Richard "Dick" Martin Newberry

While attending College at Ohio Wesleyan University, a fateful encounter with ROTC changed his life. The ROTC were offering flight rides and Dick accepted. By the time the flight had landed, Dick’s life was forever changed. He knew from that moment that he wanted to become an Aviator. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was accepted into Flight Training School at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta Georgia in 1966.

In 1967, First Lieutenant Richard M. Newberry was sent to Vietnam for combat duty. During this tour of duty, he was assigned the “Red River Valley of North Vietnam”. A geographical area that was the strong hold and most heavily defended by the North Vietnamese Military. Flying F-4 Phantoms in the Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, he and his fellow pilots through their numerous offensive assaults, rendered the defenses of the “Red River Valley of North Vietnam” useless. These missions were the cause of his and other contributing units to be known as the Red River Valley Pilot’s Association AKA “River Rats”. An association made up solely of those who have flown into combat over the valley itself.

Over the term of his military career, he spent 3 years in Vietnam and flew over 400 combat missions. He was known as an expert pilot and for his aerial acrobatics. Flying the F-4 jet was the greatest joy of his life. He was known to his squadron as “Tweeter” and the “Night Owl”.

During his Vietnam years of service, he earned:

Republic of Vietnam campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award (2), Vietnam Service Medal (2 campaign stars), National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Commendation Medal, (2) Air Medal (w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters) and Distinguished Flying Cross (w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters).

After leaving Vietnam in 1972, Dick was stationed at Lakenheath Air Force Base in England. Once leaving the military he made a request to open a pizza parlor on the military base. He loved being able to bring a piece of America to the Air Base through the daily baking of pizza. Military personal would enjoy playing pool, having a beer and pizza with military friends and family for many years to come. This idea was born of the many profound memories of sharing a drink with his fellow fighter pilots in Vietnam never knowing if each night would be their last. “The Great Little Pizza Place” as it became known was also the rehearsal space for a band that became famously known as the band “America”.

Dick enjoyed living a quite life in the Village of Barton Mills, England. During these years he met his future wife and daughter, Julie Federico and Danielle. They became a family and enjoyed living in the English country. He loved the serenity of the countryside and enjoyed playing golf.

In 1976, the family relocated to San Jose, CA where Dick earned his Real Estate Brokers License. He enjoyed several years selling Real Estate in the Silicon Valley and in Rancho Tehama Reserve in Northern California.

In 1980, the family relocated to the Tacoma/Puyallup area of Washington State where Dick and his wife Julie opened a Real Estate Company. Their business expertise included Real Estate Sales, Property Management and Development.

The desire to fly was never far away and in 1987 Dick became recertified as an aviator and thus began his second career flying for multiple airlines. He was selected to fly the first American plane into Hanoi Airport since the Vietnam war ended on a humanitarian mission.

He made his largest contribution while employed with Emory Worldwide Airlines. He was one of their fleet pilots and flew routes all over the world for many years. In addition, he was as an instructor pilot and became the director of training. He wrote many flight instructional manuals and found great enjoyment in sharing his love for flying. Being able to contribute this way was his aviation legacy. He was known to say that “Flying was the most fun you could have with your clothes on”.

He enjoyed working at Emory and made many friendships that lasted throughout the remainder of his life.

While residing in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area in Florida, Dick enjoyed the beaches, trips to Disney World, family dinners, playing with the family dogs Toby-Two & Misty and attending various events.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Pybis-Newberry, daughters, Danielle Federico and Claire Voyant and brother, Dan Newberry.

Dick always had a smile on his face and was happiest when he could help others. He was a kind and giving person who was respected and loved by those who knew him. He leaves big shoes that cannot be filled. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by his family.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.