John’s passion for aviation began early and never left him. A sixth-grade book report on becoming a pilot marked the start of a lifelong dedication to flying. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and deep understanding of aircraft and weather, Captain Weber built a remarkable aviation career spanning decades. Over the course of more than 38,000 flight hours, he safely guided countless passengers through the skies with skill, steadiness and professionalism.
John began his career as a flight instructor in Lincoln Park, N.J., before spending 12 years flying for regional airlines, including East Hampton Air and Business Express, which brought him to Vermont. He later flew one of TWA’ s final routes before continuing with Northwest Airlines and ultimately Delta Air Lines, where he spent the final 28 years of his career.
Above all else, John was devoted to his family. He shared 36 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Holly, and together they raised their daughters, Emily and Sydney, in a home filled with warmth, generosity and constant activity. John loved sharing the things that brought him joy, especially boating, rowing, cars and traveling with his daughters. Their home became a gathering place for Halloween hayrides, birthday parties, potluck dinners and lifelong friendships.
For the past eight years, John lived with terminal prostate cancer. During periods when treatment grounded him from flying, he found renewed purpose through the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, where he poured his energy into serving others and eventually became president of the board. He also served with the Shelburne Fire Department beginning in 1993 and became a lifetime member. Whether in the air or on the ground, John was someone people trusted in difficult moments. John also quietly gave his time wherever it was needed. Through the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, he hauled pilot gigs through difficult winter conditions so local rowing teams could travel to compete in Boston. Before sunrise on snowy mornings, neighbors could count on seeing him out on his tractor clearing roads and driveways so others could start their day safely. John was disappointed to miss his ceremonial final landing into JFK, which would have marked the close of his aviation career. His family takes comfort in imagining him on one final approach, cleared for a visual landing onto Runway 13 Left, welcomed home by the fire trucks he loved and the skies that defined so much of his life.
John will be remembered for his humility, kindness, steady presence and unwavering dedication to others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through every safe landing, every emergency answered, every neighbor helped and every moment shared with those he loved
Captain John W. Weber III passed away at home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, surrounded by his family and an immense amount of love. The significance of the day felt fitting for a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving others. He is survived by his wife, Holly; his daughters, Emily and Sydney; Emily’s fiancé, Sam Catalano; Sydney’s partner, Hunter Baker; and his vast circle of friends in the emergency response community and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, an organization that became deeply meaningful to John throughout the later years of his life.
Celebration of Life: June 5, 2026, 3 to 6 p.m., at the Old Lantern, 3260 Greenbush Rd., Charlotte, VT.