William Berard - Obituary

illiam B. Berard, III, 45, a resident of Anne Arundel County since 1995 died on August 21, 2009 at his home in Annapolis, MD. Born February 6, 1964 to Mary Lynne Berard and the late William B. Berard, Jr., he attended St. Mary's College in St. Mary's County, MD prior to entering the United States Army. Bill joined the US Army in 1984 and quickly began to distinguished himself as an exemplary soldier. During basic training he was selected to represent the United States as a delegate to the United Nations Year of the Youth Conference, held in Washington D.C. The event concluded with a ceremony at The White House hosted by President Ronald Reagan. Bill returned to basic training and graduated as the 'Soldier of the Cycle'. He earned his expert marksmanship badge and a promotion to Private First Class before entering his Military Occupational Specialty Training (MOS). Bill set himself apart from the crowd at his next school in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Again he graduated first in his class, and earned the distinction of 'Soldier of the Cycle'. While in training, Bill was selected to join the Post Headquarters Honor Guard. He proudly served in that capacity with distinction. Bill was also honored by being selected as driver for the Post's Commander (a two star General). After training, Bill was assigned to an overseas tour in Germany, and was glad to be stationed in Wiesbaden, only 10 miles away from his sister Bernie and brother in law Eric, who was also serving in the Army. While in Germany, Bill graduated from the Army's Platoon Leader Development Course, and Officer Pre-Commissioning Course, he was promoted twice, and held the rank of Sergeant. His first two children, Mary and William were born in Wiesbaden. Bill was recognized for his continuing high standards and performance and was the recipient of multiple Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals. Bill was honorably discharged from active duty in 1989.He was employed by the Ryder Corporation as a quality control maintenance manager. He also worked for Ripple's automotive in Upper Marlboro, MD. His memberships included the Knights of Columbus, Annapolis Council 1384 and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. William loved working on cars, go carts, motorcycles, scooters, etc. with his sons. He also enjoyed fishing and family dinners, where he was always the comedian; keeping everyone laughing. Besides his mother, Mary Lynne Berard, he is survived by his children, Mary, William, IV, James and John Berard all of Lothian, MD; two sisters, Bernadette “Bernie” Schultz of Annapolis, MD and Jacquelyn Probst of Annapolis, MD; one brother-in-law Eric Schultz; two nephews, David and John Schultz; two nieces Christin and Bethany Probst; he is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Berard Mararac. Family and friends are invited to William's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, August 25 from 6 to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, August 26, at 10am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. Interment Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Mary'sCatholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401.