Wajeeh ‘Wally’ Berry

SAN DIEGO, CA — Wajeeh “Wally” Berry, was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend but his favorite role was “Jido” to his grandchildren. He passed away on September 16, 2021 at the age of 83 from complications of Covid after an extended hospital stay.

Born in Highland Park, Michigan, Wajeeh was raised by his devoted mother, Fatima (“Faye”) along with his three halfbrothers, Gazy, Salmon, and Faraide (“Teddy”), while living upstairs from his five double cousins. His young life was filled with raucous tales of long street car rides, pranks, running dice games, race horses and devoted friendships which endured his entire life. He was respected throughout his hometown community of Dearborn. While there wasn’t much money, there was love which would always be his most valued asset.

Wajeeh worked hard. He had ambition, an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen business sense which eventually brought him and his first wife, Barbara, to San Diego. In 1978, they adopted their son, Michael. That same year, Wajeeh and his business partner, Fred Aladray, opened Cousins Warehouse – an appliance, electronics & photo discount store which became a San Diego fixture housed in a bright orange building. Eventually, Cousins would expand to four locations throughout San Diego County before he retired in 1995.

To add to the rags to riches fairy tale that was Wajeeh’s life, he met the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his days, Cheryl, in 1985 in an actual castle in Austria. Cheryl had left behind a red jacket rather than a glass slipper. Wajeeh arranged to have it retrieved and delivered and thus began their happily ever after. They were married 8/8/88 at 8:00. In welcoming her into his life, he without hesitation also became stepfather to Kimberly, Stephen and Tiffany

– even if at first, they weren’t too sure about him.

Wajeeh and Cheryl traveled the world and created a home where the doors are always open to their vast extended family and numerous friends. Their common children were their beloved chihuahuas, Hugs & Panda, who lived long dog lives despite the inordinate amount of people food Wajeeh fed them under the table. He leaves behind their recently adopted rescue pup, Sugar. For the last 20+ years, they spent summers on Lake Michigan aboard their boat, the Grace Sea, where they were often joined by their grandchildren, family, and friends. Having served as a Merchant Marine as a young man and in the Coast Guard Auxiliary obtaining the rank of District Captain and conducting boat inspections during retirement, Wajeeh was an excellent captain.

Wajeeh had a quick wit and easy charm. He not only made friends easily, he collected them. He was never hesitant to share a compliment, express his love, or offer up advice. He loved sports, rooted for the underdog often, and favored the Lakers always. He unabashedly cheated at cards – particularly when the grandchildren were watching. He enjoyed daily walks to the coffee shop, perusing every aisle at Costco, and figuring out the jumble. Our weekly Sunday night dinners will never be the same without him at the grill where he had perfected filet mignon.

His grandchildren – Grace, Bailey, Addison, Hayden, Sage, and Calvin – were his best presents. Wajeeh delighted in carrying them as babies; pulling a Tootsie Roll from their ears; showing up at school and sporting events; teaching them boating safety; supporting them, spoiling them, and above all - loving them unconditionally. He would brag about them incessantly, taking great pride in their beauty, their brains, their accomplishments, their existence. He has left each of them better people and tasked them to be sure to make someone smile every day, just as he always did. They will forever carry their Jido in their hearts.

Wajeeh had an abiding faith in God to whom he gave all the credit for his professional and personal success. He had a very personal, unique relationship with God which he quietly and prayerfully pursued throughout his life.

Wajeeh deeply cared for so many especially sons-in-law, David Zierman and Anthony Dasilva, and daughter-inlaw, Kristin Allario. He had a large extended family including grand-nieces and nephews – to whom he was also Jido. He leaves behind innumerable people he touched who shall miss him profoundly. We all have been changed for the better because we knew him.

Wajeeh was an exceedingly generous and charitable man, a 32˚ Master Mason, who constantly looked for ways to brighten another’s day. In lieu of flowers (which he did not like), please do something benevolent as you are so moved. Buy someone’s coffee. Tip extra big. Donate to a children’s organization. Let them know it is because Jido loves them. Pay it Forward in memory of him.

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