MADISON – Ronald F. Berry, 80, of Madison, passed away peacefully in his sleep Christmas morning following a four year battle with cancer.

Born in Livermore Falls, Feb. 1, 1924 to Lewis C. and Erma (Norton) Berry, “Ron”, the third of six brothers, was raised on his family’s apple orchard in North Livermore. He graduated from Canton High School where he was active in the Future Farmers of America Program.

On Nov. 13, 1942, he married Glenys Ware of North Livermore. They raised four sons.

In 1953, Ron and Glenys moved to Madison, purchasing the former Sally Orchards and operating as Berry Orchards for 23 years, during which time Ron was President of the Pomological Society, active in the Republican Party, Director and member of the Maine Farm Bureau and Chairman of the Somerset Farm Bureau and a member of the Poultry Association of Somerset County. He also served the Town of Madison as Selectman and Town Manager and most recently as member and Chairman of the Madison Electric Works.

Following the sale of the orchard in 1976 to the present owners of North Star Orchard, Ron and Glenys managed Sporting Camps at King and Bartlett Lakes and at Grants Camps at Kenebago Lake.

Ron had many hobbies, including hunting, fishing camping, gardening and woodworking.

Ron was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent for many years at the United Baptist Church in Madison and became a Charter member of the Crossroads Bible Church of Madison. He was instrumental during several stages of construction and expansion at Crossroads serving as Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

He loved his church and his family and had several special friends’ including; George and Lorraine Vigue of Norridgewock, John and Priscilla Morrison of Highland Plantation, Doug and Verina Anderson of Port Clyde, and Rod and Harriet Ellis of Concord, N.H.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Glenys, of Madison; three sons, Dana and his wife, Gloria, of Madison, Vassar and his wife, Kay, of Norway, Scott and his wife, Patricia, of Skowhegan; four grandchildren, Martin and his wife, Beth, of Madison, Lisa and her husband, Lon Miller, of Madison, Elizabeth and her husband, Mark Savage, of Skowhegan, and Casey Berry of Skowhegan; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Rockwood and his wife, Louise, of Haines City, Fla., Tom and his wife, Beverly, of Livermore, Carlton and his wife, Diane, of Livermore; two sister-in-laws, Frances Berry of Livermore, and Pearle Berry of New Port Richey, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Ransom L.; two brothers, Ted and Howard, both of Livermore; and a granddaughter, Amanda R. Berry, of Skowhegan.

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