Earl E. Berry

South Portland- Earl E. Berry, 83, of Boyd Road, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, October 2, 2016, doing what he loved, working in his garden. Earl was born in Buxton, Maine on September 30, 1933, the son of the late Leroy A. and Evelyn E. (Whitten) Berry. He attended local schools and graduated from Buxton High School in the class of 1951. After high school, Earl enlisted and served in the United States Army. After losing his first wife, Marilyn Thiviage on December 29, 1966, unexpectedly, Earl met and married Catherine V. Tucci, on September 9, 1967, blending two families together. Catherine became a mother to Earls children and Earl became a father to hers, a love which lasted for forty nine years. Earl worked as a grounds and maintenance supervisor at the Maine Youth Center, retiring in 1986 after more than twenty seven years of service. He and Catherine were long time members of the Church of God in Portland, and Earl was a member of the Buxton Grange. He loved to garden, be it vegetables, flowers, or mowing the lawn. He was passionate about caring for his plants especially his roses. Earl had the joy of leaving this world doing what he loved most, pruning his roses, shears still in his hands. His family commented that Earl was a very caring man, fun loving, and always willing to give of himself and help others, especially those who were closest to him. A very kind man with a big heart. The family would like to extend a special thank you to South Portland Police Department, Officer John Bostwick, and the South Portland Fire and Rescue. Earl is survived by his wife Catherine Berry of South Portland; four sons Thomas and Rhonda Berry of Portland, Wayne and Deborah Butler of Gorham, Alburn and Tammy Butler of Portland, Michael Butler of South Portland; three daughters Susan Johnson of FL, Melody Ballantyne of FL, and Donna and Thomas Punch of FL; a sister Althea Irish of Gorham; a brother Carlton and Lois Berry of Buxton; eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016, from 10:00am- 12:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A service will follow at 12:00pm at the Chapel. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery, Highland Ave., South Portland. To view Earls memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Earls memory to: Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinatti, OH 45250-0301 .