Phil O'Berry

[boatmark59]

Has anyone seen or heard of Phil O'Berry in recent times?

Phil ran an OMC dealership on the water in Solomans Island Maryland for years. Ran some nice OMC stuff with Rudy Foote and Randy Gore as drivers.
I lived in that area in the late 90's and used to see him occasionally, but he closed up shop after I saw him last and I am curious where he ended up.

[Danny Pigott]

From what i heard he passed away a few years ago . I once drove a few boat's for him in the mid 70's nice guy

[boatmark59]

Sorry to hear that, but thanks for the update.

He was a good guy helped a lot of people both in racing, and his dealership. A lot of little kids in the neighborhood got their ancient little motors fixed in exchange for washing his truck or sweeping the floors. He kept a pile of old junk motors to scavenge parts from for just this purpose. Always said he thought out in a skiff with a fishing pole was a great place for kids to stay out of trouble.

R.I.P. Fabulous Famous Fast Phil

[RogerH]

I am nearing the completion of the O'Berry Marine Molinari / Johnson RS tunnel hull (#84 & #60). It was driven by Rudy Foote and Randy Gore. I hope to have the rig completed early this Spring. Steve Larkin has provided a lot of information concerning the boat, but I would appreciate any additional information about the people and the boat.
Regards,
Roger Hinsdale hinsdale@bellsouth.net

[boatmark59]

Wow, if that is the boat I think it is, it goes back a looong ways. I'm gonna have to think about this one for a while, and dig for some pictures.

My best recollation is of someone blowing this boat over. Randy I think. I was from Florida (as was Randy) I can only remember Rudy coming south once during that period (very late seventies). For that matter Phil only came down on occasion. Phil was going gung ho at that time and had trucks, boats, trailers, kids, and probably the dog painted up in the Johnson Outboard colors. I remember them being at Lake Alfred with that rig, but don't think that is where it went over.

Randy ran another boat that belonged to Phil but stayed in Florida . . . I can remember Lawrence Enzweiller having to deck it as I think Rudy had crashed it, but I don't think it was that boat.

Randy Gore shows up on this forum occasionally, and would be a great source to sort out the timeline. In the meantime I'll see if I can find any pictures and jog some memories.

[Popa Sam]

I remember Rudy blowing one over at Eufaula in the 70's. I think it was a V4 class. Could it have been the same boat?

[Randy Gore]

Phil did pass, probably 8 years ago, I went up and visited with him about a week before he headed to Lake Paradise. He was very close to me and I have really missed him, my son's middle name is from him. Never a dull moment with him around!!!

RIP Phil O'Berry

[PIP]

Hey, randy, did you ever talk to jerry. Remember we talked last year and i gave you jerrys phone number. I send roger hinsdale the o'berry hat and shirt and he did an awesome job making copies. I just came across an old "buoy style" o'berry keychain i am sending roger now to use in the moinari.

You run across any old stuff, please let me know. Pictures, memorobilia, whatever.

Thanks

ronny jetmore
410 394 9000

[Randy Gore]

Hey, randy, did you ever talk to jerry. Remember we talked last year and i gave you jerrys phone number. I send roger hinsdale the o'berry hat and shirt and he did an awesome job making copies. I just came across an old "buoy style" o'berry keychain i am sending roger now to use in the moinari.

You run across any old stuff, please let me know. Pictures, memorobilia, whatever.

Thanks

ronny jetmore
410 394 9000

Hi Ronnie

No, I never did talk to Jerry, I will have to try him again. I don't know if you knew Jeannie (Phils girlfriend for quite some time), but we had her over for dinner last weekend and spent a lot of time catching up. The funny part is she has lived 6 miles from my driveway for quite some time! She emailed yesterday that there is a Regatta in Taveres March of this year and told me that Roger would be there with the Molinari. We definately plan on attending, should be pretty cool!

Randy

[PIP]

You know, roger told me about a jeannie bowen that knew a lot about the boat, am assuming this is her. I remember now, a "jeannie" being talked about now. I think i remember seeing her years, and years ago.

Solomons classic boat show in may of 2011 that roger might go to, with the molinari. You ought to try to come up then. It would be cool to get some pictures of you and rudy with the boat.

Call anytime
ronny jetmore
410 394 9000