Walter H. Berry of Southold died Aug. 29, 2026, at home. He was 61 years old.
Born December 1964 to George and Sandy Berry, he grew up in Southold. He graduated from Southold High School and went on to study at the Technical Career Institute in New Haven, Connecticut. He returned to Southold to join the family business, Peconic Plumbing and Heating.
He 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 his family said he was known for being quick with a one-liner and for telling jokes. His interests included hockey on Hummels Pond, fishing in the Gut, crabbing in creeks and clamming in Southold Bay. He also enjoyed riding his unicycle, skiing, mountain biking, cooking and entertaining, including making baked clams, eggs Benedict and milkshakes for breakfast. His family said he created “spooky Halloweens,” winter wonderlands and summer fun for others.
He is survived by his wife, Chrissy; his daughters, Brittney and Samantha (Rob); his son, Noah; his parents, George and Sandy Berry; his siblings, Vicki, George (Maureen), Jill (Roger) and Sandy (Craig); and three grandchildren.
Friends may call Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Firematic services will be held at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Southold, officiated by the Rev. Garret Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walter’s team, “Shut Up and Fish,” for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Southold Fire Department or East End Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.
