John "Jack" Joseph Cherry

JOHN J. CHERRY
John (Jack) Cherry, 73, of Oakwood (Crafton) passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 13, 2021, surrounded by family. John was born on January 11, 1948, in Pittsburgh, PA, the fifth of child of the late Isidor T. and Mercedes D. Cherry. John graduated from St. Philip grade school, Bishop Canevin high school and Duquesne University. He completed the graduate work for a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. John served as an Army medic during the Vietnam conflict then worked as a surgical technician at St. Francis Hospital. He was a special education teacher and administrator for 31 years in the Pittsburgh Public Schools prior to his retirement. He was a lector for almost 40 years at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Crafton,
Pa. In retirement John volunteered for the West End food pantry and Crafton/McKees Rocks Meals on Wheels. John was preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanor Gaitens and Mercedes Scuglia and his beloved partner of 37 years, Ronald Gratz with whom he traveled the world, visiting five continents. He is survived by his brothers Thomas (Mary Sue) of St. Augustine, FL, Donald and Richard of NYC, sisters, Margaret Starosielec of Orchard Park, NY and Eileen (Michael) O'Brien of Clearwater, FL. and by 11 nephews and nieces and 20 grand-nephews and nieces. Jack will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Friends will be received Friday, October 29, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM  at SCHEPNER-McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 165 Noble Ave., Crafton, Pa, 15205.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Ascension Church of St. Philip Parish, 114 Berry St., Pittsburgh, PA. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels at www. mealsonwheelsamerica.org.