John T. Berry

American politician (born 1924)

John T. Berry

Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office
1961–1966
Preceded by| Henry W. Hallinan
Succeeded by| Philip C. O'Donnell
Constituency| 10th Essex (1961–1965)
5th Essex (1965–1966)
Personal details
Born| (1924-11-10)November 10, 1924
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died| April 11, 1966(1966-04-11) (aged 41)
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
Resting place| St. Mary's Cemetery
Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party| Democratic
Occupation| Jewelry 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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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.