Clifford Livingston Berry Sr.

Clifford Berry Obituary

Name: Visitation for Clifford Livingston Berry Sr.
Start: 2023-10-06T14:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-10-06T16:30:00.000Z
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church

Clifford Livingston Berry Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and

humanitarian, passed away on October 2, 2023. A native of Fort Lauderdale he was the 4th of 5 sons born to Rena and Martin Berry on March 23, 1930.

Along with his brothers, Gene, Martin and Curtis, Cliff was educated at Trinity Lutheran School.

After graduation he joined the Air Force, and while stationed in San Antonio, Texas, he met his

future wife, Betty. They were married in 1951 and returned to Fort Lauderdale.

He began his career in Port Everglades working for Pacific Molasses. In addition to his full-time

job, Cliff became a hardworking entrepreneur on the docks of Port Everglades. In 1971 with 10

employees he incorporated his business. By the beginning of the 1980s Cliff Berry, Inc. began

branching out into the fields of oil and chemical clean up and disposal. Other family businesses

followed, including Port Everglades Overnight Trailer Park and Poplar Lodge Supper Club.

Cliff was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award in 1991, the highest

honor the USCG gives to a civilian other than the Live-Saving Award. In 2001 he was awarded

the prestigious Seafarer's Golden Compass Award given to an outstanding contributor to this

cause.

Cliff was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church and supported this church and all of its

outreaches, especially the school, for over 70 years. From churches and community

organizations, to schools and the Little League, Cliff Berry has been a lifeline of support for

groups that improve the quality of life in his native Fort Lauderdale and the Port Everglades

community. Cliff was also famous for his barbeques that enabled dozens of organizations to

raise their own funds. In addition, he provided financial support to many groups.

When asked about the special influences in his life, Cliff named two: his faith in God, and his

marriage to his wife, Betty. His strong Christian faith has shaped his extraordinary generosity.

He believed that God had blessed him with everything he had, so that he could be a blessing to

others.

Cliff is pre-deceased by his wife, Betty, and survived by his six children: Cynthia Berry, Sandra

Berry, Candace (Donald) Church, Barbara Berry, Kimberlee (Joseph) Sawyer and Clifford Berry II,

eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, October 6th, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.,

with a funeral service immediately to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Seafarer's House.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 17th from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht

Club.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Berry

10 Entries

Michael Bracic

September 28, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Mark Chambers

October 17, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bill Thixton and Family

October 15, 2023

Cliff Berry met me through his brother Curtiss. I wanted to grow palm trees and replace the ones that were dying from disease. I was born in Fort Lauderdale and we both loved the tropical palms. Cliff financed me, provided equipment and anything that was needed. Cliff Berry treated me like a son. He gave me the best advice on how to live my life, raise my family and to follow the the Lord. At age 28 Cliff Berry told me, "Stick with me son and I´ll make you a millionaire" and he did. But much more than that he was my
great friend. I loved Cliff Berry like a son loves his father. He did so much for me and my family. God Bless Cliff Berry, AMEN

John Allen

October 7, 2023

I offer heartfelt condolences to the Cliff Berry Family. When I first became involved in oil spill response in 1992, Cliff Berry Sr. was a legend along with a handful of others whom I regard as the Founding Fathers of oil response industry. I have the highest regard for Cliff Jr. with the assurance that that apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Giselle Kloss

October 6, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Berry family on the loss of the patriarch of the family with the most giving heart.
Giselle Kloss

Ruth Berry Taylor

October 5, 2023

Cliff Berry was an exceptionally kind and courageous gentleman. An exceptional Father and Grand Father, loving Husband, gracious Uncle and always kind to children and animals. He wanted to make the world and community a better place. And he did! His dedication to his beautiful family is what many aspire to do. His compassion and generosity knew no bounds. He was truly a role model for others to follow.

Paula Sposili

October 4, 2023

Mr. Berry will always be in my thoughts, and heart! My condolences to the Berry Family, and the community of Fort Lauderdale!. He lived with a kind heart, and now his heart and soul is joined again with Mrs.Betty Berry!! I can see you with your morning Dunkin' coffee and donuts!!. RIP Sir....

Michael Bracic

October 4, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

ira joffe

October 4, 2023

Mr. Berry will always be remembered along with his wife Betty as the force behind making the dreams of students teachers and parents come true at Trinity Lutheran Academy.
without his help so many children would not have been able to achieve a great education in a safe and nurturing environment .
He now is reunited with the love of his life.
Thank you Mr. Berry and God bless your entire family who love and adore you .