Roll Call Tribute

Bradford W. "Brad" Berry 

May 2, 1941 - April 23, 2024 

Bradford W. Berry, aged 82, died April 23, 2024, in Ellsworth, ME. He was born May 2, 1941, in Washington, DC, the son of Myron H. Berry and Ferne Berry. Bradford (Brad) grew up in the state of Washington where he learned the various aspects of livestock production at the founding farm of Carnation Milk Company.

He graduated from Tolt High School in Carnation, WA, where he played baseball and basketball, and was active in 4H and FFA. Brad received a B.S. degree from Washington State University and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He received an M.S. degree from New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. degree from Texas A&M University. He was a professor on the faculties of Washington State University and Colorado State University before becoming a Research Scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD. He and his wife moved to Maine in 2001.

He is survived by his wife Catharine (Kate), son Keith and wife Maureen and their children Shannon and Eric of Middleboro, MA, son Brian and wife Katia and their sons Sebastian and Camden of Lake Forest IL, son Craig and wife Jacqueline of Madison, OH and their son Tyler and daughter Alexandra, and his sister Kathleen and husband Harry of Silverdale, WA.

In his teaching career, much of his endeavors involved meat evaluation. He was instrumental in establishing a new national evaluation contest at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, CO and was the coach of the first all-female meat evaluation team while at Colorado State University.

Brad’s research career involved various aspects of meat quality and food safety. He had over 200 scientific publications and was the recipient of numerous awards from professional associations of which he was a member. He conducted research on behalf of the USDA and Department of Defense focused on purchase regulations, tenderization techniques, safe cooking temperatures, and improved production yield.

Brad was a loving husband and supportive father. He and Catharine had been married for 60 years. Brad generously gave his time and support to all, whether it be in his sons’ academic or athletic pursuits, his grandchildren’s endeavors, and milestones, or assisting those in need. He was a beloved and active member of Church of Our Father in Hulls Cove, ME and participated in many church activities, including music, mission work, youth group, and Alphas. Brad enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, photography, and fishing.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday May 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Our Father, 91 ME-3 Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brad’s honor to the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation https://secure.qgiv.com/for/myelodysplasticsyndromesfoundationinc or the Bar Harbor Food Pantry https://www.barharborfoodpantry.org/donate or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com