William Michael Berry

Bill (William Michael) Berry, age 51, died suddenly Tuesday, April 12, at home in Bath, IN after a brief illness.

A 1977 graduate of St. John's High School in Toledo, Bill attended Miami University in Oxford, OH. He went on to become an accomplished artist and the owner of Bill's Art Store near the Oxford town square.

As an artist and a patron of the arts, Bill supplied art students at the university with the tools of their craft, sponsored local artistic talent at a monthly Sounding Board, built stage sets for local theater, and hung his paintings in art galleries throughout Southern Ohio.

Bill was passionate about many things – art, literature, music, gardening, nature, sailing, social justice, storytelling, friends, and family.

He is survived by his mother, Rita Berry; brothers Patrick (Lee) Berry, Daniel Berry, John Berry; sisters Barbara Berry, Ann (James) North , Carol (Christopher) Contos; sister-in-law Melanie Berry; former wife, Laura Livingston; and beloved nieces and nephews, Frederic DeMetrovich, Jesse DeMetrovich, Erin (Luke) Konecki, Andrew Berry, Matthew North, Kathryn North, Melissa North, Megan Berry, Zachary Berry, Robin Contos, Emily Contos, and Jacob Contos. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Jerrold L. Berry, and brothers Paul Berry and Mark Berry.

His family, co-workers, dear friends, and local communities will greatly miss him.

In his memory, please do something beautiful — draw a picture, plant a flower, tell a great story, or pass along some random kindness. He would love that.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-381-1900) where the family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Memorial Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Jack LaGoe.