Ivan Warren Berry

Ivan Warren Berry, 98, of Clearwater, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 28, 2026. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, he enlisted in the Navy on the day he graduated from high school. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he could not wait to join the armed forces and help win WWII. He served honorably as Seaman, USN until his discharge on April 30, 1948. Grateful for the assistance of the GI Bill, he became the first man in his family to attend college. Earning two degrees, Agriculture and Bachelor of Science, from Michigan State University, he first worked for the Michigan Department of Health. On May 5, 1951, he married the love of his life, Jenny Helen Sochodolsky, and together they raised two children, Bill and Judy. Relocating his young family to Illinois, he began his life’s work as a Scientist for Kraft foods in their Research & Development Department. Throughout his long career with the renowned company he worked on many groundbreaking projects, including the development of the orange juice substitute Tang for use by the NASA astronauts, and the earliest uses of soy protein as a meat substitute. Tired of the harsh Chicago area winters, he and Jenny moved to Hawaii for a few years where he worked for the state Department of Health. Ultimately, they retired to Briarcreek, in Safety Harbor, FL where they enjoyed the active community and made lifelong friends; especially enjoying the comradery of Saturday morning coffee hour at the clubhouse and Wednesday morning “Biker Breakfast”. After Jenny passed away in 2010, he continued to live on his own well into his 90’s, then in Wickshire Countryside assisted living, where he was loved by all, and finally ended his days with his loving second family of his caregiver Evelyn, who was by his side when he passed, and her children in their VA Medical Foster Home.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he supported and nurtured anything his offspring loved and pursued as their life work, including finance, the law, music, and opera. A proud veteran, one of his most unforgettable experiences was the Honor Flight he was privileged to take to Washington, DC with his daughter Judy serving as his Guardian. In 2025 he was named Navy Veteran of the Year by Club – 214 Land & Sea and the Pinellas County Veterans Association.

Artistically talented, he pursued many hobbies, including furniture refinishing, and painting. A fitness advocate, he coached his son’s little league baseball team, was a Cubs Scout den leader, and played golf until physical limitations set in, but he remained fit through a daily exercise routine his entire life. A lover of animals of all kinds, especially cats and dogs, he raised and pampered many fur babies in his lifetime and was thrilled that his VA Medical Foster Home family included two cats. He was a gentle, kind soul with a beautiful smile and a sweet tooth, especially for Dairy Queen ice cream! He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched and enriched.

His family extends their deepest gratitude to the VA and his remarkable team of doctors, nurses, social workers, phycologists, physical and occupational therapists whose enduring support enabled him to live out his days with the dignity and love he so well deserved.

He is survived by his son William (Bill) Warren Berry, daughter-in-law Roberta (Mimi) Berry, grandsons Thomas (Tommy) Berry, Richard (Richie) Berry, Jonathan (Jonny) Berry, daughter Judy Berry Smith, son-in-law Reed Smith, grand-dog Sophie, his VA Medical Foster Home family Evelyn Walker, Emily Walker, Eric Walker and their cats Solitaire and Vesuvio.

A memorial service and celebration of life is planned for a later date in Clearwater, FL to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a Veteran’s organization of your choice.