Walter Berry
Walter Berry died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Aug. 29, 2026, much loved and much too soon.
Born in December 1964 to George and Sandy Berry, Walt grew up allergic to rules and with an affinity for stunts that would put Evil Knievel to shame. He graduated from Southold High School and went on to study at the Technical Career Institute in New Haven, Conn. He returned to Southold to join the family business, Peconic Plumbing and Heating.
Whether it was hockey on Hummels Pond, fishing in the Gut, crabbing in creeks, or clamming in Southold Bay, Walt was old school North Fork. Walter never let the truth get in the way of a good story, he made friends easily, was the life of the party and quick with a one-liner. He made great baked clams, eggs benedict, and milkshakes for breakfast. He loved riding his unicycle, skiing, mountain biking and telling jokes. Unlike the boilers he cleaned, he had no filter. You always knew where you stood with Walter.
Walter was a 42-year member of Eagle Hook and Ladder, Southold Fire Department. He was proud to assist in delivering a baby as an EMT and was to be Chief if it weren’t for his damn dementia diagnosis.
Above all, Walt was all about family; the one he grew up with, the one he created, and his family of friends, the Woodchucks, the fire department and his customers. When he wasn’t plumbing, fixing something, building something or helping a friend, he was living his life with joy, creating spooky Halloweens, winter wonderlands and summer fun for all.
Walt was loved deeply by his wife Chrissy, daughters Brittney and Samantha (Rob) and his son, Noah. He was an adored Pop Pop Pickles to grandson Bennett and granddaughters Maisie and Emerson. He was the beloved son of George and Sandy Berry, brother of Vicki, George (Maureen), Jill (Roger) and Sandy (Craig). He was the fun and reckless uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Walter’s immediate plans include drinking some cold beer while fishing with his friends in calm waters. Maybe he’ll even win 1st place in the Annual Wally Berry Invitational Fluke Challenge. As he still won’t be able to sit still, he’ll find a unicycle, fly a plane or find something to fix. Maybe he can grease the pearly gates for the rest of us.
May he be remembered not for the last and hardest chapter of his life, but for the man who lived all the chapters before it.
Friends may call on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 51400 Main Road (NYS Route 25), Southold, New York 11971. Firematic services will be at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 53100 Main Road (NYS Route 25), Southold, New York 11971. Reverend Garret Johnson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, be like Walt and help a neighbor or make someone smile.
Please consider donating to: Walter’s team SHUT UP AND FISH for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s act.alz.org/goto/Shutupandfish, the Southold Fire Department or East End Hospice.
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