On October 14, 2024, Richard Manning Berkeley died peacefully in Towson, MD. He is the beloved husband of Brandon Moore Berkeley and the devoted father of Jane Brandon Berkeley Middaugh and her husband Mark Middaugh, and Allison Stuart Berkeley Gamper and her husband Charles Gamper. Cherished grandfather of Alice Rixey and James Richard Gamper, and Davis Berkeley and Robert Moore Middaugh. Dear brother of Alfred Berkeley and Taisie Berkeley.

Dear Dad,

With you, every day was a gift. Your unwavering faith in God and your unfaltering strength of character carried that knowledge with you to the very end. Thank you for showing us what true bravery and faith look like through all the seasons of your life – from your incredible generosity, joy and warmth in the sunshine days, to your patient, quiet love in the darker days toward the end of your life. You taught us that it is okay to wear your heart and your faith on your sleeve, and that faith you instilled in us has carried each of us, like a raft, through our own pain and joys.

Thank you for crowning us the only "squee-dunks" in the whole wide world, and Mom your "main squeeze." You gave us those titles and made us feel like your very own "elder pearl" and "younger pearl" every day. You put us at the very center of your universe - from camping and fishing trips to cheering us on in sports, in our careers, and in our own child rearing. You were always so present for us in whatever way you could be. Thank you for showing us what love looks like in action – what love-as-a-verb is: it was blueberry pancakes on Saturdays; it was early morning airport pickups; it was "any time of day or night I'm here for you." We will share your 1-2-3 squeeze for "I love you" with your grandchildren so they will always feel that love, the same way you shared your heart with us.

And wow, were you loved by family and friends alike. The "Richard Berkeley handshake" was the start of so very many friendships. You showed us that by putting yourself out there - your true, unabashed, sometimes nerdy self, from "tour guide Richard" to "Uncle Ricardo" - and by sharing that self with others, folks will open their nerdy, authentic, quirky selves to you. Your friendships were deep, and they were true. You knew that and felt that to the end. Your last written words were, "We have wonderful friends."

Thank you for teaching us the power of community and giving back. After losing your father too young, your church, Episcopal High School, and the University of Virginia were institutions and communities that wrapped their arms around you. You brought the very best of your talents back to them throughout your life. It is a wonder to see the care you poured into the scholarship programs that you supported at each school during your lifetime. We may never know if it was the academics or the dance parties on the banister at the Deke House that really warmed your heart, but your generosity ensured that other young men and women would have the chance to study and to grow, just like you did at UVA for years to come.

Investing was a passion and a calling for you, and you turned that talent into gifts for our world- investing in technologies that would make the world better for your grandchildren. Best of all, you brought your unique mannerisms and humor to bear– always leaving your own stamp on a deal or a relationship, never letting things "go cattywampus." You had an instinct for investing, and you used that gift to mentor, coach, and nurture new businesses during an esteemed, decades-long career.

You held our family tightly with love for so many years, and we hold you in our hearts today. We find solace that you are no longer suffering from the disease that robbed you of your vitality and faculties these past few years. We know you are in a better place, with your father, your mother, your granddaughter, and dear friends. You are hitting drop shots on the tennis court and watching one trillion ospreys in their nests. You are in your heavenly home, finally at peace. We miss you and cannot wait to be with you again.

"Unfading Hope! When life's last embers burn

When soul to soul, and dust to dust return…

Oh, deep enchanting prelude to repose,

The dawn of bliss, the twilight of our woes…

Back to its heavenly source thy being goes,

Swift as the comet wheels to whence he rose;...

And, o'er the path by mortal never trod,

Sprung to his source, the bosom of his God!" (Thomas Campbell)

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?

To do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

We love you,

Brandon and Stuart

A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of the Redeemer 5603 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21210 on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the Berkeley family will  appreciate memorial contributions to one of the following charities: Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va- the Richard Berkeley Scholarship; https://www.episcopalhighschool.org , the Richard M Berkeley Family Jefferson scholarship at UVA https://www.jeffersonscholars.org or to The Church of Redeemer in Baltimore, Md- pastoral care https://redeemerbaltimore.org