Politics & Government
Former Senator Berry Hospitalized as He Recovers From Pneumonia
The 63-year-old retired state senator, who has cerebral palsy, is reportedly on the mend from a recent bout of pneumonia.
This post was written by Peabody Patch Editor John Castelluccio.
Retired state Sen. Fred Berry was taken to the hospital again early Tuesday morning, suffering from pneumonia.
Berry represented Beverly in the state Senate for 30 years until retiring last year. The seat was filled by Sen. Joan Lovely, who was endorsed by Berry leading up to last November's election.
Berry, who has cerebral palsy and has experienced some health complications and pneumonia in more recent years, was taken to Salem Hospital by ambulance from his Crowninshield Street home in Peabody at 3:24 a.m., according to a police log entry.
The 63-year-old Peabody native was reportedly suffering from shortness of breath at the time. It was at least the second time Berry was hospitalized with a bout of pneumonia since June 2012.
Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt said he had spoken with staff at the hospital and understood Berry was on the mend.
"He is still in the hospital, but I don't get the sense it's too serious," Bettencourt said Wednesday evening.
He said he understood Berry was hospitalized with pneumonia a couple weeks ago as well, but had returned home. He was meeting with Berry earlier this week to discuss an issue, but learned Berry was re-admitted.
In addition to Beverly, Berry also represented Danvers, Peabody, Salem and Topsfield.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
