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Elmer Butch Berry

Date of Death: November 9, 2022

Date of Birth: April 30, 1936

Biography:

Elmer (Butch) Berry Jr.--Lewiston--Elmer (Butch) Berry Jr. died November 9, 2022. He was born on April 30, 1936, a son of Elmer and Florence Cleveland Berry Sr. Elmer was educated in local schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. In his younger days he was a stuntman for Si Sidlinger & His Death Defying Hell Drivers, dropping off a speeding car into a burning strip. He traveled with country music singer Montana (Winnie) Strout promoting Oxford Plains. In the winters he would travel to New York and bob sled race. Elmer enlisted in the US Navy and graduated from five military training schools before being attached to Submarine Squadrop Six. On his first leave he married MaryAnn Peach and they had two beautiful daughters together, Jackie and Laurie. He then went on to graduate school. While in the navy, he spent most of his career on sea duty, receiving medals and awards for service, achieving rank of Petty Officer MM-2nd class. Elmer returned to Maine after being honorably discharged. He worked several jobs including International Paper and quickly realized he wanted to run his own company creating jobs and sub contracting rolls. He started Berry Construction followed by Central Maine Modular Homes. Elmer then married Patricia Moreau and enlarged his family with step children. He opened a PBL distributors, Patty's Bargain and Retail Store. He later co formed Berry Brothers working with Gates Formed Fibre. They develop proto type interior carpets cutting and trimming for General Motors and Toyota. He then formed Sparta Vending Distributors, with one service truck and two pinball machines with himself and his grandson Michael. The company grew fast and bought out several other gaming distributors as he became the largest operator of digital jukeboxes on the east coast. Elmer was privileged to be presented a recognition award by Gene Simmons. Elmer stayed politically active in campaigns of Ed Muskie, William Hathaway and Joseph Brennan. Elmer was appointed to committees across political lines by President George HW Bush. Elmer served in the Maine State Senate. He was government relations officer for Congressman Baldacci. He was particularly proud of being appointed to the committees to revise juvenile justice statutes. He proudly served as Chairman of the Androscoggin County Commission. Elmer was known for his service, his integrity and his love for Maine. Over the five decades he served this state he was instrumental in the passage of significant pieces of legislation, creating the nation's first park and ride, but his true passion was serving the diverse needs of his state. Elmer was a tireless advocate for children, the sick, the elderly and for all those who lacked a voice of their own. He was widely known to be kind, witty and extremely intelligent. He loved a good story and laughed easily and often. He was a faith filled man guided and nourished by his beliefs. His faith formed all of his action, many of which were known only to the recipients of his kindness. Family, veterans and children were of paramount importance to him. Their struggles and values of generations past instilled in him a profound drive to preserve and carry on. His greatest joy was his family of which he was an active part everyday. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Elmer served in many roles of his beloved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks on the local, state and national levels. He worked closely with the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Elmer worked to help local students participate in the ENF scholarships (the largest awardee in the nation including the government) and drug awareness programs. He belonged to the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, NA Hunters Association, fishing association and a Dedimus Justice performing many marriages. He loved to fly and was associated with local pilots. He extensively traveled the world. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Patricia, daughters, Jackie (Christopher) Gendron, Laurie Berry, Grandchildren, Michael (Lindsay) Farrell, Sarah Farrell, Joshua (Tianna) Allen, Step grandchildren Sam (Brenda) Ambrose, Tammy Akerley, great grandchildren Reese Farrell, Mackenna, Finnley, Camden Jordan, Lyla Allen, step great grandchildren Phillip Murphy, Dustin Ambrose, Nicole Wotton (Brian), Jason Wotton, brother Ronald Berry, brother in law's Maurice (Barbara) Moreau, Robert (Rosalie) Moreau, Bertrand (Debbie) Moreau, Daniel (Louise) Moreau, Richard (Paula) Moreau and many nieces and nephews as well as many loyal and life long friends. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The Maine Children's Cancer Program, 100 Campus Drive #107 Scarborough ME. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 19 from 9-11 a.m. At Funeral Alternatives, 25 Tampa Street, Lewiston where a memorial service will follow at 11a.m. Burial will be on Monday November 21 at Maine Memorial Veteran's Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta at 2 p.m.