Obituary of Frederick E. "Fred" Berry

Frederick E. “Fred” Berry of Peabody, husband of Gayle R. (Crawford) Berry passed away on Tuesday November 13, 2018 surrounded by family. Fred was born in Salem on December 20, 1949 to the late Philip and Helen “Honey” Berry. He was a life-long Peabody resident graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School and Boston College. He then earned a Masters Degree from Antioch College. For several years Fred served as Executive Director of Heritage Industries in Peabody. In 1979 he was elected as a Councilor-at-Large in Peabody where he served two terms. In 1982 Fred was elected to the Massachusetts Senate representing the Second Essex District thus beginning his impressive 30-year legislative career culminating in his rise to Senate Majority Leader, a position he held for ten years, prior to his retirement in 2012. In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his daughter Lindsey and her husband Jeffrey Hancock of Sherborn, his sisters Judith M and her husband Charles “Win” Fairbank of Danvers, and Cynthia Luma of Kittery, ME, his 3 grandchildren Jazmin Natalie, Jackson Frederick and Julia Grace Hancock. He also is survived by his step-son Frank Lotito of Hamilton and several nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his brother Stephen and by his step-daughter Natalie Lotito. His funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 12 PM at St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church Street, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Friday, November 16, 2018 from 3 to 8 PM at Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell Street, Peabody. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to CJ Moody Fund C/O MEIC, Alex Chatfield, 1269 Main St, Concord, MA 01742 www.cjmoodyfund.com.