John Edward Berta

HAMPTON - John Edward Berta, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004. Born in Yukon, Pa., he had been a Hampton resident since 1977. John started his career as a control tower operator at Midway Tower in Chicago. He retired in 1979 as an FAA Liaison Officer at Langley Air Force Base. He was also a Liaison Officer for the U.S. Navy and NORAD. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and 4th Degree member of the Knights Of Columbus Council 5480. He was an U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret W. Berta; daughters, Joyce Knight and husband, Eric, Janet Berta, Margaret A. Braddy and her husband, Don, and Mary E. Bryant; grandchildren, Geoffrey Hall, Eben T. Knight, Hunter Bryant, Rachel Braddy, Noah Braddy; sisters-in-law, Anne Lombardo and Irene Comsa and her husband, John; brother-in-law, Nick Wirostko. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Immediately following at 6 p.m. a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert E. French. Interment will be 10 a.m. Monday at Parklawn Memorial Park. The family wishes any expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA 23666 or your favorite charity. Arrangements are being provided by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton.