David Deola Berry

Age 83, was born March 24, 1942 in the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. He was the son of the late Deola Orrin and Hazel Eva (nee: Sanborn) Berry. David passed away after a brief illness while at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA on Sunday, January 4, 2026. A thank you to the RN's and staff at the Robert Packer Hospital while David was in their care. Also much appreciation to the dedicated staff at the Veteran IRA, for all their years of caring for David and creating lasting bonds with him. David had his favorites and had deep connection with them, staff and housemates alike. A special thank you to Chad Johnson for always making sure David looked nice, and to Nina Malone the house manager @ the Veteran IRA for her love, care and concern for David over the years. David resided at the Veteran IRA in Horseheads, NY since 2017. David was involved with the Program: Pathways (Broad St. HHDS) staff, thanking them for their service dedication for David. David loved attending a Day Program at Pathways. David was a jovial man, joking around with staff and his friends at the Veteran IRA. David had a penchant for scaring people, especially with the scary masks he enjoyed purchasing. Halloween was his favorite time of year; to purchase those scary masks, which he LOVED. When he would "scare" people he would laugh and impishly grin; his way of bonding with others. David loved to joke around with everyone. David loved his old western tv shows and old movies: Bonanza, Gunsmoke, etc. David enjoyed listening to his radio in his room and his CDs; he loved listening to all music genres.

He enjoyed going out with the guys to have an NA beer. David loved hats, from ball caps to flat caps. He always enjoyed being spiffed up. Thank you to the staff at the Corning IRA where David resided prior to moving to the Veteran IRA in Horseheads. David will truly be missed by all who knew him. "It's not good-bye, it's see ya later".

His presence will truly be missed at home by his friends he lived with. They ask about David all the time. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Davids's life will follow the visitation at 2 pm. Lay Pastor John P. Knapp will officiate. David will be laid to rest with his beloved parents in the Maines Veteran Memorial Cemetery at a later date and time. .