GARDINER - Berton Joseph Salib, Jr. died September 25, 2024, at home. His lifelong struggle with addiction has ended. Bert was proud to be a "Bellevue Baby", born at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, November 30, 1960. The son of Berton J. Salib Sr. and Marlene Walsh Salib, he grew up in New York City and Ridgewood, New Jersey. Bert graduated from Ridgewood High school in 1978, going on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at Nasson College, Springvale, Maine in 1982. As part of obtaining his teaching certificate from the University of Maine in 1994, Bert was chosen to be part of an exchange program with Edith Cowan University in Perth, WA, Australia. He spent nearly 3 months "down under". Bert was always involved with music, from Junior High on. Bert was a member of school bands and chorus, church choirs, DJ at multiple radio stations and a musician in many local bands. Although he brought a didgeridoo home from Australia (and could play it!) his forte was stringed instruments. Acoustic or electric, it didn't matter to Bert. Mandolin, guitar, Middle Eastern oud; all had their place, but his favorite was probably his 7 string electric bass guitar. Bert is survived by his wife, Andrea Alexander Salib, his daughters Sadie Salib and Abigail Salib Waldroup (Jacob), his brother Paul M. Salib (Joyce) and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place in the Spring. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com