Obituary of John R. Berry

John R. Berry, 64 of Chaumont passed away at his home Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025.   He was born March 20, 1960 in Watertown, NY to the late Leonard H. and Nancy J. (Murray) Berry.  He attended Union Academy Belleville graduating in 1978.  John worked on his family’s farm, The Berry Homestead, for several years.  He also was employed at Gibbs and Edwards, delivered mail with the US Postal Service, was a manager with 2 local marinas and also ran his own nationwide transport business.  He recently retired as an Engineer Equipment Operator on Fort Drum, Watertown, NY. John lived much of his life in Adams until moving to Cape Vincent in 1999 and then on to Three Mile Bay.  He had recently settled into his final home on Witt Road in Chaumont.  One of John’s greatest pleasures was to be on and around water.  He enjoyed boating to no end and was never far from the water.  John loved landscaping and gardening.  He was very passionate about animals doing anything in his power to help any animal he could.  John’s cats Buddy and Little Girl, both of which perished with him, were dearly loved.  Lastly, John was a consummate ‘horse trader’ always in search of “a deal” and wheeling and dealing till he got the best price.   John is survived by his daughter Amy Hatch (Bobby), Mannsville, NY; his only grandson Cole Hatch; and his sister Kathy Como (Perry), FL.   Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY where calling hours will be held on Saturday March 22 from 1:00-3:00 pm, followed by his memorial service at 3:00 pm with Rev. Melody Rudd officiating. Burial will be private at a later time. Following John’s memorial service there will be a gathering at Mannsville Manor Fire Department where memories and stories of the many escapades with John may be shared.   At this time the family would like to express their deepest appreciation to all of those who were there Tuesday.  Not only did you put your lives on the line to help John, your thoughtfulness, kindness and consideration of our emotions was exemplary.  All of the fire departments that responded to the house; The Town of Brownville Fire Dept., Glen Park Fire Dept., Three Mile Bay Fire Dept., Town of Clayton Fire Dept., North Pole Fire Dept., Chaumont Fire Dept., Town of Watertown Fire Dept. all worked with skill and expertise to get the difficult fire out.  Additional thanks go to Guilfoyle Ambulance, NYS Police, NYS Fire, Jefferson County OEM. and the Glen Park and Pillar Point Ladies Auxiliaries.  Thank you again for everything.   In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the above organizations or to Jefferson County SPCA, 25056 Water Street, Watertown, NY 13601.   Condolences and memories may be shared at www.piddockfuneralhome.com