Ricky Lee Cherry
February 24, 1960 ~ July 24, 2021
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Ricky Lee Cherry, 61, of Utica, passed away early in the evening hours of Saturday, July 24, 2021 in his home surrounded by his family.Born February 24, 1960 in Franklin, he was the son of the late Charles C. and Barbara (Kline) Cherry; his mother survives him. He was a graduate of Franklin High School, where, until very recently, he held records in both wrestling and football.Ricky had the pleasure to share over 32 years of his life with his loving wife, the former Kim A. Booth; she survives him.Ricky retired from Polk Center, where he had spent 30 years working in their Dietary Department. He enjoyed his time working with his coworkers and the people there immensely, but his true life's passions were in the hobbies he kept outside of work.A man of the outdoors, Ricky could often be found fishing, hunting, and camping. Many hours were spent working the soil of his gardens or tending to his farm. While he honed his own skills, he also took great pride in sharing those skills with his daughters and grandchildren. He adored his family and the times they got to spend together will always be precious memories.In addition to his mother and wife, Ricky will be forever remembered by his two daughters, Candie Lee Brown of Franklin, and Christie Lynn Proper and her husband, Vincent, of Cooperstown; and by his five grandchildren, Lucas LaVere Proper of Cooperstown, and Tyffany Amber Warner, Neicko Marcus Firster, Damarco William Payne, and Dreyden Phillip Payne, all of Franklin.Ricky was preceded in death by his father; his brother, Audie C. Cherry; and by his grandson, Steven Swartz, Jr.In keeping with Ricky's wishes, there will be no visitation.Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323, was entrusted with funeral arrangements.To send cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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Ricky was one of my closest cousins. I will always remember spending time every Sunday at our grandparents house. So many great memories. RIP my dear, I love you.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc.
Sending my condolences to Kim and the rest of Rickys family. In the 30 years of working with Rick, I never met a harder worker who would help anyone and everyone.. You could tell that Rick was from a farming family, always keeping busy with his job and the family farm….I’d like to share a couple of things that will always make me smile…..myself and another co-worker Clarance would go out after work and help Ricky feed the cows, Ricky drove the tractor while we would toss the hay out of the wagon to the cows, Rick knew I was afraid of the cows and he wouldn’t move until the cows came right up to wagon and I’d have to yell at him to get moving and would laugh at and then we’d go on our way. Rick had a pet Turkey that seemed to always be around when I’d try to get out of my car, I finally had a big stick that I’d lean against the tree I parked by, that way I could get a hold of the stick so I could scare the Turkey if it got too close and Rick would stand by the door with a shit eaten grin as I made my way to the house……he was one of my best friends and I will never forget, he’ll always be in my thoughts
My deepest condolences to the family. I will always remember his great sense of humor as well as that terrible green coat he had that was held together by duck tape. He refused to give it up.
so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Rick for about 7 years at polk . The man was wonderful and always a pleasure to work with. Kim Bartholomew
My sincere condolences to Barbara, Kim and the whole family. I grew up with Rick and we were great friends later in high school and out west in Nevada. Although separated by years and miles I know the bond remains. He was really a good man who enjoyed living! I hate I had to catch up with him like this but, I see he had a great life going for him. Until we meet again, Rest In Peace old friend. Steve Banister
Well. I don’t have many to share except the time I finally caught up with him after my first deployment in Iraq in 2004. Rick (my biological father) was in shock I had caught him 21 years later. However, we talked for a few hours, then I told him I’d call him the following week. I gave him a call the next Wednesday, we talked for a few more hours. I told him I’d call him again next week, things seemed to be going alright and I was starting to build a small father/ son relationship with this man I had known nothing about all my childhood. Well, the third week I called the same number around the same time and would you believe it no answer. I thought it might be something with his phone so I tried the next week, again no answer. At this point in my life I didn’t want or need anything from this man I had provided a good job and life for myself. All I asked for was to talk to Rick, learn about his family, learn about the other half of where I came from. Anyways, I’m sorry we never met, sorry he never got to meet his granddaughter and wish all those listed/ involved the best and offer up my condolences. That is all I really can offer as I knew no one.