For Eddie Berry, living a life with health limitations over the past 25 years has had its challenges, especially with the heart breaking loss of his beloved wife, Patricia. But Eddie persevered like everything was fine and he lived his remaining years to their fullest. His larger than life presence in the lives of his loving family came to a peaceful passing at The Meadows of Leicester on Friday, April 15, 2016, surrounded by many of his family members.

Edward James Berry, 79 was born and raised in Holden, one of 12 born to the late Viola (Sheard) and Harold J. Berry, Sr. Growing up in Holden with all of his siblings was the typical childhood filled with time together as family, enjoying the outdoors with friends and hard work when necessary. He was a member of the last graduating class at Holden High School where he excelled in sports, especially baseball. Later, as an expectant father, Eddie dreamed of being able to coach his future new born son, only to be blessed with six wonderful girls. Girls or not, he was proud to support their activities through their growing years. He met the future love of his life, Patricia Smith while at a party and soon they began their new life together. They lived in Worcester for more than 40 years, and moved to Leicester to live with their daughter 12 years ago before Pat passed in 2013 after 56 years of married life. Eddie was always a hard worker and supported his growing family by creating his own business, Berry Decorating, a painting and wallpapering company. He worked in many homes throughout the Wachusett area, including as a primary decorating sub contractor for several area builders. Eddie was able to create free time to enjoy his kids and later his grandchildren. He was a great grandpa. He nurtured special relationships with each of the grandkids and was their biggest supporter, enjoying many hours at games, practices, recitals or just visits together. He was a true presence in their lives. He also found time to enjoy a round of golf, especially with his friends at Holden Hills Country Club. A dedicated and devoted fan of sports especially the New England Patriots, Eddie was often found watching whatever games, baseball, football, golf, etc. that were on the television or radio, or better yet both. And do not bother him with useless conversation or noise during a game, or you would get a look from him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia and his parents, Eddie joins his six brothers, Harold, Jr., Richard, Roger, Donald, Benjamin and Dennis with the Lord. He will be forever loved and missed by his six daughters, Kerry Trainer and her husband, Richard, Elise Bordage and her husband, Ronald, Randy Henry and her husband, Richard all of Worcester, Michelle Tower and her partner, David Gillis of Woonsocket, RI, Nicole Morrissey and her husband, Kevin of Leicester and Kelly Luczyk of Leicester, with whom he lived; twelve grandchildren, Elise and her husband Andy, Elizabeth and her husband Mike, Jeffrey, Eric, Patrick, Ali, Sarah, Juliana, Olivia, Vanessa, Tammy and Nikki and her husband Marek; 10 great-grandchildren, Brett, Anabelle, Cameron, Caleb, Veronika, Jenna-Lee, Ryan, Damian, Maya, and Adrian; his three brothers, Gerald Berry of Rutland, David Berry of Worcester, and Arnie Berry of Asheboro, NC; his two sisters, Gladys Chilleri of Holden and Dorothy Munhall of Uxbridge; a former son-in-law, Stas Luczyk of Worcester; as well as many nephews and nieces.

Eddie’s family would like to thank all of the nursing staff at St. Vincent Hospital that have interacted with or cared for Eddie over these past 25 years, the entire management and devoted staff of the The Meadows of Leicester. A special thanks to Soraida Oquendo, Eddie’s home health aide for the past few years, our warmest appreciation for your loving care of our beloved dad and grandfather, Eddie.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Eddie’s family on Tuesday, April 19, from 5-8 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 20, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.