Richard "Dick" L Cherry

Richard (Dick) L. Cherry, 81, of Johnstown, passed away on June 10, 2024, thankfully after spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 9, 1943 to Byron and Bonita M. (Ivins) Cherry.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Stehouwer, and brother-in-law Chris Pett-Ridge and survived by three sons: Richard Cherry II, Nathan (Mary Beth) Cherry, and Clarence (Alison) Cherry, five grandchildren: Madeline, Abigail, Emily, Mathew, and Bode, and three sisters: Betty Tenhulzen, Jean Pett-Ridge, and Wendy Cherry, their families, and many nieces and nephews. Dick’s legacy will live on through his sons and grandchildren.
Dick grew up in Larchmont, New York and attended Tabor Academy. In his youth he could be found water skiing with his family, including with his younger sister Wendy on his shoulders. He was involved in a variety of activities at Tabor Academy including sailing, lacrosse, crew, and French club. He developed a love for the water. Rowing in the 1st boat his senior year, he broke an oar in half, showing his strength on the water, and kept that oar as a souvenir his whole life. He also sailed from New York to the Caribbean while at Tabor. He was a member of the wrestling and football teams all four years.
In the winter he loved to ski and started his sons off at a young age. He was there when his grandkids learned to ski again at a very young age and always wore his ‘bean bucket’ (helmet). He was always thrilled to hear how much everyone enjoyed the slopes!
Dick also enjoyed biking and always kept a road bike ready – going on to complete the Tour of the Scioto River Valley cycling tour multiple times, riding 210 miles over 2 days.
Dick greatly valued education and sent his kids to Bishop Watterson High School because he believed it to be the best high school in the area. He taught at Columbus public schools for 20 years. He was very proud of his grandchildren and their academic successes as they graduated through high school and college.
He was a kind soul and of strong Catholic faith. He was active in his church and would frequently give the gift of a Bible for weddings or graduation.
His children and grandchildren will continue to think of him every time they are on the water, the slopes, or the bike.

A service to honor Dick's life will be held at 6pm, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Church of the Ascension, 555 S. Main Street, Johnstown, OH 43031. There will be time to gather and share stories following the service, at the church.