UNION — Vern Berry, 83, died with his family surrounding him in his home Thursday, June 24, 2021.

Born on January 1, 1938, in Rockport, he was the son of Fred and Mildred Berry. As a child he attended the one-room South Hope School House and later attended Rockport High School. To help support his family he worked in Massachusetts cutting wood for the turnpike. After a few years he worked for the Maine Blueberry Association, Union Lime Products, G.F. Payson Inc., and most importantly he worked for Dragon Cement in Thomaston for 28 years as a heavy equipment mechanic.

As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting. Vern loved the game of baseball. Many people that played with him stated he was one of the best catchers around. When his son Bob was ready to play, Vern stepped up and coached Little League and then coached Babe Ruth. He was immensely proud of his players and had several stories of those days. Later in life, Vern enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his wife. Vern and Shirley, along with some friends, loved to tour the country. So much so, that they made it to all states but Washington, California, Alaska, and Oregon.

Another passion was his home. After working so hard to provide for his family, he loved the idea of staying home and his family and friends visiting him. When his children walked through the door with the grandkids his face would light up. The love of his family kept his heart beating strong.

He is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Mildred Berry; and his brothers Edwin (Ned), Glenn, and Michael Berry.

Vern is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son Robert and his wife Karen of Union, daughter Valerie and her partner Richard Murphy of New Hampshire, daughter Julie and her husband Michael Brown of Hope, son Gregory and his partner Sonia Bates of Washington; the grandchildren, Earle Studley, Joshua & Jessica Berry, Shawn and Courtney Berry, Taylor Packard, Caitlin Raye, Nicole Brown, Kelsey Berry, Olivia Brown, Alec Brown; the great grandchildren, Ava Berry, Grady Berry, Alden Berry and Austin Berry; his sister, Frances (Nan) Upham; sister-in-laws Sue Berry of Harvest AL., Jeanette Grinnell & her husband Gordon, Mildred Brooks, Rebecca Ripley, Sally Smith, and Linda Upham; brother-in-law David Gushee; several generations of nieces and nephews; and special longtime friends Alfred Tolman and John Crabtree.

A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Lakeview Cemetery in Union. From 1 to 4 p.m., the family would like to invite all of Vern’s friends and family to celebrate Vern’s life at his and Shirley’s home.

A special thank you to all the doctors and health care workers at Pen Bay Medical Center and Hospice Services, along with Hall’s Funeral Home for the excellent care and support given to Vern and his family.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Special Olympics Maine Bowling Program, 125 John Roberts Road, Ste 5, South Portland, ME 04106.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.