John A. King III, a Philadelphia native, and a true New Yorker, passed away on June 15th. 2021 In his home with his loving wife of 40 years by his side. He was 78 years young.

John Andrew King III “Butch”, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on May 29th, 1943, at Women’s Medical College Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.  He was the eldest of four children born to the late Zinzinita Lottie Green King and John Andrew King Jr.  His life reflected his deep commitment to family and community.

John grew up in North Philadelphia where he received his education in the Philadelphia public school system. In his early years he attended Edwin M. Stanton Elementary,  Theodore Roosevelt Middle Schools, and Benjamin Franklin High School.

Even as a youngster, John exhibited strong leadership, skills. As a youngster John was active in the church and was an acolyte.  John also had a life-long love of music and dancing. As a teen in high school, he and his friends used to harmonize in the fire tower in the school building.  He enjoyed dancing so much he and his sister Andy would compete and were said to be the best dancers around.

In 1965 John became a firefighter with the city of Philadelphia. In 1967 John was assigned by United States Selective Service Department to Thule Air Base in Greenland. His assignment was to secure the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.  He was attached to this base as a firefighter.

In 1968 John became a New York City Police Officer.  John worked in various precincts.  Much of the time he worked at the 25th precinct in Spanish Harlem.  He then was assigned to community affairs and then AFS headquarters. In 1988 he was promoted to Detective.  He was assigned to Patrol Borough Manhattan South.

After Johns retirement from the Police force John worked for CBS as a personal security agent and did private security for such notable personalities as Sofia Vergara, Mother Love, Robin Givens, Geraldo Rivera, and Michael Jackson.  Just to name a few.

John is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Olga Iris Sostre-King, Son John A. King IV, son Kyle Andrews, son Kenneth S. Vazquez, Grandson John A. King V, brother Laurence King, Sister Deirdre king and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as close friends.

Reposing Thursday June 24, 2021 from 9-10 am pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 10:30 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Committal private..