Michael W. Berra of St. Louis, Mo., area-based Community Tire recently died at the age of 81.
Born to Michael and Alice (Hoyt) Berra in St. Louis, he graduated from Southeast Missouri State and served in the U.S. Army from 1965 through 1969, before joining his father at Community Tire and managing all facets of that business.
“He had a decorated career in an industry he loved,” according to his obituary. “In addition to serving on many committees and boards, he was president of the St. Louis Tire Dealers Association, as well the Missouri Tire Dealers Association."
From 1993 to 1995, Berra was president of the American Retreaders Association.
“His family was everything to him and he lived a blessed, full life. Until his last days, he enjoyed skiing, sailing/boating, motorcycles and fixing/building anything and everything. He was a devoted disciple of the Catholic Church, serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent DePaul Society."
Berra is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol (nee Hoevelkamp); son Michael Berra Jr. (Dawn); daughter, Christine; grandsons, Bryce and Wyatt Petrucci; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass at St. Clement of Rome Church at 1510 Bopp Rd., Des Peres, Mo., will take place on March 4 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a private honors ceremony at 11 a.m. A reception will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club West; 1777 Des Peres Rd.; Des Peres, Mo., from noon until 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MA Berra Scholarship Fund at St. Louis University; 221 N. Grand; Room 319; St. Louis, Mo. 63103.
The Berra family has invited friends to email a memory or story of Michael to: [email protected]
More information and a tribute wall for Berra can be found here.
