John Aloysius Berry Jr.

John Aloysius Berry, Jr. passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 69. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, cherished friend, aviator, patriotic American, lover of God, historian, and a man of kindness and integrity, as well as the best-dressed captain and civilian. His warmth, humor, abundance of stories, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A man of unwavering passion and dedication, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, a journey that began when he first set his sights on the sky at just five years old. By the age of 14, he had already taken flight. John lived in the Washington, D.C. area, flying senators, congressmen, and political leaders to their destinations in all types of weather. He worked his way up from small aircraft to the largest wide-body planes. He consistently sought better training, new opportunities, and different aircraft to master. His aviation ambition soared as high as his planes. This passion led to a distinguished 33-year career as a captain with American Airlines, during which he traveled to incredible destinations like Japan, South America, Frankfurt, London, Ireland, and many more distant corners of the world.

His skill, professionalism, and passion for flying left a lasting impression on both his colleagues and passengers. For him, the sky was not merely a workplace but a calling he embraced with grace and excellence.

A true patriot, John Aloysius Berry, Jr. possessed a deep understanding of history, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. He held the founding principles of this country in high regard and could articulate remarkable insights about the past, bringing historical events to life with his wisdom and perspective. His passion for history was only rivaled by his love for his country, which he carried with him throughout his life.

Outside the cockpit, he was a man of many passions. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who never missed a game, a lover of sports cars, and a musician at heart, playing the drums while enjoying the timeless melodies of Frank Sinatra and George Gershwin. His zest for life, sense of adventure, and endless curiosity made him an extraordinary individual, impacting the lives of everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn Leavitt-Berry, of Tampa, FL; son John A. (Jack) Berry III, of Odessa, FL; daughter Keller E. Berry, of Tampa, FL; brothers Brian Berry, of Austin, TX, and Bob Berry, of Broomfield, CO; Aunt Teresa Hupp, of Chicago, IL; Aunt Nancy Donahoe, of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; nephew William Berry; niece Rebecca Berry; and countless cousins nationwide. He was predeceased by his parents, John A. Berry, Sr., and Margaret R. Berry, and his sister Eileen P. Berry of Tampa, FL.

We will forever treasure his wisdom, humor, and love. He also leaves behind tens of thousands of passengers he flew to weddings, reunions, birthdays, holidays, funerals, celebrations, and new jobs, getting them there safely and never tiring of nailing a great landing.

A visitation will be held on February 20, 2025, at 3:30 pm and a celebration of his life will be held at 4:44 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, Florida.

Captain Berry, your journey continues in the heavenly great beyond. Blue skies and tailwinds forever.