John Richard Fry

John Richard Fry, born June 29, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, died peacefully on February 15, 2020, in Chandler, Arizona after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Graveside service will be held on February 28, 10:00-10:30 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ. Immediately following, a celebration of life gathering will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ.

Shortly after graduating from high school, John enlisted in the US Navy and began his military career as a Radarman. He was aboard the USS Hartley that served as part of the blockade of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and he also served in Vietnam aboard the USS Fred T. Berry. Other ships he served on included USS Glover, USS Edward McDonnell, USS Vesole, and USS Joseph Hewes. John ended his career as a Company Commander in Great Lakes, Illinois. After 21 years of serving his country, he retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer and moved his family out West, wanting to be closer to the areas he learned about from his favorite Louis Lamour books and John Wayne movies. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Mesa State College, and focused on the next phase of his life in Accounting as a CPA, eventually owning his own business before retiring in 2014. John enjoyed working with model trains and reading his many history books (and Harry Potter too!), but his greatest joy came from spending time with his amazing grandchildren. He was exceedingly proud of them all!

John is survived by his wife Lyn of 52 years, daughters Julie (Jason) Magro, Stacey (Chris) McDonald, Melissa Fry, sister Nancy (Richard) Lulfs, brother Tim (Pam) Fry, and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lillian Fry, and his brother Norm Fry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), an organization dedicated to fight this disease through the advancement of research; or Hilarity for Charity (wearehfc.org), an organization dedicated raising awareness, inspiring change, and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care, research, and support.