Charles Willis Berry, known as Chuck, passed away on May 22, 2016 from complications following a stroke. He was 68 years old.

Chuck was born on September 25, 1947 and grew up in Newport Delaware. He was the third child of Eleanor and George Berry, both now deceased. Chuck is survived by his wife Hildegard Groves, his sons Ian Berry and Nathaniel Berry, his brother Bob Berry and his wife Mary Lou, his sister Jeanne and her husband Kevin Smith, eight nieces and nephews: Bonnie Lynn Smith, Michael Berry, David Berry, Jim Brooks, Holly Brooks Johnson, Heather Brooks Manier, Brendan Smith, and Mary Jo Smith, and many grand nieces and nephews.

Chuck enjoyed traveling and camping with his family. He loved going to the Delaware beaches and visiting his grandfather Berry who built and owned rental cottages in Rehoboth. Chuck and his parents often sailed on the Chesapeake Bay in their wooden sailboat. Chuck enjoyed going to the shooting range, and also participated in Civil War reenactments with his father and brother. He studied American and European history extensively.

Chuck learned wood-working and carpentry skills and acquired a lifelong appreciation for antiques from his father. He was skilled in restoring antiques and worked on many projects, including the restoration of antique wood and canvas canoe. Later in life, Chuck created an antique furniture repair business.

Chuck graduated Conrad High School in Wilmington, DE in 1965. He attended art school before being drafted into the Army at age 19 during the Vietnam War. He received training in map-making that served him well in his career later on. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He traveled around Europe extensively and ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and attended the Grand Prix in Monaco. He was fond of classic American and British cars.

After his service in the Army, Chuck attended Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland where he graduated Cum Laude in 1975. He held several graphic artist positions before beginning his long-standing career at The National Geographic Society as an artist and map designer. His co-workers found him to be an easy-going workmate who had a true love for his work. Chuck received many awards and accolades for his map designs from The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and the DESI Awards. Chuck retired in 2008 after 30 years at National Geographic.

While at National Geographic, Chuck met his future wife, Hildegard, a map technician and artist. They married in 1986 and settled in Gaithersburg, MD where they raised their two sons Ian and Nathaniel. The family shared a love of the outdoors and camping. Both boys were active in the local Boy Scout troop where they participated in many camping trips and community service projects. Ian reached the level of Eagle Scout with Chuck’s encouragement and support.

The family spent their summers at a cabin on Merrymeeting Lake in the lakes region of New Hampshire. At the cabin they enjoyed canoeing, fishing, and spending time with friends. They would often hike and camp in the White Mountains. Another favorite spot for the family was the Adirondacks. Chuck had an appreciation for dogs, especially German Short-Haired Pointers. He enjoyed hiking and walking with his two dogs over the years, Cheebie and Chaco.

Chuck was very proud of his son Ian when he graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2010. Chuck was delighted when Ian took a job in the legal field in Boston, and recently bought a home in New Hampshire with his girlfriend, Melissa Katski.

Chuck also had a great love and appreciation for music of all kinds. Many of his friends were musicians. He knew the history of many bands and artists. His younger son Nathaniel is a musician and songwriter who performs in the Baltimore area with his band while attending Towson University. Chuck loved sharing his knowledge of music as well as listening to the band rehearse. He was proud of Nathaniel’s release of his album that was titled Cartographer after his parents’ careers.

The family greatly appreciates donations to the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) in lieu of flowers.