Dearborn, Mich. – The leadership, board and staff at ACCESS join the local and national Arab American community in mourning the loss of Sir Michael Berry, political pioneer, community leader and former chair of the Wayne County Road Commission. Berry passed away on Saturday at age 95.
Berry was the first Muslim of Arab descent to practice law in the state of Michigan. His focus was on municipal law. In the late 60’s he was elected to serve on the Wayne County Road Commission and quickly put his mark on the agency by righting what has been referred to as a skewed bidding system. His sharp business acumen earned him the position of chairman, which he held for 10 of his nearly 16 years of service. While he was chairman of the Commission, Berry’s tenacious involvement in Detroit Metropolitan Airport expansion, tight oversight of the bidding process, and execution of contracts earned him great respect.
When a separate terminal for international travel was built at Detroit Metro Airport, it was named in his honor. This recognition was due in part to his efforts to organize and help young Arab Americans seek opportunity in government positions. The Michael Berry Career Center, which is part of the Dearborn Public School system, is also named in his honor.
Berry was active in the Democratic Party, chairing the 16th Congressional Democratic District for four terms, beginning in the 1960s, and holding other powerful posts.
ACCESS is deeply saddened by this tremendous loss for the community and one of the organization’s dear friends and supporters.
“Sir Michael Berry was a visionary and was also very courageous. He had an unshakable loyalty to the community and to those who are underserved. He understood the importance of fully integrating Arab Americans into American society and showing Americans the value of their involvement,” says ACCESS Executive Director Hassan Jaber. “In the later years of his life, when he became a strong supporter of ACCESS, he remained very much involved and vocal about his commitment. He will be sorely missed.”
Sir Michael Berry is of Lebanese descent and was born in Highland Park, Mich. in 1920. He is a graduate of Fordson Junior College, Wayne College and Detroit College of Law.
Berry is survived by his wife, Cindy; children: Laura Berry Harris, Carol (Tim) Ward, Gail Berry, Cindi (Ray) LaCroix, Timothy Berry and Brendan Berry; grandchildren: Bruce, Jason, Michael, Kyle, Daniel and Vivian; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Derek, Raquel and Keira; siblings: Patricia (Bill) Kelley, Lindy Berry, and Frank (Rose) Berry.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, 1-8 pm, at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). Visitation on Tuesday and Wednesday is scheduled from 1-8 pm, at the Islamic Center of America, 19500 Ford Rd., Dearborn (west of the Southfield Freeway). Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 am at the Islamic Center of America.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.