Michael P. Berry

Michael Pearson Berry Michael P. Berry, 77, of Watertown, Mass., a cherished husband, friend and hospitality industry icon, passed away on May 7, 2026. He leaves an enduring legacy as an innovative, inspiring transformative change-maker in everything from leadership to menu development. His generous, kind-hearted and extraordinarily perceptive nature leaves a lasting influence on countless people. He brought unprecedented excitement and innovation to facets of the hospitality industry. He believed in collaboration, sharing his insights and opening doors for opportunities to support others’ growth and discovery of their passions. Mike’s commitment to his family, colleagues and friends will be remembered in the hearts of all those who had the opportunity to interact with him and enjoy his sense of humor. Born in Conway, New Hampshire, to James Manning Berry and Virginia Pearson Berry, Mike had two brothers, the late James (Jimmy) Berry, and brother Jody Berry. Mike married Gerardo Ramirez on July 18, 2015. Their long-time partnership spanned 30 years. Mike graduated with a B.A. magna cum laude from the University of New Hampshire in 1971. He also attended Shimer College in Chicago and studied in a year-abroad program at Queens College of Oxford University where he studied politics, philosophy and economics, fields of study that he embraced throughout his life. He also completed a Certificate Program in Transformational Leadership in conjunction with the Harvard Business School during his employment with Harvard University. Mike’s more than 40 years of management experience include leadership roles at the University of California at Irvine and UCLA as the Director of Dining Services and Director of Auxiliary Services, and at Harvard University in the Office of the Vice President of Administration as Director of Auxiliary Services and Dining Services. Other positions included Vice President of Food Operations and Concept Development and Vice President for Downtown Disney in Anaheim, Calif., and Senior Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney Company—The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim; President of Barnes & Noble Booksellers; President and COO at Cheesecake Factory; and President and Principal for Bunker Hill Hospitality Consulting/Michael P. Berry Consulting and Investments. Mike won national recognition and virtually every industry award as the Director of Auxiliary and Dining Services at Harvard University. Affectionately known as the “Mealtime Messiah” by the students, Mike was responsible for many facets of student life at Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, as well as Harvard’s 13 graduate schools. Mike was recognized for his achievements by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) with the prestigious Silver Plate Award in 1996, as well as Restaurant and Institutions magazine’s distinguished Ivy Award for the Best Non-Commercial Foodservice in the U.S. He was also honored by Food Management magazine with its Visionary Awards. Mike was a member of and served on numerous boards and committees of hospitality industry organizations such as the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), and the National Restaurant Association (NRA). Through these and other organizations, Mike shared his wealth of information and experience with colleagues and supported their professional and personal lives. An avid traveler and explorer, Mike loved dining out at great restaurants around the world. He also enjoyed music, sports, non-fiction reading, and contributed to numerous charitable foundations. Please direct any contributions you wish to make to your local Animal Shelter; Mike would have loved this act of kindness. Services will be held on May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Conway New Hampshire and are being handled by Furber Funeral Home of North Conway, New Hampshire.