Dale Joseph Berry, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, age 78 years.
Dale was born to Vera L. and Thurlow Berry in Saginaw, Michigan on November 12, 1943.
Dale grew up and spent much of his time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman!
Dale enrolled in the United States Army on July 20, 1966, where he was first assigned to the 406th Medical Detachment, then later assigned on October 13, 1967 to the Army Medical Corps 9th Medical Labs, later reassigned on August 23, 1968 to Ft. Knox, Kentucky as a Clerk/Typist for a short while, before finishing his Army career as a Civilian Medical Tech to the Army Medical Corps 9th Medical Labs for the final 3 years then being Honorably Discharged on June 19, 1972.
Dale had won many medals and certificates of achievement while in the Army, which he was proud of and displayed in his house! For his actions and heroism for our country, Dale had honorably been awarded the P.H. Certificate of Achievement, the Silver Star Unit Certificate, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart!
For nearly 30 years, Dale traveled back and forth to Southwest Florida and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he enjoyed living life with his various outdoor sports and activities.
Dale was known by many as “Huckleberry” or “Huck” because of his love of fishing! Among his favorite activities, Dale truly enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, metal detecting for coins and relics, fossil hunting, searching yard sales and estate sales for antiques and collectibles. Dale would then barter and trade items, before placing the items in various consignment shops for sale!
Dale passed away in the early morning on March 12, 2022 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a short hospital stay. He suffered from Agent Orange for much of his life, after being exposed while overseas in Viet-Nam in the Army!
Dale at an earlier age also became an ordained minister!
Dale is survived by his long-time partner and significant other for over 15 years, Margaret Bell; and has one daughter, Tonya Mason and her companion Stephen Rabidue. Dale has 2 grandsons, Justin and William. Justin and his wife have 2 sons, Kaleb and Kainen, making Dale a two-time great grandfather!
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Buresh Funeral Home in AuGres, Michigan with full military honors. Dale’s family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral for a period of visitation.
Dale will be laid to rest in the Linwood Cemetery in AuGres in his family burial plot. Those wishing to leave a message of love and support for his family may do so at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
