John
Walter
Berry
Sr.
John Walter Berry Sr., 92, of Fayetteville, died peacefully at Francis House on March 18, 2023. Born in Utica, N.Y. on June 13, 1930 to Horace Berry and Edith T. (Lout) Berry, John graduated from Whitesboro Central School in 1946 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Potsdam State Teachers College, studied music at the University of Michigan, and earned a master’s degree in Educational Media (technology) from North Carolina College in 1969. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Japan during the Korean War.
John married Paula Ann Mills in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Nov. 28, 1955, and they settled in Central New York, where they raised five children. John had a long and devoted career as a music teacher, first at Onondaga Central Schools with grades 4 to 12, then at Syracuse City Schools (Vocational High and Prescott Elementary), spending the rest of his career with the East Syracuse-Minoa School District until retiring in 1996. He served on the board of directors of the Syracuse Power Squadron, and either on the board or as president of the ESM Federal Credit Union since 1959. He was honored for 60 years of service by the New York Credit Union Association. John was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville since 1971, where he volunteered in religious education.
After college John was offered a chair in the New York Philharmonic playing clarinet. He declined the position in order to serve in the Marines as an officer. After retiring from teaching, he became accomplished on both the saxophone and bass clarinet. John played locally with the Rhythm-Airs as well as the Skaneateles and Lafayette community bands and the Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra well into his 80’s. He was music director for local productions of “Gypsy,” “Oliver,” “Funny Girl,” “Candide,” and “Applause.” An erudite scholar, John took up the ukulele a few years ago and kept up to date with the latest technology.
He loved spending time with family and friends, playing golf at Wanoa Golf Course, and sailing out of Clayton, N.Y. Truly a gentleman, John will be remembered for his patience, kindness, and always being present to help and support others, especially his family. Besides teaching hundreds of students over the years, he taught his own children how to sail and read nautical charts, to frame a house, and to bake bread. He taught them to always go for their dreams, live life to its fullest, and to be honest, principled, and giving. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.
John was predeceased by his wife, Paula; his son, John W. Berry Jr.; and his sister, Margaret Dulan. He leaves behind his children, Jennifer Berry, Christopher Berry, Timothy Berry, and Elizabeth Berry Davis; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Iva and many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 23 at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St, Fayetteville.
The service will be livestreamed at https://icfayetteville.org/funerals/
Instead of flowers, the family prefers donations to Frances House, 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse 13208.