Henry ‘Hank’ Paul Berlied Jr., 84

Henry “Hank” Paul Berlied Jr., a lifelong resident of West Acton and retired captain of the Acton Fire Department, passed away on Patriots Day, April 19, 2026, at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln following a brief illness. He was 84.

Hank was born in Acton on February 17, 1942, to Henry and Thelma (Wetherbee) Berlied. He graduated from Acton High School in 1960 and earned an associate degree in chemistry from Franklin Institute of Technology. He worked as a lab chemist at Technical Operations Inc. (TechOps) in Burlington. During this time, he was also an “on call” member of the Acton Fire Department, and when a position opened up in 1968, he joined the department full time.

His 34-year career was marked by his dedication to the work and to his fellow firefighters. He was a stalwart presence in the firehouse and a trusted mentor to new firefighters, and he approached every call with unwavering dedication.

Hank was further involved in the community as a Boy Scout leader of Troop 133, a longtime member of the Acton Elks, and volunteer at the food pantry for several years. He was a skilled carpenter-builder and a passionate golfer always ready to try a new course. He held three U.S. patents for a toe piece binding he designed for cross country skis.

His greatest pleasures were spending time with his children Deb and Jim and Paul and Maya and traveling with his beloved wife of 61 years Dale Laurian (Cali) Berlied. Hank’s curiosity and interest in other cultures, geographies, and people led them to visit some 45 countries over the years. His sense of humor, his generosity, his patience, and his compassion and kindness touched many people. He will be profoundly missed.

In addition to his wife, Hank leaves his devoted children Deborah Lynne Pollard and her husband James of Acton and Henry Paul Berlied III and his wife Maya (Pagoaga) of Acton. He is survived by his siblings Thomas Berlied and wife Mary Thresa of Maynard, Barbara Beers of Gardner, John Berlied and wife Roberta of Laconia, New Hampshire; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Albert Beers.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial service at St. John Lutheran Church, 16 Great Road, Sudbury, on May 17 at 2 p.m. Private burial will be in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Acton’s town flag will fly at half-staff on May 17 in tribute to Hank and in recognition of his faithful service to the town and fire department.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923; or to Acton Food Pantry, 21 Maple Street, Acton, MA 01720.

Arrangements are entrusted through Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Acton. To share a remembrance or a condolence on Hank’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.