Dr. Michael Vincent Berry, a respected orthopedic surgeon and beloved family man, passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 71.
Born in Springfield, Mass., Michael was raised in South Burlington, Vt., and later made his home in Dedham and Scituate, Mass. He was the son of the late Eileen and John Berry. Michael was a 1971 graduate of Rice Memorial High School and went on to attend the University of Vermont, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1975, was named a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar and received the top student-athlete award (Wasson Athletic Prize).
He continued his academic journey at the UVM College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1979. Michael then pursued a surgical internship and residency at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where he completed his general surgery training in 1981. He went on to specialize in orthopedics, completing his residency at Tufts University School of Medicine, where he ultimately served as chief resident.
A dedicated and compassionate physician, Dr. Berry practiced as an orthopedic surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton, Mass., for an extraordinary 40 years. He served as chief of orthopedics and was a member of the hospital’s board of trustees for more than three decades, touching countless lives through his care and leadership.
Michael was not only dedicated to his medical career but was also an accomplished athlete. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he had a natural gift for running. As a student-athlete at the University of Vermont, he became a standout performer for the UVM Catamounts. In spring 1975, he set the university’s outdoor mile record with a time of 4:06.2, a record that still stands today. He was inducted into the University of Vermont Hall of Fame in 1987 and remains the only male athlete in UVM history to captain three varsity sports. Michael also set multiple indoor and outdoor track-and-field records during his time at UVM.
In addition to his remarkable professional and athletic accomplishments, Michael was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his beloved family, including his wife, Kathryn; his children, Michael (Rebecca), Elizabeth, Paul (Elyse), Andrew (Lesea), Brooks, Justin (Christina), Wesley, Curtis, Abigail and Garrett; and his cherished grandchildren, Michael, Jack, Harrison, Gavin, Declan, Luke and Scarlett, all of whom he adored. Michael is also survived by his siblings, Jack (Patty), Paul (Barbara), Kevin (Cathy) and Anne (Cameron) Ferguson, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the University of Vermont Track and Field Excellence Fund at go.uvm.edu/berry, or to the Emergency Department Campaign at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital- Milton by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton” with “In memory of Dr. Berry” in the memo line. Contributions can be mailed to: BID Milton, Office of Philanthropy, 199 Reedsdale Rd., Milton, MA 02186. You may also donate online at bidmilton.org/giving.
A private service will be held for family and close friends.
An online guest book is available at gfdoherty.com Arrangements are by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home of Dedham, Mass.
This article appears in The Food Issue 2025.
I learned of Michael’s passing today. He was my orthopedic and a colleague. Michael was an exceptional human being in all aspects of life. I know how precious his children are to him and I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.