Charles John Berriel

Charles John Berriel, age 95, of Harrison Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was born January 11, 1930, in New York City, to the late Rosario Berriel and Maria Rodriguez. Charles proudly enlisted into the United States Army at age seventeen. He transferred to the United States Air Force where he retired as a Technical Sergeant on October 1, 1968. After retiring from the military, Charles worked many years as a calibration engineer until he retired at age 55.

Charles married the love of his life, Kathleen P. McCloskey on October 24, 1955, in Denton, Maryland. Together the couple had four children and moved around the country and overseas to Germany during Charles’ time in the service. They celebrated 43 years of marriage before Kathleen passed away in 1999.

 Charles was extremely proud of his military service and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had many hobbies he loved. He was an amateur photographer and won many photo contests with his portraits and landscapes. He raced sailboats for over 25 years and enjoyed many years ice fishing in the winter on Lake Saint Clair. He was a hands-on dad, teaching his children to appreciate nature and how to forage mushrooms. In addition, he taught them humor and to not take themselves too serious. He was a lifelong learner and received his GED and Associates Degree at the same time his children were in college. His grandchildren fondly remember “Abuelo” as the man who could fix anything and would always greet them with tea and pizza. Memories that will live on forever.

Survivors include his four children, Noreen (Albert) Baljeu, Charles Kevin (Sonja) Berriel, Dorine (Matthew) Cass, and Corine (Larry) Scates; grandchildren, Lauren and Phillip Baljeu, Sasha (Spencer Allen) Berriel, Liam Berriel, Jonathan (Jessica) Cass, Nicholas (Melissa) Cass, Alison (Zach) Al-Kharusy, Kollette (Jorge) Carrasco, and Landon (Romy) Scates; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Kevin (Margot) McCloskey; sister-in-laws, Eileen McCloskey and Mary McCloskey and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; his parents; brother, William (Arlene) Berriel; and sister, Margaret Berriel.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place and he will be reunited with Kathleen at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Corewell Health Hospice and Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community for their care and help throughout the last couple of weeks.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Corewell Health Hospice.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Charles’ online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.