Dr. John J. Goldsberry, Jr., 94, of Worcester, died on Sunday, July 7th at UMass Memorial Hospital. He was born in Worcester, the son of Dr. John J. Goldsberry, Sr. and Bernice (Brown) Goldsberry.
Dr. Goldsberry graduated from Worcester North High School in 1948. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, and his M.D. from Howard University Medical School. He interned at Worcester City Hospital. He completed his residency training at the New England Medical Center in Boston, finishing an additional two-years focused on physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Hospital. He obtained board certification in both physical medicine and rehabilitation, and quality assurance.
Dr. Goldsberry had a long and distinguished career in medicine, practicing in Massachusetts. He served as Medical Director of the Central Massachusetts Rehabilitation Center at Rutland Heights Hospital and Worcester City Hospital, and as Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Veterans Hospital in Northampton. He provided medical care to St. Joseph’s Abby in Spencer. He also maintained a small private practice, transitioning patients from his father’s medical practice after Dr. Goldsberry, Sr. retired.
Dr. Goldsberry was a committed advocate for patients and community organizations participating on numerous not-for-profit boards and public commissions. He served for many years on the board of Worcester Mechanics Hall. He was an active member of the City of Worcester Health Board working to improve food services for the elderly. He advocated for fair housing as a member of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority Subcommittee on Minority Housing. He consulted the Special Project Age Center in Worcester. He was a long-term member of the Rotary Club of Worcester.
John found enrichment engaging in many other activities. He was a lifelong member of Central Congregational Church of Worcester. He joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity while at Howard University. He was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War.
John found joy in sharing his wit and wisdom with everyone he met, serving as chief armchair advisor to the neighborhood of humanity. He was often spotted on the sidelines of sporting events or in the audience of music and theatre productions of his four children and six grandchildren, eagerly championing their victories and wholeheartedly sharing their defeats.
He leaves his loving wife of 67 years, Dorista C. (Jones) Goldsberry; two sons, John C. Goldsberry and his wife, Traci of Sandston, VA, and James E. Goldsberry and his wife, Lisa of Ashland; two daughters, Yvonne P. Goldsberry and her spouse, Cherie of Walpole, NH, and Carol G. Tucker and her partner Shawn of Salem; six grandchildren, Whitney Smith and her husband, Charles, Jessica Goldsberry, Sydney Tucker, Charles Tucker, Jaquelyn Goldsberry, and Benjamin Goldsberry; and one great granddaughter, Amelia Smith. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Walker and nephew Braithe Walker.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd beginning at 10am in United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Rd, Worcester. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday, July 22nd from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609.