AUBURN — Ira “Joe” Seymore Berry, 79, formerly of Strong, died peacefully with his family at his side Jan. 29.

He was born June 13, 1932, in Sandy River Plantation, the son of Ira Sr. and Amy Woodcock Berry. He was educated in a one room K-8 school in Sandy River Plantation. Ira “Joe” Berry married Lillian Pillsbury on Nov. 16, 1949. He worked in the woods most of his life starting out working the log drives on the Dead River, and twitching logs with his own horses in his younger life. Later on he drove an oil truck for Fred Leeman for many years and finally retired from Cousineau Lumber due to ill health.

He attended the Strong United Methodist Church and was a faithful member of the Strong Fire Department for more than 20 years. He loved horse pulling and going to fairs. He enjoyed gardening at home and took his gardening skills to Edgewood after he went to live there and was very proud of his gardens. He would also give gardening advice to anyone who asked.

Ira enjoyed socializing; at Beals General Store, Rays garage, visiting the neighbors and his friends at home and at Edgewood after he moved down there. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending the many school and church functions they were involved with. He loved family get-togethers, especially the last two summers at Cindy and Jim’s camp on Porter Lake.

He is survived by three daughters, Margaret Huff and husband, Dennis, of Strong, Cindy Quinlan and husband, Jim, of Sabbatus and Shelley Seavey and husband, Peter, of Strong; one brother, Earl Berry of Phillips; one sister, Arlene Mularz of New Jersey; grandchildren include Kendra Snow, Kaylene Bacon, Chase, Jeremy and Tabby Seavey, Julie Donahue, Crystal Quinlan, Amy Hollenberg and Becca Quinlan; great-grandchildren include Amelia, Andrew, and Ezra Donahue; and special friends include Amy and Todd Colburn, and Sherry Judkins.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lillian on May 5, 2009; two brothers, Edward and Leo; sister, Ruth Foley; daughter, Pamela; and special friend, Virginia Buotte.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank-you to the staff at Edgewood Rehab and Living Center, Beacon Hospice staff, especially nurse Paula Espeagnnette, Clover Manor Nursing Home and Dr. Anne Schwink for his care over the last few years.