Obituary: Milton Ber

Milton Ber, 91, Remembered as a Quiet Pillar of Community in Portland

PORTLAND – Milton Ber, a 91‑year‑old lifelong resident of Portland’s Munjoy Hill, died on October 2, 2026, at the Cedars hospital. The 91‑year‑old was the eldest son of Sara Rebecca (née Levi) and Isaac Ber.

Ber’s life was defined by steady service and deep family ties. He graduated from Portland High School in 1953, a milestone he spoke of with fondness. After school, he worked for Ballard Oil Company on Commercial Street, before answering a call to serve his country. In May 1956 he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan, where he served as a Specialist 4th Class. He was honorably discharged in May 1959.

Following his military service, Ber turned toward public service. He joined the U.S. Treasury Department as a Taxpayer Assistor with the Internal Revenue Service and later worked for the Social Security Administration. His professionalism and character were recognized in May 1966, when he received a letter of commendation praising his courtesy, tact, and “polite firmness.” The letter captured the steady, respectful presence he brought to every job.

Ber was a devoted son and brother. He maintained a close bond with his mother, Becky, and his brothers, Davey and Stanley. He was predeceased by brother David R. Ber of Portland. In his later years, he spent afternoons at the Osher Inn, where staff grew to consider him part of the family, and where he offered “extraordinary care and compassion” to guests and coworkers alike. “He had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit,” recalled a longtime colleague. “He was selfless and kind, never asking for much. His greatest wish was simply to be remembered as a good person.”

He found joy in simple pleasures, particularly his daily crossword puzzle and conversations with Stanley. Those who knew him say he was “a good person” in every sense, a quiet presence who touched the lives of neighbors, colleagues, and strangers alike.

Milton Ber is survived by his younger brother, Stanley, who lives in Silver Spring, Md., and Bradenton, Fla. The family will hold a memorial service through the Portland Jewish Funeral Home.

The community of Munjoy Hill and beyond will remember Milton not only for the years he served in government and the military, but for the kindness he extended to all who crossed his path. His legacy, as he himself would have preferred, lives on as that of a truly good person.