Brian L. Berry

Brian Leonard Berry was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 1, 1983, to the waiting arms of his joyful parents, Shirley Ann Berry and the late Garland Leonard Berry. Following an extended illness that he faced with courage, Brian passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 42.

Brian attended St. Scholastica Elementary School and a Catholic high school, where he developed qualities of leadership, confidence, motivation, and a heart for service. An outgoing, friendly, and well-liked student, he participated in clubs, sports, and other activities while demonstrating exceptional communication skills and an inquisitive personality.

He went on to attend Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism and a Master of Science in Communication and Media Studies. During his college years, Brian was actively engaged in academic, professional, and social pursuits, including fraternity life, student organizations, networking, internships, and contributing commentary, interviews, and stories through the campus media program.

Throughout his career, Brian held a series of professional roles, serving as Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Grand Valley State University, Director of Student Finance at Westwood College-Aurora, Director of Financial Aid, Student Services and Outreach at University of Maryland Global Campus, Director of Financial Aid at Rutgers University, Senior Director of Financial Aid at New York University, Senior Global Business Travel Consultant at Amsalem Global Travel Management, and Global Business Travel Manager at WIZ. Those who knew him remember Brian as a joyful, brilliant, and compassionate leader whose strength, warmth, and intellect uplifted everyone around him.

Brian is survived by his loving mother, Shirley Berry; his aunts, uncles, and cousins including Henry and Carolyn Cooper, Jermaine, Charmaine, and Camille Cooper, Linda West, Angela, Jason, and Michael West, Eugene, Patricia, and Ashley Williams, along with many other relatives, friends, and loved ones.