Leslie C. on Respect

I worked at Ford Aerospace at a very young age. I was very low in the ranks at the beginning of my career. Whenever I would see Bob in the hallway, he never treated me like I was less then him. He was kind and thoughtful man. He set a great example of how everyone should behave and how to treat all others with respect and dignity. This is very sad but what a blessing to have had him all of these years. May God give your family comfort during these sad times.

Esther L. on Awe

I still remember the dinner my husband and I went to with your family and how inspired and in awe my husband was coming home from that after chatting with your grandfather.  He was an amazing man and I know he will be remembered by so many he's touched.  I'm sending all my love and prayers to you and your family.

Thank you from Susan R.

He was an incredible, gentle man, and a mentor to me. He gave so much to so many. RIP Mr. Berry.

Chris H. on Diverse Perspectives

Bob was a tremendous help to me in my professional career and he had a hand in a lot of personal growth. He put his faith in me at an important time in the history of Ford Aerospace, but he also did something else that I have rarely seen done – he recognized that although I had some great strengths, I also had inexperience or weaknesses in other areas. He said: “I am going to surround you with the people that you will need in order to succeed.” He did that and, although it was often two steps forward and one step back, we all succeeded. He also taught me the value of both diverse skills and differs viewpoints on large endeavors, and I’d like to think that those lessons stuck.

For the record, when he called me in to work on a Saturday to offer me the job as Superbird Program Manager, he asked me if I thought that we could deliver Superbird-A in 29 months (vs. the 43 months that business-as-usual predicted. My answer: “Honestly Bob, I have no idea. But I do know that if we do X, and Y, and Z, we can deliver it in less time than if we don’t do X, and Y, and Z.” He said, “”OK, I’ll help you do those things and we’ll take our chances”.
Thank you, Bob (and Dorothy) for a lifetime of good memories.

Tina M. on Humor and Kindness

Bob was one of my favorite people at SSL.  After retirement he had a "satellite" office on campus and from time to time, he would drop by my office to chat with me.  He'd pull up a chair and stretch out those long legs that completely filled my cube!  Sometimes we'd chat for an hour or more - I loved his stories, his humor and his kindness.  He didn't just think of us as employees there to do a job, he knew we were people with families, history and stories of our own.  Bob remembered personal things about me and would inquire about me and my family, my health.  He never made anyone feel inferior - Bob knew we all put our pants on one leg at a time.  He was a good man...a really good man...one of the finest in SSL history.  He will be missed but his legacy at SSL will never be forgotten. 

Erwin H. on Commitment and Leadership

I was VP, Mission Engineering at SS/L from 1998 to 2000 and I really enjoyed working with Bob. He knew the satellite industry better than anyone, and he really understood how to combine our advanced technologies with a rapidly evolving market to keep SS/L’s business healthy and competitive. In the satellite industry, where capital costs are hundreds of millions of dollars, satellite operators often bet their company on each new satellite order. A large part of SS/L’s success was due not just to Bob’s leadership, but to Bob’s commitment and reputation. Every CEO of every satellite operator knew that if they bought a satellite from SS/L, they would get a fair deal and if any issues arose during manufacture or after launch, they could always trust Bob to make things right.

Generally, one or two times a month. Bob would invite me to his office for lunch. The SS/L cafeteria would bring us specially prepared meals. I learned to enjoy Babybel cheese, always a red one and a white one, and we always had oatmeal raisin cookies which I believe were Bob’s favorite. We would sit for an hour or more and debate the tech issues of the day, often technology strategy, the future of telecommunications, Silicon Valley, computing, the expanding Internet, and the future of the satellite industry. I was truly inspired by those lunchtime sessions and I learned a lot from Bob. Even after I left SS/L, I’d occasionally get a call or email from Bob … “So what do you think of ____ (some new idea)?”

I was fortunate to have gotten to know Bob during my time at SS/L. I certainly wish Bob’s family all the best. Bob was a real inspiration to me. I’m sure all of you are very proud of who Bob was and what Bob accomplished.

Adolf K. on Leadership

My father who worked at Ford Aerospace back in the late 70's knew Bob and worked closely on cutting edge graphite technology.  I started working at Ford Aerospace in 1983. I remember seeing Bob Berry walking the halls to and from his office in the executive area of building 3 and giving tours to our many international satellite customers.  I remember that he was a president who cared about all the employees of the company and would even say hello to me in the halls even though I was not very high level at the time.  He made a good impression on me as the kind of man that the president of this company should be.  In 1989, I remember Bob Berry bringing President Bush Sr. into Ford Aerospace company and greeting him and asking for my boss to use my IBM computer for Bush's speech writer to use during Bush's stay.  I have missed seeing Bob since he retired and those fun years being owned by Ford Motor Co. with lease Ford cars too.  Wishing his family comfort and peace during this time. 

Bruce M. on Encouragement

I first met Bob Berry at Ford Aerospace in 1988, shortly after I was appointed Executive Director of the Australian Space Office.

I called on him again in 1994, when I was contemplating leaving government service to become a consultant.  We talked about his company's interest in the Asia Pacific region, and Bob commented "But you live there."

It was that insightful comment which, perhaps unknown to Bob at the time, encouraged me to establish Asia Pacific Aerospace Consultants, a business that still exists today (long after I retired).

In later years it was my pleasure to work as a consultant with Bob, his colleagues and industry partners.

I was pleased to be able to personally thank Bob for his encouragement of me, over a pleasant meal together with Dorothy and some of his colleagues in Palo Alto in 2012.

His reputation was, as others have said, that of a giant in our industry. 

His achievements are enormous.  Nonetheless he was always approachable, interested in what one was doing, and encouraging in his responses. 

It is a rare man who can combine these skills.
I consider myself a better person for having known Bob. Vale, Bob Berry.

Ron M. on Competition and Mentorship

Bob was truly a mentor and hero to me and, even after many years I still think of him often. We were competitors for a long time and, believe me, he was the most formidable of competitors. One of the greatest memories of my life was in his office at SS/L in January of 1993 - the day I joined SS/L after many years of being a competitor , we talked for hours about many subjects and past competitions, and at the end he said to me "this is really going to be fun", and it was! That comment embodies Bob's greatness, he is one of the finest men I have ever known and I am a much better person for knowing and associating with him. The world needs more Bob Berry's and he will be much missed

Sergio Q. on Family and Home

Bob and Dorothy came to Cuba in the early 50's to visit Charles and Billy at the University of St. Thomas in Havana. Billy and I were students and Charles Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering. We met again at Billy's first wedding in Ridgefield, NJ. Bob together with Mom;Pop and Joe made feel as a member of the Berry Family. In 1960 after the Castro debacle in Cuba I returned to NJ to Pop and Mom who together with Bob and Billy made me feel at home away from home. . At this time of sorrow I want you to you know I am thinking of you and will miss all your advise and good stories. Thanks for all the good times and laughter during all these years and will keep you in my prayers. With sympathy to your son Bob and daughter as well at to all the other members of the family that loved you so much. Farewell dear friend.

David G. on Generosity

I was privileged to work for Bob on many new system and technology concepts at SSL.  He was a generous supporter of my career at SSL.  I will always be thankful for his support, kindness and humor.

Arnold and Barbara S. on Leadership

It is with fond memories for myself and members of the COMSAT team that worked with Bob and his FORD/LORAL team during the implementation of the INTELSAT 5 spacecraft program. It was His leadership through many setbacks which finally led to the exceptional success of the program. At my retirement from Comsat it was Bob who welcomed me to become a member of the Ford Aerospace team.His kindness and support will always be a remembered.
Arnie & Barbara Satterlee

George O. Reflection

Bob Berry was the face of Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation / Space Systems Loral, during my time in the Bldg 3 Hibay, Palo Alto, CA. I am so sorry and saddened to learn that Bob Berry has passed away. Godspeed Bob, your memory is so valuable to all of us who knew you.

Melissa D. on Saying Hello in the Hallway

I joined the aerospace firm in Palo Alto at 20 years of age as an entry level office assistant. I worked for Arnie L., the Quality Assurance manager of the company's Japanese contract programs, of which there were 3 at that time if I remember correctly. I wish to mention Donald G. was a heavy participator in those programs. I was so new to the work world I was just busy, with my head down. I can remember walking some papers for signature to another building and Mr. Berry was coming the other way. He smiled at me and said "Hello Melissa". I almost swallowed my tongue, to imagine he knew who I was!!! He was like that, very engaged with all the personnel that worked the contracts. He kept himself informed of who was doing what. I'll never forget that smile and him addressing me by name!!!
I enjoyed immensely continuing my career at Space Systems for 28-1/2 years.
I'm glad I knew him in the work environment, and offer my sincere condolences to the family for their personal loss.

Susie P. on Kindness

Bob, May you RIP, one of your proud photographers, working for you since Ford Aerospace to Space Systems Loral. Thanks for your kindness you always showed me when I was with you.

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