1922 – 2003

Livermore – Howard C. Berry, 80, a lifelong resident of Livermore, died Sunday, June 22, at his home surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Livermore Falls on Nov. 3, 1922, the son of Lewis C. and Erma O. Norton Berry. He attended grade school at the Payson Smith School in Livermore and was a 1940 graduate of Livermore Falls High School.

He also attended seminary at Gordon College before being called home to work the farm during World War II.

He married Frances Webster of Fayette on Sept. 7, 1947 in Fayette. They made their home in Livermore. He was one of the founders of Berry Hill Orchard Company in Livermore and was a partner in the business until his retirement in the early ’80s. He was also owner and operator of Appleberry Acres since 1973.

He was instrumental in the organization of the Livermore Fire Department. He served on many committees and organizations during his life. He was past president for the Young Apple Growers of Maine, secretary for the Pomological Society of Maine. He was president of the American Baptist Churches of Maine, president of the American Baptist Men of Maine, and president of the West Area American Baptist Churches of Maine. He was also a West Area President of the Baptist Mens Fellowship, and founder of the North Livermore Baptist Men’s Fellowship. He was a licensed lay pastor, often serving for Moose Hill, Farmington Falls, Paris Hill, Canton, Jay, Buckfield Baptist and North Jay Methodist Churches. He was also a life deacon of the North Livermore Baptist Church, where he also was a member of the choir; master of the Norland Grange #319, which had more than 500 members during his term; past master of the Oriental Star Lodge, and Grand Vice for the Odd Fellows, Williamson Lodge #20. He had the honor of officiating at the wedding of one of his granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years of Livermore; four daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Robert Every of Easton, N.H., Nettie and Linwood Rolfe of Lake Alfred, Fla., Margaret and James Bonney of Livermore, Emily and Keith Hemingway of Plymouth, N.H.; two sons and their wives, Nathan and Gilberte of North Windham, and Clifford and Terry of Livermore; four brothers and their wives, Rockwood and Louise of Haines City, Fla., Ronald and Glenys of Madison, Thomas and Beverly of Livermore, and Carlton and Diane of Livermore; a sister-in-law, Pearl Berry of New Port Richey, FLa.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Theodore D. Berry, July 30, 2001.