Willard ‘Bill’ Hewitt Berrien Jr. of Quogue Dies March 13

Willard “Bill” Hewitt Berrien Jr. of Quogue and New York City died peacefully at home surrounded by his children on March 13. He was 88.

He was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1936 and raised in Pleasantville, New York. He graduated from Lehigh University in 1958, and proudly served as a captain in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for four years.

His career in finance began at Hemphill Noyce & Co. in Manhattan, followed by a brief role as director of business at CBS Labs. He soon returned to finance, thriving in institutional equity sales at Goodbody and then Loeb Rhodes where, continuing through acquisitions, he retired from Lehman Brothers in 1998.

In 1967, he married Jane Baer, and together, they raised two children, Andrea (Drey) and Bill, and created cherished memories at their Manhattan apartment and beloved Quogue home, purchased in 1973. He was an active member of the Quogue Field Club, Beach Club, Surf Club, Yacht Club, and Quogue Club, delighting in year-round weekends and sunny summers.

Deeply committed to his community, he served on the Quogue Public Library board and the Quogue Village Planning Board, and was honored as the Quogue Association’s “Man of the Year” in 2007.

He enjoyed tennis with his friends and son Bill, golf with Jane, Drey, and son-in-law Kevin, spirited beach and ocean volleyball games, cocktails overlooking the ocean, lively family dinners set to 1920s jazz, and avid stock investing during retirement.

He showed unwavering devotion in lovingly caring for Jane throughout her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was an inspiring role model for his children, demonstrating grace, wisdom, and integrity in every decision and action, his family said, and he delighted in hearing about the accomplishments of his grandchildren and loved his family deeply.

He spent his final years surrounded by family and friends, summering in Quogue and wintering first with his daughter in Delmar, New York, and later with his son in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, where he died peacefully listening to his favorite 1920s jazz tunes, embraced by his children

He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Helen; and his sisters Alice, Phyllis, and Gail. He is survived by his son, Willard “Bill” Berrien III, and daughter-in-law Betsie; daughter, Andrea Berrien Martone, and son-in-law Kevin; grandchildren Grace, Willard “Will” IV, Joe Berrien, Kevin Patrick Martone Jr., and Brendan Martone; nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, from 4-8 p.m., at Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. A Funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Westhampton Beach. Interment will follow at Quogue Cemetery.