Terry Alan Berrier, adored husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend, died at home on May 18, 2025, with his devoted wife, Virginia, by his side. He went by "Alan" to many, "Bear" to some, "Poppy" to his grandchildren, but Virginia called him "Terry," so that is the name we will use here.

Entering the world in 1946, Terry was the son of Earl and Ruth Berrier, and younger brother to his vivacious sister, Pat. Though Earl passed away when Terry and Pat were young, Ruth's strength and love carried the family forward for many decades.

Terry met the love of his life, Virginia Mae, when they were 13 years old. They shared a remarkable bond over their fifty-five-year marriage, raising two sons and sharing a deep commitment to family through good times and bad.

A lifelong Marylander, Terry was a fan of food, football, golf, music, and laughter. He loved trying new dishes, usually over-ordering "for the table." He played on the gridiron, coached the semi-pro Baltimore Bears football team, and loved watching his kids and the Ravens play. He was an avid golfer and achieved a seven handicap in his prime. Terry loved the simple things: good people, good music, and good food. He was always up for a fun time – and with his quick, dry wit and quirky take on life, it was nearly impossible not to have one when he was around.

Terry's extroverted personality and love of people drove his professional pursuits. After graduating from Kenwood High School and earning a degree in broadcast journalism, Terry became a local celebrity in the late 1970s with his friend and co-host, Lou Roberts, as anchors of the morning radio show, "Louie and the Bear" on WCAO AM in Baltimore. A local journalist once profiled the success of the #1 drivetime program as "zany, conversational, extemporaneous and, above all, unpredictable…"

As the radio business changed, Terry pivoted to the restaurant world, attacking his new career with the same passion and creativity he carried on air. In 1992, he partnered with his friend, Mel Sharoky, to launch Nottingham's, a distinctive Columbia, MD tavern that quickly became a local hot spot. A decade later, they parlayed "Notty's" success into the ambitious opening of Bluestone, a spirited fine dining restaurant in Timonium, MD still known for its unpretentious culinary flair and neighborhood charm.

Terry's professional and personal successes were not without challenges; his were mostly medical. Close friends and family frequently described him as "cat-like," given his apparent number of lives. Terry often joked that his best round of golf came in 1997, not because of his score, but due to his performance on the 19th hole – a visit to Johns Hopkins where he miraculously survived an on-course heart attack. Doctors marveled at the upbeat and energetic man they saw compared to his extensive list of medical ailments. He never complained. He never let it show. He never stopped joking.

Resilience, wonderful doctors, and a passion for life allowed Terry to live nearly thirty more years and enjoy his ever-expanding family, becoming the beloved "Poppy Bear" to his grandkids. On Father's Day 2024, he wrote his sons in a text:

"The greatest thing about Father's Day is having two young men who have grown into wonderful Dads themselves. Cannot tell you how happy that makes me and is the best gift in the world. Six grandchildren, lovely wives and understanding the joy of watching your babies grow…"

His mind remained sharp until the end and his passion for golf, the restaurant, and Ravens football gradually gave way to a profound joy for his "grandbabies". Constant over the years was his love and affection for Virginia.

During a 1980 "Louie and the Bear" episode, in his signature baritone, Terry quoted the actor John Barrymore: "A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." In the days surrounding his passing, Virginia said, "He really got to do everything he wanted to do. No regrets."

Terry is survived by his sister, Pat Stevens; his wife, Virginia; his sons, Chris (Crissy Link Berrier) and Jon (Devon Marie Carey Berrier); and his six grandchildren: Lindley (15), Jack (12), Knox (13), Violet (12), Wells (6), and Louisa (3). While not blessed with brothers in blood, he is survived by his brothers in life, Bill Altvater and Dan McCarthy.

May he rest easy and watch over us in peace.

A private service will take place on June 17, 2025, followed by a reception for friends and family. In keeping with Terry's wishes, neckties are strongly discouraged.