Jerrold “Jerry” Berr

Jerrold A. Berr, age 85 of W. Hartford, CT and formerly of Verona, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.

Jerry grew up in the Delawanna section of Clifton and played at the varsity level in football, basketball, and baseball while at Clifton High School. After graduating, he went to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Upsala College, and then his MBA. He worked briefly as a CPA and even owned a couple of car washes before settling into a career as an insurance agent for John Hancock.

Jerry had lived in Verona for thirty-four years where he and his wife, Phyllis, raised their children and he coached Little League. They were active at Temple Sholom West Essex in Cedar Grove, where Jerry was a member of the Brotherhood throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s., serving as president twice. Jerry loved to golf, and he was a lifelong athlete and sports fan. It could be said that his life revolved around three things: sports, sports, and sports! He played softball in a local men’s league for years, and he loved all sorts of professional sports. He had season tickets to the Jets, Rangers, and the Devils. He went to Madison Square Garden almost weekly for many years, taking in the Knick’s and the Rangers as often as he could. And he never missed an opportunity to see the Yankees or the Mets play. Yes, even the Mets. He even bought season tickets to the newly formed World Football League back in the 1970’s, and later to the USFL Jersey Generals. If he couldn’t catch a live game, he’d be watching sports on TV. He just couldn’t get enough. Jerry did enjoy some balance in his life, was an avid reader and he did the NY Times crossword puzzle daily. There was always time for family, as well. They enjoyed memorable summer vacations each year, trips to Disney World, Newport, Rhode Island, Vermont, and several traditional Jewish vacations to resorts up in the Catskills. They even visited Israel for an entire month back in 1980. He was also a devoted grandfather who was always there to cheer on his grandchildren. He was at every soccer game he could make it to, with his folding chair strategically placed on the sidelines, encouraging them on every play. He loved his grandchildren very much and they will all miss him dearly.

Jerry met his wife, Phyllis Schmidt, when they were both students at Upsala College. As only Jerry could tell the story, he was walking behind Phyllis and said to his friend; “I’m going to marry that girl.” From his perspective, it was love at first sight. They were soon married on June 14, 1959 and honeymooned to Bermuda. They first settled into a small apartment on the third floor of Phyllis’ parent’s home in Newark before buying their family home on Willow Terrace in Verona in 1963.  Jerry and Phyllis planted deep roots in Verona and loved living there. Phyllis battled cancer twice during their years together, and it was during those battles that Jerry showed his true colors as a devoted husband. He did all he could for her, but sadly, after thirty-seven years of marriage, Phyllis lost her battle with cancer in 1996. Jerry sold the house in Verona not long after and he lived briefly in Caldwell and Lord’s Valley, Pennsylvania before moving to Hebron, Connecticut, in 2009.

Jerry is survived by his two children: Andrea Barletta and her husband Martin of W. Hartford, CT, and Steven Berr of Skaneateles, NY, five grandchildren: Rachel, Jonathan, and Harrison Berr, all of Connecticut, Zack Barletta of Tennessee, and Jake Rasmussen (Mykayla) of North Carolina, and one great-grandson; Asher Rasmussen. Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (nee Schmidt) in 1996, and by his brother Martin Berr of Vernon, CT in 2004.

For those wishing to make a donation in Jerry's memory, please consider McLean Hospice Care. You can visit their website and donate online at www.mcleancare.org.