Jan 5, 2018

Kevin R. J. Newberry, USN – Retired, 72, of Claysville, died Wednesday, December 27, 2017, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born April 22, 1945, in Malone, N.Y., a son of the late Robert and Katherine Rice Newberry.

Master Chief Newberry retired from the U.S. Navy February 28, 1991, after a distinguished 30-year career. He served in a variety of positions ashore and afloat, however, his final and most rewarding assignment was as command master chief of U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Northwest, Chesapeake, Va. He earned many accolades for superlative performance, including three Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, six Navy Good Conduct awards, two Overseas Service Ribbons and numerous unit and campaign awards.

He enjoyed writing, collecting antique bottles, fishing and metal detecting. He was a huge history buff and HAM radio enthusiast, operating on the YLISSB system. He played guitar and enjoyed singing and dancing, especially square dancing. A devoted blood donor, he won awards from Red Cross for his many blood donations. A people person, he enjoyed being with family and friends. He never knew a stranger and was a friend to all.

On November 31, 2001, he married Sally M. Murray, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Jacqueline R. Watkins (Richard), Penny Lynn Malli (Christopher) and Roberta Ann Cooper (Colon); an adopted daughter, Veronique Preston; three stepchildren, Lisa, Tom and Erick; a sister, Jo-Anna “Jodi” Furnia (John); two half sisters, Donna Adams and Beverly Newberry; five grandchildren; a stepgranddaughter; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a daughter, Paula Newberry, and his first wife, Paulette Kay Newberry.

A memorial service and internment will be held at a later date in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, due to weather conditions. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society at www.cancer.gov/about-nci/overview/contributing.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.