After a long and beautiful life spanning nearly a century, Jack passed away peacefully with loving family by his side. Jack was born in Utica, New York, on June 19, 1920. He attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Utica Free Academy. Determined to go to college, Jack worked in a number of jobs, saved five hundred dollars, and began at Clarkson University. However, duty called and he became a strong and handsome soldier joining the US Navy followed by the U.S. Army Air Corps, 15th Army Division, 454 Bombardment Group. Having served as a waist gunner aboard a B24 Bomber during World War II, Jack's pride for his country and loved ones resonated through his entire life. He told stories delivering the Catholic Sun as a child, shoveling snow to help feed his family during the Depression, and serving his country overseas. Jack was one of three children born to the late Frances(Milostan) and Francis Berry and was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Mercier for over 50 years. Jack will forever be remembered by his devoted brother Matthew. He is predeceased by his sister Gloria Nagle of Cape Cod. Daughter Susan Berry-Mancini (Baldwinsville, NY),his late son-in-law Peter Mancini, son Brian Berry, and daughter-in-law Margaret (Melchiore) Berry (Sauquoit, NY) were blessed to be in Jack's life, as well as his treasured grandchildren Elizabeth, Nicholas, Robyn, Kathleen, Marissa, and Kassie. Jack also leaves caring nieces and nephews Pam Van Dyke (Cape Cod), Michael Nagle (New Hampshire), and James Nagle (Massachusetts), along with countless other friends. He is predeceased by long-time companion Helen Lathers who is now with him peacefully in Heaven. A true family man and a child of his time, Jack made friends wherever he went and showed sincere interest in every single person he came across. His true gift to those around him was a brilliant and open spirit, whether he was teaching the Berry float to his grandchildren on Herring Cove in Cape Cod, ushering the congregation of St. John's Church in Utica to their seats, listening to beautiful music, or dancing the night away at the American Legion Post 1376. Jack touched the lives of many people with his smile, curiosity, and strong will. He maintained his trademark sense of humor to his last breath. With a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for adventure, Jack found joy in every day. His constant loyalty and patriotism formed the definition of a great man who lived his life to the absolute fullest. Mr. Berry's funeral will be held on Monday March 12, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Rd., N. Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Clinton. Calling hours for family and friends are Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Children's Miracle Network at St. Luke's Hospital, New Hartford, New York in John's memory.