WATERBURY - James T. Berry, age 73, of Waterbury, died Monday, July 1st at St. Marys Hospital Vitas Innovative Hospice Care after a brief battle with cancer. Mr. Berry was born February 17, 1940 in Waterbury, son of the late John J. Berry and Angeline (Vassallo) Berry. He was a retired employee of SNET, a skilled mixologist and a graduate of the Connecticut Culinary Institute. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Fort Snelling LSD-30. He was a devout communicant of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Mr. Berry was an avid film and history buff and his favorite pastimes included cooking, gardening and reading. He will be most remembered for his outrageous sense of humor and quiet generosity to others. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cecile (Bellemare) Berry of Waterbury. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister Judith Kurtz and his brother Raymond. He is also survived by his daughter Cindy Sullivan of Las Vegas, her husband Keith and his daughters Shannon and Krissy; his son Jason of Danbury, his wife Adriana and her children Nicolas, Dani and Andrea; and his daughter Colleen Conway of Southington, her husband Chris and their son Desmond. He leaves behind 22 nieces and nephews, including his close friend Jackie Kurtz. His family is eternally grateful for the love, companionship and care provided by his dear friends Kathy and James Mattrella and their daughter, Lisa, Mr. Berrys godchild. The lifelong friendships of his Fort Snelling shipmates Kenneth Vey and Steven Kablesh will always be treasured by the Berry family. His funeral will be held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. followed by burial with military honors at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Everyone is asked to gather at the church. There are no calling hours and Woodtick Memorial is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. To leave words of comfort to James family, please visit www.woodtickmemorial.com

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