Alexei Beratis

Peter Alexei Beratis, known to family, friends, and colleagues as Alexei, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 20, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 24, 1960. He spent his childhood in New Hampshire and Indiana and his summers in Massachusetts before moving to Boston as a young adult, where he established himself in the city's hospitality and beverage industry.

Before entering the hospitality business, Alexei owned and operated a machine shop, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic. He later built a career in Boston's beverage and hospitality community, founding Inspired Beverages and 21st Century Wine Co. He was also an active part of Boston's cocktail community through his involvement with the Boston Cocktail Summit, helping bring together hospitality professionals and enthusiasts who shared an appreciation for the craft and culture of cocktails.

Alexei's passion for cocktails extended beyond the business itself. He gave a live presentation at Boston's Museum of Science titled The Chemistry of Cocktails, sharing the science behind the craft of mixing drinks. The presentation combined his knowledge of beverages with his interest in explaining the fascinating principles behind them. It was a distinctive example of his enthusiasm for his industry and his willingness to share what he knew with others.

Throughout his career, Alexei embraced new opportunities and built businesses of his own. From his early days as a machine shop owner to his work in the beverage industry, he demonstrated a willingness to take risks, work hard, and pursue his ambitions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alexei had a genuine love of cooking and took great pleasure in sharing meals with others. He had a flair for presentation, introducing every meal as though he were a chef at a fine restaurant, complete with an exquisite description of the food. He could turn an ordinary meal into an occasion, making the experience as memorable as the food itself.

Alexei also loved his garden and had a true green thumb. He took pride in tending his plants and watching them grow, finding satisfaction in nurturing something from the ground up. His appreciation for good food extended beyond his own kitchen. One summer in Maine, he represented New England in the New England Dairy Cook-Off, earning second place—a memorable accomplishment that reflected his love of cooking and connection to New England's culinary traditions.

In recent years, Alexei spent time in Fort Myers, Florida, as he prepared for retirement and planned to make Florida his full-time home. After years of hard work and building his businesses, he was looking forward to a new chapter of life and a different pace.

Alexei is survived by his longtime partner, Mary Ann Zopatti-Patterson; his mother, Karen Beratis; his father, Harry Beratis, and his wife, Patricia Beratis; his sisters, Daria Saremi and her husband, Amid Saremi, and Traci Cappellini; his brothers, Greg Beratis and Todd Beratis, and Todd's wife, Sandra Beratis; and his beloved nephews and niece, Nicholas, Bijan, Kyle, Sean, Michael, and Julianna.

Alexei will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his strong work ethic, and his ability to pursue life on his own terms. He built businesses, developed a career in an industry he enjoyed, cultivated a garden, and delighted in preparing meals that were as carefully presented as they were prepared. Whether working on a business venture, explaining the chemistry behind a cocktail, tending his garden, or describing a meal like a master chef, Alexei brought his own distinctive character to the things he loved.

As he prepared to begin his retirement in Florida, Alexei looked forward to enjoying the next chapter of the life he had worked so hard to build. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurial ambition, and a love for the pleasures of good food, good company, and the pursuits that made life uniquely his own.

A private ceremony for family will be held to honor Alexei's life.