Franklin Haywood Berry Jr.

With family at his side and Frank Sinatra playing softly, Franklin H. Berry, Jr., a life-long resident of Ocean County, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Manahawkin. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who touched the lives of many with his love, guidance, and adventurous spirit.

Franklin led a distinguished career in law and public service. After high school, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and American History from Hobart College in 1958. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law in Newark, joining the New Jersey Bar in 1961 and being admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1962. Franklin served as senior partner at the law firm of Berry, Sahradnik, Kotzas and Benson, remaining Of Counsel to the firm until his passing. He served as Judge of the Dover Township Municipal Court from 1968 to 1971 and as County Counsel for Ocean County from 1971 to 2000. He was also a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1972 to 1974.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Franklin was an active member of various legal and civic organizations. He was a past president of both the New Jersey County Counsel Association and the Ocean County Lawyers Club, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and a dedicated leader in numerous community organizations, including the Toms River Yacht Club, where he served as Past Commodore. His commitment to public service and law earned him numerous accolades, including being named Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Toms River - Ocean County Chamber of Commerce in 2002.

Beyond his legal career, Franklin found immense joy navigating the waters of the Eastern Seaboard by both power and sail. Whether exploring the shores of the Toms River in his makeshift sailboat as a child, sailing with family and friends on the Tred Avon River in Maryland, tackling the often-unsettled waters from Block Island to Florida, or enjoying quiet moments at the helm, his love of the sea was a defining part of his life. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a proud member of the Blue Knights International Motor Cycle Club.

In retirement, Franklin spent more time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland – his home away from home – before opting to spend winters in Stuart, Florida, where he could continue to stay active outdoors, whether sailing or enjoying the company of friends in a competitive game of croquet.

Franklin is survived by his beloved wife, M. Catherine Berry; his daughters, Linda Kellner (husband Michael) and Paige Berry (husband Franklin Wagman); his stepdaughter, Leslie Brown; his six grandchildren; and, six great grandchildren.

His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, his significant contributions to law and public service, and the love he shared with his family and friends. A Celebration of Life is being planned for this spring where family, friends, and colleagues will gather to honor his remarkable life.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Franklin may do so to the Mercy Center, PO Box 1229, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 or visit, https://mercycenternj.org/donate/. The Mercy Center provides vital services and education to help alleviate generational poverty, one child, one family at a time.