Stephen Badin Berry Sr.

GREENSBORO — Stephen Badin Berry Sr., 78, of Greensboro, NC, died at Moses Cone Hospital on June 6, 2011.

Steve attended school at St. Benedicts in Greensboro, preparatory school at the College De Levis in Quebec, Canada, and Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, WI. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN in 1953.

Steve subsequently served four years in the U.S. Navy. Steve was an officer and a Naval Aviator, stationed in various locations including Pensacola, FL, Hutchinson Kansas, and the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. He was proud of his aircraft launch scenes in the 1954 film "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" filmed on the Oriskany. Steve finished his naval service as a flight instructor.

His love of flying continued after the Navy and he was an active pilot until the age of 66. He was a passionate Fighting Irish football fan and greatly enjoyed his frequent trips back to campus on autumn Saturdays. Steve was also an avid golfer.

Steve worked in various capacities in the lumber and furniture industry. He was owner of ABW Lumber Industries Inc. ABW was well known and well regarded in the lumber industry.

Steve was a past Director of the Appalachian Lumberman Club and a past President of the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Greensboro/ High Point.

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosemary Furlong Berry, and five children, Shawn Berry, Stephen B. Berry Jr. and wife Holly Berry, Deborah Berry Castrodale and Grant Castrodale, Brian Berry (Marcie Flores Berry - deceased), Christopher Berry, also granddaughters Bethany Berry, Dara and Logan Castrodale; also siblings Dr. Margaret Berry of Greensboro, Ben and wife Jerry Berry of Charlotte, and Thomas Gabriel and wife Stephanie Berry of Greensboro.

Steve was the youngest of 13 children. He is predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Vize Berry and W. N. Berry, and his sisters, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Katherine, Ann, Theresa; and brothers, Jack, Fr. Thomas, Francis X, Jim, and Joe.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, June 10, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2716 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the service. A inurnment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online Condolences can be given at www.forbisanddick.com.

Forbis and Dick North Elm Street Chapel are assisting the Berry family.