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Jimmy Berry of Williston Park died on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at age 42, according to his friends.
A devoted father and husband — “he would run through a wall for those around him,” said friend Brian McDevitt — Jimmy leaves behind his wife Kerri and their three children, ages 12-year-old Mason, 9-year-old Molly, and 6-year-old Grace.
Now, in the wake of his sudden passing, McDevitt teamed up with David Dubner to set up a GoFundMe with the goal of providing Jimmy’s family with the education, well-being, and happiness he always strived to give them.
“We love the Berry family and wanted to do anything we could to try to make all of Jimmy’s dreams for his kids come true,” the pair told Daily Voice.
McDevitt and Dubner met Jimmy through hockey, which all of their sons have played together for years.
According to Dubner, Jimmy was a delight to be around and “always had you laughing.” McDevitt agreed, recalling that he consistently kept people laughing with his stories. Beyond that, though, he cared deeply, not only for his family but for others.
“Jimmy loved his family so much and they were always his priority, but he loved my family like his own,” McDevitt said. “He would always report back if I missed a hockey game on how well my son played and would always be the first to give him a high five when the game was over…he was always supportive of the kids.”
During one hockey tournament, while the team was gathered to eat, McDevitt said his son began choking. He attempted to give his son the Heimlich, to no avail, Jimmy was quick to action.
“Jimmy immediately got up, tilted Jake’s head back, and was able to reach down his throat and grab the food that was lodged in his throat,” he said.
“He was a lifesaver that day and I will never forget that.”
For all Jimmy has done for others, McDevitt and Dubner are hopeful that the community will do the same in return.
"His sudden departure has left an unfillable void," they wrote in the GoFundMe description.
Donations to the pair’s GoFundMe will go directly to the family, to help cover living expenses and educational costs. So far, hundreds of people have pooled together over $83,000.
“We are beyond grateful for the community’s support and outpouring of love for the Berry family," Dubner said. “We remain hopeful that we can raise more money for the Berry children through the community’s generosity.”
To view the GoFundMe, click here.
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