Robert R. Berry

RANDOLPH – Robert R. Berry passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, at his home in Randolph with family by his side. He was 65.

A loving father to two girls, devoted husband, and friend to anyone who was up for a conversation, Robert, affectionately known as “Bob” or “Mr. Bob” to the neighborhood kids, loved life and lived every minute to experience the joy around him.

He was born in Sutton, W.Va., on July 3, 1957, the son of John L. and Treva (White) Berry. Bob spent many summers on his grandparents’ farm, learning the ins and outs of gardening and being self-sufficient. He studied at West Virginia University before starting a career in construction.

It was during this time he met his wife, Debra, who he “spotted from a hundred yards away”, and knew she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. The two married in 1982 and enjoyed camping along the East Coast and visiting National Parks, before eventually settling down in Randolph to raise a family.

Bob was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his 30s. Despite this, his spirit and love for his family kept him active. He never let his disease define him or hold him back but embraced it as an opportunity to take care of, and spend time with, his daughters as a stay-at-home dad, which was the greatest joy of his life.

Bob volunteered at the former T.C. Hamlin Elementary School and participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was always happy to lend a hand, be it on how to fix or build just about anything and found joy in sharing his knowledge. Also, an avid green thumb, Bob was known for his bountiful vegetable gardens and towering sunflowers. He loved canning, listening to classic rock (often at the highest possible volume) and WVU Mountaineer football.

Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gardiner where he was the treasurer for several years and a lifetime trustee. He enjoyed the church community and made many close friends, whom he cherished deeply.

In recent years, Bob tried his hand at adaptive skiing at Sunday River and soaked up the sun in Casco Bay on The Impossible Dream, a sailboat made accessible for people with limited mobility. During summertime, he could be found at the Gardiner Waterfront, listening to live music with Debra, or scooting around the neighborhood with his dog Buddy by his side. He was a man who knew how to make the most of each day he was given and seized every opportunity to have a “far-out” time.

Robert is survived by his wife Debra (Edwards) Berry; his daughters Rebecca Berry and husband Dean Spencer, and Erica Berry and husband Kyle Gahm; his brothers Steven Berry and wife Karen, and John D. Berry and wife Jennifer, and sister, MaryAnn Weymouth and husband Mark; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Services will be held on June 10, at First Baptist Church of Gardiner. Times to be announced.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to

Maine General Health

to benefit Hospice at
give.mainegeneral.org


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