Ralph Edward Berry Jr, of Hingham, Massachusetts passed away surrounded by his family on October 3, 2018 after battling congestive renal syndrome with the same strength and dignity he displayed throughout his life. Born on August 16, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts, Ralph was the eldest son of the late Emma Leona (Patrons) Berry and Ralph Edward Berry Sr. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Ralph attended Boston Latin before graduating from Roslindale High School and then joining the army and serving as a Green Beret. Following his time in the service, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Boston University on the GI bill, and then his Masters and Ph.D. from Harvard Business School.
After graduation, Ralph taught at Boston University, Harvard and Brandeis, as an economics professor. He so inspired his students that a gift of “a million dollars was given anonymously to Harvard School of Public Health to establish the Professor Ralph E Berry Jr. Honorary Fund”. In conjunction with teaching, Ralph also authored two books evaluating the cost of health programs in America.
Always a driven man, he started his own health economics consulting firm, PAI, which he ran domestically and internationally with great success for over 40 years until his retirement. Ralph is survived by the “love of his life,” Dorothy Ann (Vater) Berry of Hingham with whom he shared over 59 years of marriage; his children Ralph Edward Berry III and wife Karen of Hull, MA; Jennifer Ann (Berry) Harris and husband Dale of Hingham, MA; his four grandchildren whom he loved “all the bucks” Jordan Edward Berry, Dale “DJ” Harris, Ralph “Nicky” Harris and Alexa-Rose Ann Harris. He also leaves behind his four siblings David Berry of Sudbury, MA; Bruce Berry of Medfield, MA; Wayne Berry of Plainville, MA and sister Emma (Berry) Dunn of Jonesville, AR as well as many nieces and nephews and beloved friends.
Those who love him will remember Ralph as a sweet, kind, generous, good humored man who had a special passion for history and debate, and loved baseball, golf, reading and his family above all else. From his quirky non-rhyming roses are red poems to his wife, his countless days spent enjoying baseball with his son, to his Saturday dates with his daughter, Ralph always found time to make those he loved feel special. He will never be forgotten and will be greatly missed, and although we mourn his passing we will celebrate his life and the time we had with him forever.
Visiting hours will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 172 Main Street Hingham, MA on Monday October 8, 2018 from 1-2:30pm. A funeral service will be held promptly after at 3:00pm with a private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to further Alzheimer’s or Diabetes research.
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