John Paul Berry

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John "Jay" Berry.

John “Jay” Berry passed away Sunday night, June 4th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.   Jay was a devoted husband, caring dad and proud “Papa”.  He was 66 years old.  

Jay was born in Harrisburg, PA on October 13, 1956, to the late John and Betty Berry.  Jay attended Trinity High School in Camp Hill, PA, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburg at Johnstown.  Then, he returned to academia, getting an MBA from Governers’ State University.

Jay accepted a job as a Safety Engineer at Inland Steel in East Chicago, IN.  At a new hire baseball game, he met the Gal that would steal his heart, Deborah Maravilla.  They enjoyed a 40-year marriage. Jay is survived by his wife Deborah, son Matthew, and daughter Ashley (AJ) Moser and 2 grandchildren Hudson (2yrs) and Kinsley (6mons).  

In April 1992, Jay moved the family to Davie, FL. He began a 27-year career with Coulter Corp/Beckman Coulter as a Safety Manager.  Jay was an extremely personable, meticulous, hardworking, and principled employee.  He retired in January 2019.

A sports lover until the end, Jay enjoyed volunteering as a CYO basketball referee and coach. When Matt and Ashley were old enough, Jay began coaching them in numerous sports including flag football, baseball, and basketball.  He believed that sports encouraged life lessons such as effort, teamwork, sportsmanship, and built self-confidence.   

If you knew Jay, he was a lifelong, hard core Green Bay Packer, New York Yankee, and Philadelphia 76ers fan even though he was from Camp Hill, PA.  He fulfilled an item from his bucket list, attending several Packer games at Lambeau Field.  

Jay and Deb enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states.  They explored many National Parks and began a list of going to different MLB fields to watch baseball. Unfortunately, their vacations were cut short due to Jay’s illness.

Jay will always be remembered as someone you could easily talk to, had stories that would definitely make you laugh, and a man who fiercely loved his family.  He believed family came first and proved that every day of his life.

You are invited to join us as we celebrate Jay’s wonderful life on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at T.M. Ralph 371 NW 136th Ave.  Sunrise, FL. On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 1301 SW 136th Ave., Davie, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Jay’s honor, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.