John J. Ferry Jr., M/SGT-USAF-Retired-Vietnam War Veterans service will be 4:00 PM, Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Veterans Funeral Home, 830 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33768 with Father Bob Swick and the United States Air Force Honor Guard, to officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:30 PM until his service time. A reception will follow in the Veterans Funeral Care officers Club.
During M/SGT Ferry service in the United States Air Force, he was a Superintendent of Auto Flight Control and Avionics, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/ 5 Devices; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Army Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Longevity Ribbon with 4 devices; National Service Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ device and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w / 4 devices; Instrument Repairman Couse; NCO Prep School; Avionics Instrument Systems Technician; Avionics Instrument Technician; Management for Air Force Supervisors. He served in Vietnam, Thailand and retired from Castle AFB, California in 1980.
John Joseph Ferry Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York to John and Vera Ferry on March 23, 1942 and died at home in Largo, Florida on June 4, 2022. He married Sharon Angel Weber on June 24, 1965. John was a devoted husband, loving father of two children, grandfather of three grandchildren, and a supportive older brother.
After finishing high school in West Islip, New York, John enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960. During his 20 years of service, he was stationed with his family in Nebraska, North Dakota, North Carolina, England, and California. He retired in 1980.
After his retirement from military service, he moved his family to Largo, Florida. John worked at Aerosonic Corporation and Johnson Controls until he retired in 2007.
John was involved in youth sports in the Tampa Bay area for over 40 years. While John was “small in stature, he was a giant on the playing field.” On the baseball diamond, he was the Chief Umpire for District 12 for 10 years and umpired all age groups from Little League through college. The pinnacles of his umpiring career were being selected for
the Senior League World Series and being the plate umpire at Tropicana Field for the Hillsborough County vs. Pinellas County High School All Star Game.
John was also heavily involved in the local youth soccer scene as both a referee and coach. While he refereed all age groups from U6 through college, his biggest joy was coaching special needs teams and a girls’ team that he coached from U6 until they graduated from high school. He’s a member of the Clearwater Chargers hall of fame.
John is survived by his loving family: his wife, Sharon Ferry of Largo, Florida; a son, John J. Ferry III and his wife, Ann Marie of Naples, Florida; a daughter, Kimberly Ferry of Oldsmar, Florida; a brother, Kenneth Ferry and his wife, Christina of East Islip, New York; a sister, Carol Mirabella and her husband, Bill of North Port, New York and three grandchildren: Ocean, Alyssa and her husband, Colin Lewis, and AJ. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation in the memory of John J. Ferry Jr.
Our deepest condolences from the Chargers SC. John was a dedicated coach in the club for years and had a true heart for kids! His passion for helping others & showing love for kids bonded him to many kids & truly encouraged them to success. Thank you John for your yrs of service! We will miss you!
Steve Kimbrell, President Chargers SC
John, was a good man and a great referee that gave his all to the soccer community. He replaced me as President of the Pinellas Soccer Officials. John was widely respected by his peers and was considered one of the best.
God Bless you John, and may you rest in peace in the arms of our savior. My condolences to all of the Ferry family.
Rick Masi
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Ferry and the Ferry Family.
Mr. Ferry was a true role model in my life. His bright personality and loving nature were calming and comforting. Our conversations were always fun and helpful to my mental well-being. I believe he was a hero in so many ways. He will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you taught me in my life.