Gene B. Berry
6/20/2010

 Gene B. Berry, 78, of Altoona, passed peacefully Sunday, June 20, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family.   He was born January 17, 1932 in Altoona, the son of the late James T. and Jessie A. (Books) Berry.  Gene married Louise Fagan in 1955 in Altoona.  He was a member of East End United Methodist Church.  He was owner of Gene Berry Swimming Pools and prior to that, he retired from SKF USA Inc., in 1987.  Gene was a 1950 graduate of Altoona High School.  He was a United States Navy veteran.  Gene loved his family and enjoyed traveling.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years; daughters, Cheri Westad and husband Dean of Hudson, WI, and Holly Sheetz and husband Lou of Hollidaysburg; grandchildren, Jessie Bradica and husband Joe, Emily Sheetz, Ryan Sheetz and wife Julie, Abbey Sheetz, Allie Sheetz, Taylor Sheetz and Miranda  Sheetz, great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Alexis and Andrew Bradica, brothers, Dick and his twin, Dean.  Gene was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin, Dave, H.D. “Buck”, Robert, Paul and James, and a sister, Lilliemae.  At Gene’s request, there will be no visitation.  A private celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family.  In remembrance of Gene, those who wish may make contributions to Health-By-Choice Education Research (HBCER), 265 Angel Lane, New Enterprise, PA, 16664 (HBCER.ORG).  Arrangements are being handled by E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA, 16601. 

Service
At Gene’s request, there will be no visitation. A private celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions
In remembrance of Gene, those who wish may make contributions to Health-By-Choice Education Research (HBCER), 265 Angel lane, New Enterprise, PA, 16664 (HBCER.ORG).

Kim and Charlie Basal 6/22/2010 7:11:00 AM
We would like to extend our condolences to your family. Gene was a great man. He put a pool in for us many years ago. We couldn't of met a nicer person.

FRED&DONA TROXELL 6/22/2010 9:19:00 AM
WE REMEMBER GENE WELL -A GREAT GUY ; WHEN TALKING OF SCHOOL DAYS HE &LOUISE 'S NAME ALWAYS COME UP AS SUCH GOOD PEOPLE -MY GOD COMFORT YOU &THE FAMILY ALWAYS -.

Larry and Vicki Baughman 6/22/2010 12:52:00 PM
We are very sorry for your loss. Gene was a great guy and will be missed. You and your family are in our prayers.

Tonya (Henck) James & Ken James 6/22/2010 1:41:00 PM
We were saddened to learn of Fat's passing. He was a great neighbor to Imogene and a great friend to all of us. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Jeff & Sherry Hancock 6/22/2010 3:17:00 PM
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathies! Gene was a gentleman & great person! We always enjoyed working with Gene in the many years of service he gave us with our pool. He was a fair & honest person that will be truly missed.He loved to talk about his travels & his family. God Bless You Gene & the Family!

Wendy & Al DiNicola 6/23/2010 10:54:00 AM
With deepest sympathies, we will greatly miss our Uncle Gene.

CAROL MILLS 6/23/2010 8:03:00 PM
LOUISE, I AM SO GLAD I GOT TO SEE GENE RECENTLY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. IF YOU WANT TO TALK OR NEED ANYTHING, PLEASE CALL ME. GOD BLESS YOU, CAROL

The Morris Family 6/23/2010 9:01:00 PM
We are so sad to hear of Gene's passing. We built our home in 1988 and were so lucky to find Gene (being very young at that time) we had really no clue about construction of pools etc. We still have the original pool Gene put in and it is beautiful! Many wonderful times with our family, children and friends have been enjoyed with his craftsmanship. It was always the highlight of the spring to see Gene's smiling face, enjoying the conversation of catching up on family, children growing, life passages and his true commitment to quality service, and the sadness of fall when he returned to close the pool for another year of life. We still have the original pool,filter, cement with only the liner replaced 14 years later, which he replaced and never a problem with anything! More than a pool, Louise, Gene was a wonderful man, so proud of family, a simple man dedicated to his family and craft - with attributes I would want my sons to have. Thank you Gene, you are a shining memory as a man, father, grandfather and husband. We will miss him greatly, and spring will never be the same for us. Our deepest sympathy and love to you and your family.

Denny Henck 7/13/2010 6:23:00 PM
I will miss Gene, he was always fun to talk to. My deepest sympathies Moe.

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