Berry Belton Merritt, Jr.
Berry Belton Merritt, Jr. passed away on July 11th, with Ann, his wife of 61 years at his side.
Berry was born in Santa Monica on May 6, 1924. He grew up in Long Beach and played football at Wilson High School. He spent two years at the University of Oregon and joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. After his military service he attended U.S.C. and met fellow student Ann Fiske. They were married in 1950 and have two daughters, Lindsay Merritt and Andrea Siberell . Berry is also survived by two grandchildren, James Williamson and Lindsay Williamson Berry and Ann raised their children in Tustin, and then settled in Corona del Mar in 1975.
Berry was president of Berry Merritt Insurance Co. in Long Beach until his retirement at age 80.
He was an avid sailor and made many long distance races to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast. He and Ann loved golf and were members of Big Canyon Country Club. They traveled extensively and enjoyed cruises and golf excursions.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Services are private.