Gary Berne

Gerard (Gary) Emile Berne, 77, passed away quietly in Orlando Florida with his wife Cindy by his side on May 15, 2021. Married 53 years, Cindy and Gary were devoted and very much in love.

Gary was born on St. Thomas USVI on January 14, 1944 to Gerard (Jerry) & Faye Berne. Gary grew up fishing, hunting, and swimming on St. Thomas before attending UVI & enlisting in the US Army. He served in Korea before founding & operating Berne's Ice Plant which provided tons of ice during the island's annual Carnival festival. Gary was a member of the search & rescue squad, the gun club & a founding member of both the Rod & Reel club and Northside Sport Fishing Club.

An avid skeet shooter, he competed in and won competitions throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the USA and eventually realized his dream to represent the USVI at the 1984 Olympics. He won numerous fishing competitions on STT & loved being on the water. An active member of the community Gary coached JV football at Anglican in the 60's & 70's and later coached both daughters' softball teams through undefeated seasons at Antilles.

After moving stateside, Gary stayed active with shooting & continued to place & win in the senior category. His passion for life extended to good food, country music, Braves games, and being with his family. Gary always gave you his best and he expected the best from his family and the countless kids he coached and mentored. Once his friend, you were a friend for life & if you needed him, he was there. He was a husband, father, & grandfather to his family. He was a mentor, a coach and a friend to many.

Gary is survived by his wife Cindy & 2 daughters. Debra & Matt Angell & grandsons Dylan & Sean. Susanne & Mark Chandler & granddaughters Lola and Roxanne. He will be greatly missed.

Newcomer Orlando will be handling the cremation and a private service will be held at a later date.

To share your memories of Gary or to leave a special message for his family on line please visit the guestbook below.