John William Westberg

August 31, 1930 - July 26, 2025

Age: 94

Resident of Bowie, Maryland

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" - Philippians 2:3-4

Major John William Westberg, USAF, Retired, passed away peacefully in Annapolis, Maryland, on July 26th, at the age of 94. Born on August 31, 1930, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, John lived a life defined by service, intellect, kindness, and dedication to family and country.

He was the beloved son of Jeanette Eleanor Liden and was adopted and raised by Harold Elmer Westberg, while also honoring the legacy of his biological father, Clarence Oscar Flood. After graduating from Rockford East High School in 1948, John held a series of local jobs before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951.

Over a 24-year military career, John rose from Airman Basic to the rank of Major, earning his commission as a pilot in 1953. He served around the globe—including Korea, Vietnam, Africa, and South America—in roles ranging from bomber and transport pilot to Forward Air Controller and Tactical Air Liaison Officer. A Command Pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours, he flew over a dozen military aircraft including the B-25 Mitchell, KC-97 Stratofreighter, C-47 Skytrain, and C-54 Skymaster. He held diverse positions as a nuclear weapons instructor, air operations officer, and electronics engineer for the Air Force Security Service.

After retiring from active duty in 1975, John began a second career supporting NASA as an electronics engineer and contractor at Goddard Space Flight Center. Over the next four decades, he contributed to pioneering space missions including Pioneer Venus, Galileo, Cassini, and Huygens. In 2013, he was honored with the SESDA III Unsung Hero Peer Award for his tireless behind-the-scenes support and humble leadership. His career in public service spanned more than 70 years.

John was also a lifelong learner, earning two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in Technology Management, along with several graduate certificates in engineering and computer systems. He valued fitness and friendship, often seen swimming at the local pool with his best friend, Mr. Lee. As Mr. Lee once said, “John fixes everything… I’m always happy to see him.” John was just as quick to return the sentiment: “Everybody loves Lee. He is the social center of our aquatics gathering every morning.”

In his final years, he spent his time visiting family; caring faithfully for his wife, Sybil, who survives him at 97; and working on a long-running retirement project: building a single-manual harpsichord, modeled on a 1640s Ruckers instrument. The project was inspired in part by his granddaughter’s graduate studies in historical keyboard performance. Though left unfinished at the time of his death, his family has taken up the project in his honor, with plans to finish the instrument in the years to come, enlisting his great-granddaughter and other grandchildren as assistant woodworkers.

John’s warmth, humor, and humility touched everyone who knew him. He listened intently, offered help freely, and always made those around him feel appreciated. He credited the Air Force’s 5BX daily exercise program for his vitality and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 1984. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, jogging, martial arts, skiing in the Atlas Mountains, and most of all, time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Sybil Westberg; his daughter Susan (John) Barham; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: John-Thomas (Nissa) Ellinwood, Sam (Jodi) Barham, Sarah (Mark) Young, Emma Ellinwood, Elise Ellinwood, Max Ellinwood, and Elizabeth Barham.

John Westberg lived a life of purpose, generosity, and quiet strength. His legacy of service, humility, and love will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A viewing will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church, 7210 Race Track Road, Bowie, MD, followed by a celebration of life at 2:30 PM. Interment with military honors will take place at 4:30 PM at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD.