PETERSHAM-, MA – William Leftwich “Bill” Berry Jr., 82, of North Main Street, died peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
Bill was born on October 31, 1943 in Washington, D.C, to William L. Berry Sr. and Marianna Irene (Trowbridge) Berry. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg in 1962.
Bill enlisted in the United States Army on November 26, 1962 and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class on October 12, 1965.
On April 11, 1964, Bill married Katherine “Kay” (LaPointe) in Petersham. Kay had invited Bill to a hayride in 1960, which turned out to be the beginning of their courtship which continued through his time in the service. Together they raised their two loving sons, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage.
Following his time in uniform, Bill continued to serve the Army as a civil servant, first in Hartford, CT and then at Fort Devens, MA. Bill worked alongside his brother Ed as a surveyor for the family business, Berry Engineering, started in 1971 by Bill, his father, William Sr., and brother-in-law William Leaders. Bill and the business retired in 2010.
Bill, a very active member of the Petersham community, served as a Selectman for 13 years. He faithfully raised the town flag every day for thirty plus years, for which the town dedicated the flagpole to him on May 29, 2017. He proudly participated in and organized the town Memorial Day activities, and enjoyed driving the Grand Marshall in the town’s 4th of July parades in his ’67 Cadillac convertible.
He was an avid supporter and sponsor of the River Rat Race, a life member and Past Commander of the Petersham American Legion Post #415, member and trustee of the Athol-Orange Elks Lodge #1837, and a cooperator of Athol Savings Bank. Bill received the Community Citizen Award presented by Petersham Grange #95 in 1997.
Bill enjoyed horseshoes, family gatherings (the bigger, the better), but most of all being a proud and loving husband, father and “Grampa Bill”. Bill was always willing to help everyone he met.
Bill is survived by his wife, Katherine “Kay” Berry; sons, James Berry (Laura) and John Berry (Jennifer); grandchildren, Mark Berry and Sophy Ratliff (Trey), Brittany Adams (Nick), Coty Iozzo (Juliette) and Jordyn Berry; great grandchildren, Jack and Weston Adams; sister, Elinor Hutchinson (Carl); brothers, Edward Berry (Jeanne), Alfred Berry (Jill) and Robert Berry (Sharon); and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Mark William Berry, a brother, James, and his sisters, Charlotte Kennan and Alice Leaders.
Calling hours will be held on May 1, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Mann Cemetery, 296-298 North Main Street (Route 32) in Petersham, on May 2, 2026 at 11 a.m.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the Petersham Town Hall, on the common, following the graveside service.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Petersham American Legion Post #415, 8 Camel Hump Road, Petersham, MA 01366 for the care of the William L. Berry Jr. Memorial flag and flagpole.
Witty’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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