William James Berry, 69, of Middletown, son of the late William M. Berry and Patricia (Speirs) Berry, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 17, 2022 at Wadsworth Glen Health Care Center in Middletown.

Bill was a graduate of Middletown High School and throughout his life worked with people that had intellectual and developmental disabilities. He worked for the Kuhn Agency as well as many chapters of the MARC Communities and other agencies in Middletown and surrounding areas. Born with developmental disabilities of his own, he was challenged daily throughout his life physically, also being labeled as "retarded". That was a word that Bill despised, sending him on a journey that brought him to our state capitol and the floor of the United States Senate where Bill successfully had the word removed from public documentation.

He was an avid music lover.  Bill had a collection of albums ranging from the big band of Glen Miller to the soothing sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. He also spent most of his summers at the Point O Woods beach house in Old Lyme. It was a place he loved where the days were long and the memories were cherished.

Bill is survived by two brothers, Robert and Brian Berry of Middletown and many nieces and nephews.  Bill will be very much missed.  His integrity, strength and uniqueness has left is un awe and will always be remembered.  We have been truly blessed to have Bill in our Lives.

Services will be graveside at Indian Hill Cemetery at 11 a.m. on November 28, 2022. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.