John T. Berry
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.
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 | Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S. | November 10, 1924
Died | April 11, 1966 41) Salem, Massachusetts, U.S. | (aged
Resting place | St. Mary's Cemetery Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Occupation | Jewelry store owner |
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
- "Deaths". The Boston Globe. April 13, 1966.
- Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1965-66. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
- "Mary Lou Berry, court clerk; 79". The Boston Globe. October 19, 2006.
- Wyman, Anne (August 22, 1965). "Industrial Park Seen Key to Peabody's Future". The Boston Globe.
- Micciche, S. J. (October 21, 1961). "Rates Bill Would Slap Bad Driver". The Boston Globe.
- "Feeney Claims 6 More Votes For Speaker". The Boston Globe. December 28, 1962.
- "Peabody Redistricting Hearings Wednesday". The Boston Globe. February 14, 1965.
- "Legislature to Decide Future Of Sanatorium". The Boston Globe. January 23, 1966.