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Theodore Berry, doctor, author, and educator

Theodore J. Berry, 98, a Main Line physician, author, and educator, died Thursday, July 14, of pneumonia at his home in Naples, Fla.

Dr. Theodore J. Berry
Dr. Theodore J. BerryRead more

Theodore J. Berry, 98, a Main Line physician, author, and educator, died Thursday, July 14, of pneumonia at his home in Naples, Fla.

Dr. Berry lived in Villanova and then Bryn Mawr before moving to Naples in 1999.

He was a prominent figure at Bryn Mawr Hospital for 45 years, practicing internal medicine and serving for a time as chief of staff. He retired in 1993 as director of medical education.

Although Dr. Berry was hard-driving and productive, he also was very genial. Quietly and discreetly, he was physician and friend to the Main Line's elite families.

"He would give you all the time in the world. He was like a family counselor, a trusted adviser," said son Jeffrey. Whether treating blue bloods or blue-collar workers, "he had the rare gift of being able to relate to everyone."

Dr. Berry taught at the University of Pennsylvania and lectured widely, including at Oxford University.

He provided free medical care to the Augustinians at Villanova University and the nuns at Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova. He also was medical adviser to Villanova's track and field team.

Born in West Philadelphia, he was the only child of Jesse and Esther Harkin Berry. He graduated from West Catholic High School in 1935 and La Salle College in 1939. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 1943.

A gifted athlete, he played on the baseball, basketball, and track and field teams at La Salle. For a time, he pitched in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Dr. Berry served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. He was a lieutenant and chief medical officer aboard the Cabildo (LSD-16) in 1945, leading a medical triage team that liberated American and Dutch soldiers from prisoner of war camps in Japan.

After the war, he married Virginia Boykin. The couple reared five children in Villanova. The two separated in 1973 and later divorced. She died at age 79. He married Theresa Matzura Berry in 1977.

In addition to being a clinician and teacher, Dr. Berry was a published author. He wrote a medical text about how to use the hand as a diagnostic tool; a biography of his childhood friend, coach Jim "Jumbo" Elliott; and a history of Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Dr. Berry enjoyed playing competitive golf and loved to paint.

In addition to his wife and son, Dr. Berry is survived by daughters Candace B. Stringer and Rebecca B. Clement; son David; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A son, Theodore M., died in 2008.

Plans for a memorial service were pending.

Donations may be made to the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation via http://www.mainlinehealth.org/bmhgiving

bcook@phillynews.com 610-313-8102