ANTHONY M. FEEHERRY

1947 - 2023

FEEHERRY, Anthony M. Beloved Boston Trial Attorney As the first buds of Spring pushed through the ground, Anthony "Tony" Feeherry, 75, passed away peacefully, on March 22, 2023, his daughter by his side, following a sudden diagnosis of glioblastoma. No recitation of Tony's beautiful life could begin without a mention of his "Woostah" origins. Born July 27, 1947 to Gertrude M. Feeherry and Edward J. Feeherry, he delighted in telling stories of his humble beginnings on Vernon Hill, growing up alongside his older brother, Ned, in a home with little money but no lack of love and support. From a young age, he excelled academically, receiving scholarships to Assumption Preparatory School and the College of the Holy Cross, where he graduated magna cum laude. He met the love of his life, Maridee Bradbury, and enrolled in Boston University School of Law, where he was inducted into the Law Review. Upon graduation, he received the Melville M. Bigelow Award for "the greatest promise as a scholar and teacher in the law", a prescient honor for the man who would go on to mentor hundreds of lawyers over his career. Following a clerkship with Judge James L. Oakes of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, he joined the Boston office of Goodwin Procter & Hoar in 1975. His career with Goodwin almost ended before it began, when on his first day as a junior associate he was assigned to a case which would challenge a fledgling attempt of local workers to create a union. As the proud son of a member of the United Steelworkers Union, he knew he could never work against a unionization effort. In what has become a part of Feeherry family lore, he called Maridee at lunchtime and announced he would have to quit the firm. She gently suggested he come home, get a good night's rest, and see what could be done in the morning. After a conversation with the assigning partner, he was taken off the case, and thus commenced a storied career that would span more than four decades at Goodwin Procter. Tony's practice was broad and varied, and included a role as a Special Assistant Attorney General in connection with civil and criminal litigation arising out of Boston's "Big Dig". As co-Chair of the Trial Department from 1995-2004, he led with a warm and principled approach, taking special care to champion women for leadership positions. A brilliant, funny, and unflappable litigator who was beloved by judges, juries, and even his courtroom adversaries, Tony would offer his discerning approach and a handful of Rolos candies from his desktop candy jar to anyone who needed his help. His legacy of kindness will undoubtedly live on in the many people whom he cared for over the years. Tony co-founded the Hamilton-Wenham Education Fund and served the Town of Wenham for decades as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals and, on occasion, interim Town Moderator. He served on the boards of Care Dimensions and the Evelyn Lilly Lutz Foundation. Late in life, Tony added children's book author to his lengthy resume, authoring two enchanting books about the joys of animal adoption, and he continued helping others as a certified mediator with The Mediation Group of Brookline. By far his most cherished roles were those of husband, father, and, especially, grandad to Caroline and William. He never missed a chance to cheer them on at soccer games or musical performances and loved to ski the trails of Bretton Woods alongside them. Tony is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Feeherry and his son-in-law, David Fish; his brother, Edward J. Feeherry; his beloved grandchildren, Caroline and William; several nieces and nephews, and the many friends with whom he and Maridee shared decades of beautiful memories. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his loving wife of forty-three years, Maridee Feeherry. The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Louis Tramontozzi, as well as to the exceptional hospice nurses and aides of Norwell VNA, especially Danielle, Ines, and Linda. "Above all else: be kind, be kind, be kind." – Tony Feeherry A Celebration of Tony's Life will be held at First Church Wenham, 1 Arbor Street, Wenham, Saturday, April 29, at 2:00PM. Following the service, the family invites relatives and friends to share memories and refreshments in the church Fellowship Hall. As Tony wished, the family asks all who attend to wear bright colors. Contributions may be made in Tony's name to The Open Door, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930 and Norwell VNA & Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, BEVERLY. Information, directions and condolences, at www.campbellfuneral.com