George E. Berry

George Edward Berry, 91, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, passed peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved him more than words could ever express.

Born June 24, 1935, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, George was the son of the late William Berry and Doris (Crosby) Berry. He lived a life defined by service, strength, discipline, and an unwavering devotion to his family, his country, and his community.

A proud United States Marine, George served for eight years, attaining the rank of Corporal with the 2nd Marine Division. His commitment to the Marine Corps continued throughout his life. He was a Charter Member and Life Member of the Marine Corps League, South Central Massachusetts Detachment #1094, and served as Chairman of its Toys for Tots program. For many years, George also had the honor of playing Taps at local parades and ceremonies, a reflection of the deep respect he carried for his country, his fellow Marines, and those who had gone before him.

Following his military service, George owned and operated Industrial Vehicle Maintenance, through which he contracted with American Optical (AO) in Southbridge. After retirement, he devoted much of his time to serving the community he called home. He served on the Sturbridge Board of Health for more than 30 years and was instrumental in the opening of the Sturbridge Recycling Center. His decades of service left a lasting mark on the town and the people who knew him.

When he wasn’t serving his community, George could often be found working on his beloved Model A Fords and military vehicles. He was one of the strongest men his family knew—strict, disciplined, and never afraid to tell you exactly how it was. But beneath that tough exterior was a man who loved his family with everything he had.

Above all else, George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Joan Berry. George and Joan were just six days shy of celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary, a remarkable testament to a lifetime of love and devotion.

He was the proud father of Doris Towns and her husband, Brian; Russ Berry and his wife, Deborah; and Pamela Gould and her husband, David.

To his grandchildren, he was simply Grampy—and, in their eyes, the best grandfather anyone could ever ask for. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Mark Berry, Karen Berry, Jacqueline Blow, William Towns, Jennifer Gould, Rebecca Pearson, Sarah Berry, and James Towns, as well as ten great-grandchildren, who will forever carry his love, lessons, strength, and memories with them.

George was predeceased by his parents, William and Doris (Crosby) Berry, and his siblings, William, Ethel, and Dorothy.

The love and devotion George and Joan shared through nearly 71 years of marriage were something their family witnessed and deeply admired. Together, they built a family whose love for George is impossible to put fully into words.

George gave so much to his country and to the town of Sturbridge, but he gave even more to his family. His legacy will live on in the generations who loved him, learned from him, laughed with him, and were fortunate enough to call him Dad, Grampy, and Great-Grampy.

While his family’s hearts are broken, they find peace knowing that George is no longer suffering and is now in the arms of God and Jesus.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St. Southbridge. 

On Friday a calling period will be held from 10:30 to 11:00am in the Holland Church 11, Sturbridge Road, Holland, MA. 

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Friday October 9 on Friday, in the Holland Church, 11 Sturbridge Road, Holland MA. 

 Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George’s memory to either:

Holland Congregational Church: www.HollandChurch.org

Quaboag Church New Building Fund: https://quaboag-valley-baptist-church-482580.churchcenter.com/giving

Semper Fi, Grampy.

Until we meet again.

An online guestbook and a video tribute is available at WWW.BelangerFuneralHome.com