sorts while keeping us all out of harm’s way.
Wade’s love for his community was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosemarie and his three children Monica (Michael), Wade Jr. (Erica) and Ken (Alaya). He will also be missed by his four grandchildren, Marissa, Halle, Mikey and Haydyn.
Upon retiring at the age of 55, Wade lived each day doing what he loved most, spending time with his family. Whether it was trips to the happiest place on earth or fishing in the waters of Los Banos, he took much pride and joy in sharing his love and light with those around him. Wade Berry Sr. passed on in his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday morning, September 9, 2018.
He was a great man and even greater father and husband. He will be missed as much as he was loved.
A short service will be held Saturday September 15, 2018, 3pm at the Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy.
A reception to celebrate his memory to follow at the Veteran’s Memorial Building.