1933 - 2023
Frank Richard Berry, 89, beloved Husband, Dad, Father-in-Law, Brother, Grandfather, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin and Friend, died on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Marshwood HealthCare Center after a 15 year journey with Alzheimer's Disease. Frank was born on May 18, 1933 in Lewiston to Everett C. Berry and Edrie Sanford Berry. He grew up on Gamage Ave. in Auburn and attended local schools, graduating from Edward Little High School, Class of 1951.
Following high school, Frank attended the University of Maine at Orono. He left college to serve two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After his service he returned to Orono, graduating in 1958 with a major in botany. Following graduation, he began working at Brookhaven National Laboratory, L.I., N.Y. It was during that time that he met his future wife, Donna K. Klahn. They were married on August 4, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rocky Point, L.I ., taking up residence in Shoreham, L.I. There they raised their two daughters, Katherine and Charlotte. Frank decided to pursue a teaching career and received his MA from Adelphi University, Garden City, L.I. He taught high school biology for over 30 years, first in the Three Village School District, Setauket, L.I. and finally at Comsewogue High School, Port Jefferson Station, L.I. Frank loved teaching and his teenage students.
Frank was a true renaissance man, a lover of literature, art and music. After retiring from teaching, he expressed a desire to return to Maine. Frank and Donna had a home built in Minot, where Frank pursued his passion for gardening. He was adamant that one must refer to the earth as soil rather than dirt. Working the soil without gloves gave him much pleasure. In the words of a favorite Maine author, Henry Beston, "... only through the earth may we be as one with all who have been and all who are yet to be, sharers and partakers of the mystery of living, reaching to the full of human peace and the full of human joy." ( Herbs and the Earth) Frank enjoyed decorating the house for the holidays and also pursued hobbies of rug hooking and weaving on a loom. As an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Auburn, Frank started and directed a handbell choir for many years.
Frank is survived by his wife, Donna, of 60 years, two daughters and their spouses, Katherine Sperl (James) of Minot and Charlotte Berry-Alpers (Donna) of Kings Park, L.I. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Lambourne, of Lewiston, an aunt, Elaine Berry, of N. Auburn, a grandson, Bradley Sperl of Williamsburg, VA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Frank was predeceased by his parents.
Frank's family wishes to thank the caregivers at Marshwood Center and Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice for their excellent care and kindness to Frank.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer St., Auburn, on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 1:00PM ., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Interment will be at a later date at the Brookfield Cemetery, Manorville, L.I., N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be given to
Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer St., Auburn, ME 04210 or
Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
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