Richard J. Berry

Richard J. Berry, 76, of Pine Plains, a proud Army veteran, lifelong motorcyclist, and devoted friend and partner, died peacefully early Friday morning, March 27, 2026.

Born Nov. 14, 1949, in Poughkeepsie, he was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Berry of Rhinebeck. He graduated in 1969 from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park.

Shortly after graduation, Mr. Berry was drafted into the U.S. Army, completed his training in aircraft mechanics at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, and rose to Specialist 4th Class. He served in Da Nang, Vietnam, as a crew chief aboard Huey helicopters and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged Feb. 1, 1976.

After returning home, he worked at Printers Press, Williams Lumber and as a water delivery driver before spending more than 20 years with the Town of Pleasant Valley Highway Department, where colleagues affectionately called him “Woodchuck.” He valued his work for the community and always helped neighbors in need.

He was a devotee of the New York Giants and BMW motorcycles (sorry, Jets and Harley fans). He traveled extensively by motorcycle through the U.S. and often visited Syracuse to see the flat track races. Sundays often found him at Toymakers Cafe in Falls Village, Connecticut, enjoying the company of fellow riders and friends.

He cherished simple pleasures: warm summer days, the wind at his back, and the open road. He enjoyed rock and roll on vinyl, especially Steppenwolf, Jethro Tull, and Fleetwood Mac. A lifelong patriot, he loved his country and proudly flew the American flag. He loved going to the shooting range with friends. He had a lifelong love of animals, from the horse he cherished as a boy to the dogs and cat he cared for throughout his life, including Toby, Cheyenne, Denny, Sadie, and Callie.

He is survived by his life partner, Jeanne Munch, and many dear friends.

Calling hours will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 S. Main Street, Pine Plains. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Evergreen Cemetery in Pine Plains.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause he supported deeply.