Dr. John Andrew Berta V

Dr. John Andrew Berta V, 76, passed away peacefully at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC on June 18, 2026.

John was born in Greenpoint Brooklyn, New York to Czechoslovak immigrants. He was raised with his younger brother in Sunnyside Queens in a multi-generational household. He received a traditional Catholic grade school education and joined the Navy after high school. John served four years in the Navy at NAS Key West where he met his future wife, Bonnie Gayle Rosam. He also served one year in the Army Reserve. John and Bonnie were married June 30, 1973. He attended Florida State University and obtained his Bachelor's and master's degree in history and completed his PhD in East European and Russian Studies at SUNY Binghamton.

John arrived at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina to begin his career in August 1985. He obtained a position as a European Analyst for the 4th Psychological Operations Group and 6th Psychological Operations Battalion. His duties included preparing studies and presentations for various areas of the former Soviet Union focusing on history, military, religious, socioeconomic and psychological aspects of each locale. John liaised with the DIA, CIA, State Department, and Pentagon. He volunteered to assist as an African Analyst, studying Kenya and Somalia. John travelled many places including several European countries, Qatar, Kenya, and Bosnia. He also travelled the United States for leisure.

On top of his extensive career with the government, John also loved teaching. He was employed as an adjunct professor at Methodist University, Fayetteville State University, and Campbell University teaching various history courses for approximately 30 years.

John was a dedicated family man and friend. He helped friends, neighbors, and family with various tasks. He always made time for Bonnie and his children, prioritizing their happiness and well-being. John also had many "adopted children" he cared for and loved. His children's friends became part of his family.

After retirement and his wife's passing, John chose to move to Mt. Airy, North Carolina. This allowed him to spend more time with his precious grandsons and enjoy a beautiful mountain setting.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie, his parents, John IV and Veronica Berta, his brother Michael Berta, and his uncle and aunt, John and Helen Stefanko. John is survived by his son, John Anthony Berta VI and wife Ashly Amanda (Jackson) of Mt. Airy, NC; and his daughter, Jillian (Berta) and husband Bill Clemons of Independence, KY; grandsons John Michael Berta VII and Riley Jackson Berta I; sister-in-law, Cindy Berta; nieces, Alicia Wlodynski and Brittany Berta; and dearest companion, Patricia Snow of Mt. Airy, NC.