Paul Francis Berry
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Published in November 2022
Paul F. Berry, 72, of Brewster, Massachusetts died at home on November 4, fifteen months after diagnosis with fast-progressing Bulbar Onset ALS.
Born in Milford, Massachusetts in 1950, Paul was the fourth of six children of Dr. Francis L. Berry and Mary E. Berry (McCarty) of Framingham and West Dennis. Paul graduated from Framingham North High School, matriculated at the University of Arizona, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Stonehill College in 1972. He later obtained a Master of Social Work from Boston University.
A psychotherapist in private practice for nearly 40 years, Paul found great meaning and value in connecting with and serving others. A deeply spiritual man, Paul combined studies of western psychology, Christianity, and Buddhism into a powerful practice modality. Working into the last week of his life, his impact on the lives of countless individuals, couples, and families during his career was profound.
Despite the ravages of ALS, Paul lived life to the end with dignity, courage, grace, and amazing wit. “I have such deep respect for Paul as a person and how he handled a very difficult situation,” said Doug Scalise, pastor of Brewster Baptist Church where Paul worshiped, along with First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church, which he and family attended for nearly 20 years.
A lifelong runner, Paul completed two Boston Marathons and continued running well into the progression of ALS. His best time: a respectable three hours, 48 minutes, averaging eight-minute miles on a 26.2-mile course. Biking, kayaking, and golf were other pastimes he enjoyed with family and friends, with the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Coast Guard Beach, and Cape Cod Bay among his favored haunts. With his wife, Paul was a generous host and dedicated fundraiser for Democratic candidates, hosting numerous governors, U.S. senators, congresspeople, attorneys general, and local representatives over nearly 20 years.
Paul was the beloved husband of Frances I. Schofield for 35 years, whom he married in 1987. He was the brother of Anne Berry of Yarmouth Port, Peter Berry of Athol, Kathleen Woodbury of Keene (NH), Joseph Berry and Michael Berry, both of San Diego, CA. He was the loving father to two sons, Benjamin Schofield Berry of Providence, RI and Ross Schofield Berry of Quincy, and the much-loved uncle of numerous nieces and nephews along east and west coasts.
Friends, relatives, and all whose lives Paul touched are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 3, at 1:00 p.m. at the Brewster Baptist Church,1841 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (ccals.org).
For online condolences please visit: www.nickersonfhorleans.com
