John T. Berry

John T. Berry
Tucker in 2021
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office
1961–1966
Preceded byHenry W. Hallinan
Succeeded byPhilip C. O'Donnell
Constituency10th Essex (1961–1965)
5th Essex (1965–1966)
Personal details
Born(1924-11-10)November 10, 1924
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedApril 11, 1966(1966-04-11) (aged 41)
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
Resting placeSt. Mary's Cemetery
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
OccupationJewelry store owner

John Thomas Berry (November 20, 1924 – April 11, 1966) was an American jeweler and politician who was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1961 until his death in 1966.

Early life

Berry was born on November 20, 1924, in Danvers, Massachusetts to Thomas J. and Mabel (Drake) Berry.[1][2] He graduated from Danvers High School and attended a trade school for watchmakers.[2] He married Mary Lou Greehy of Peabody, Massachusetts.[3]

Career

Berry operated a jewelry shop, John T. Berry Jeweler's Store, in Peabody.[3] He began his political career as a member of the Peabody Electric Light Commission. From 1961 to 1966 he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.[2] In 1961, Berry initiated legislation that stopped burning at the Peabody city dump.[4] That same year he introduced legislation to base automobile insurance premiums on a driver's accident record.[5] In 1963 he supported Michael Paul Feeney in his challenge of John F. Thompson for the position of Speaker of the House.[6] In 1965 he was named chairman of the House cities committee.[7] He also headed a special legislative committee tasked with recommending uses for the shuttered Essex County Sanatorium.[8] Berry died on April 11, 1966, in Salem, Massachusetts.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Deaths". The Boston Globe. April 13, 1966.
  2. ^ a b c Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1965-66. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Mary Lou Berry, court clerk; 79". The Boston Globe. October 19, 2006.
  4. ^ Wyman, Anne (August 22, 1965). "Industrial Park Seen Key to Peabody's Future". The Boston Globe.
  5. ^ Micciche, S. J. (October 21, 1961). "Rates Bill Would Slap Bad Driver". The Boston Globe.
  6. ^ "Feeney Claims 6 More Votes For Speaker". The Boston Globe. December 28, 1962.
  7. ^ "Peabody Redistricting Hearings Wednesday". The Boston Globe. February 14, 1965.
  8. ^ "Legislature to Decide Future Of Sanatorium". The Boston Globe. January 23, 1966.