Stephen Merrill Berry's Obituary
Stephen “Steve” Merrill Berry, 80, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2026.
Born on March 1, 1946, in Boonsboro, Maryland, Steve was the son of the late Charles and Dorothy Marie Berry. He was a graduate of Boonsboro High School, Class of 1964, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was a Maryland state champion in both the high and low hurdles and was the first Boonsboro athlete to receive a full athletic scholarship to college. Steve was inducted into the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame.
Steve attended Catawba College, where he played football. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders to play tight end. He earned a Master’s degree from Temple University.
He dedicated 30 years as a school administrator with Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Schools. Following his retirement, he relocated to Ocean View, Delaware. He was devoted to his companion, Ann Mueller, with whom he shared a loving and fulfilling life. Together they enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, gardening, bird-watching, traveling, and participating in family activities. Frequent trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina gave him great pleasure. Steve will be remembered for his athleticism, dedication, and the meaningful connections he built throughout his life.
He is survived by his children: Michelle Kaps (Timothy) and daughters, Samantha and Alexandra; Bryan Berry (Lauren) and children, Luke and Caelyn; and Brittany Newhouse (Ted) and children, Addison and Tyler. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Berry (Kathy); his sister, Carolyn Clipp; his brother-in-law, David Hankinson; and his companion, Ann Carson Mueller, along with her devoted family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Hankinson, and his brother-in-law, Gary Clipp.
A celebration of life open house will be held at Steve’s home on Friday, May 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Boonsboro, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to Delaware Hospice (https://www.delawarehospice.org/give).
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