Clifford L. Berry, Sr.

As Cliff Livingston Berry Sr. (March 23, 1930-October 2, 2023):

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 children, 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.an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Seafarers’ House, an organization near and dear to Cliff Sr.’s heart.  

Donations via check made out to Seafarers’ House may be sent to Seafarers’ House, 1800 SE 32nd Street Box 017, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33316

Gifts can also be made online at https://seafarershouse.org/donation/

Please indicate on the check memo line or online gift form that the gift is in memory of Cliff Berry, Sr.

The family will be notified of gifts made in their loved one’s name.