Nathan Thomas Berrio died unexpectedly of organ failure at his home in Wellfleet on May 6, 2024. He was 47.
The son of Charles “Chickie” Berrio and Jane (Dalby) Budreau, Nathan was born in Hyannis on July 23, 1976. He grew up in Wellfleet, loved to skateboard and draw, and developed great skill at sketching figures. He and his friends admired cartoons and comic book art.
Nathan immersed himself in art projects at Nauset High School, graduating in 1994. A voracious reader, Nathan also loved music. He played the guitar, but “he mostly enjoyed listening,” said his mother.
After graduation he worked odd jobs while attending classes at Cape Cod Community College. He left for California in 2000 and completed his associate’s degree at Monterey Peninsula College.
Settling in Pacific Grove, Nathan went to work for Pacific Etched Glass & Crystal making designs for trophies like the ones the company did for golf tournaments at Pebble Beach. He also etched designs for wine bottles and other glass products.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Nathan decamped to Temecula, Calif. to live with his brother, who had retired after 21 years in the Marines. The brothers shared an interest in cars and enjoyed four-wheeling in the desert.
An interest in true crime podcasts led Nathan to attend the L.A. Podcast Festival, billed as the world’s largest podcasting event.
The Cape called to him, however, and Nathan returned in 2021. Back home in Wellfleet, he worked at the local Cumberland Farms and took great joy being among old friends. “He loved to banter with his friends and other locals to make their days better,” said Jane, his mother.
Nathan was an artist at heart and a gentle soul, she said. “He was a good person who treated everyone the same regardless of status,” said Jane. He is deeply missed.
Nathan is survived by his mother, Jane Budreau, and stepfather, Christopher Budreau, of New Bern, N.C. and by his brother, Quinton Berrio of Temecula, Calif.
He was predeceased by his father, Charles Berrio.
A celebration of Nathan’s life is being planned.
