CASCO — Erlon M. Berry, 80, died at his home Saturday morning, April 12, 2014, after a long illness.

He was the son of Phillip and Frances (Hall) Berry, and brother to Phillip Wayne Berry, Barbara Spector and Richard Holms, all deceased.

He is survived by his wife and caretaker of 60 years, Ruth Gowell Berry, his daughters Leisa Knight and husband Tim, and April Massey and husband Todd, granddaughters Jennifer Hutchins and Marissa Hurley, and three great-grandchildren.

Erlon started his working career hauling lumber for W.H. Brown, and met Ruth in a coffee shop in South Paris. Soon after they married and began their married life in a little home near Dumpling Pond. He and his uncles spent many hours ice fishing on that pond. Later, he and Ruth and their two daughters moved to Quaker Ridge. Surrounded by fields and woods, Erlon spent many hours snowmobiling, hunting, and gardening. He was also a perfectionist in his yard work, extending lawns and clearing trees every summer.

Erlon worked for Dielectric Communications for 18 years in the shipping and receiving department. He traded in the lumber truck for a pickup, delivering parts throughout Maine and New England. It was at work in 1978 that he suffered a major stroke, leaving him partially-paralyzed, and forcing him into an early retirement. However, he did not let his physical limitations stop him from enjoying life. In 1982 he and Ruth moved to their current home on Parker Pond. He enjoyed family, his dogs, and the beauty of the pond through every season. Erlon also loved Maine and could not imagine why anyone would want to be anyplace else.

Visiting hours will be held at Hall Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, from  6 to 8 p.m., with a private, family interment later this spring. In lieu of flowers, Erlon would be honored if donations were made in his name to the Casco Fire & Rescue Dept. at 635 Meadow Rd., Casco, ME 04015.