Wilson Whitaker Berry

WILSON WHITAKER BERRY, age 90, formerly of Lafayette Rd., McLean, NY died Monday, Feb. 6th 2006 at the home of his special caregiver, Beverly Gonsalvs in Groton, NY. Wilson was born in Virgil, NY a son of the late Floyd and Lulu Transue Berry. He was a dairy farmer in the Town of Preble for many years until retiring in 1961 when he relocated to McLean and opened the Hitching Post Antique Store. He became well known as an antique dealer and historian who was interested in documenting the past with his collection of pictures and articles. Wilson was a former member of the Dryden Kiwanis Club and was a charter member of the Groton Historical

Society. Additionally he was a member of McLean Community Church, the McLean Fire Department and the Cortland County Historical Society and the East Homer Grange. He was predeceased by his wives, Virginia Holcomb Berry in 1977 and by Ethel Newton Poso Berry in 2003 as well as his son, Roger D. Berry who died in 2001 and a stepdaughter, Roseanne Poso. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Luella Wheeler, Violet Hemmings, Charlotte Dixson, Robert and Chester Berry.

Survivors include his loving daughter, Eleanor B. Dippolito of Sanford, NC; his brother, Raymond (Eloise) Berry in Colorado Springs and a sister, Eva Allen of Homer, NY. He is also survived by his second family who loved him so much, Vicky L. Reed, John R. Poso, Martha R. Poso and Melanie Merriman. Many grand and step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Saturday, Feb. 11 at the McLean Community Church with Rev. Leslie A. Smith officiating. Burial, delayed, will be in Forest View Cemetery, Blodgett Mills, NY. Friends are invited to call from 7 to 9 PM at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY. Friends are asked to consider a memorial to the McLean Fire Department, 2 The Square, Mclean, NY 13102 or the McLean Community Church, P.O. Box 246, McLean, NY 13102-0246.