John Andrew Fry

In Loving Memory of John Andrew Fry, Jr.
John Andrew Fry, Jr., 79, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on March 30th, 2025. Born in Huntington, WV on October 9th, 1945, to the late Andy and Lois Fry, John lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Deborah Fry.
John's journey began in Pataskala, where he attended Watkins Memorial High School and formed many lifelong friendships. After high school, he played football at Scottsbluff College in Nebraska before returning home to work as a bricklayer, following in his father's footsteps. His career led him to meet Jim Shackelford, with whom he helped start Allen Refractories Company in 1969. John was the company's first and longest-serving employee, taking immense pride in his work.
John loved sports and helping others, so coaching was a natural fit. He was a dedicated youth coach, starting with his oldest son's football team and continuing through various youth sports programs. His commitment extended to St. Pius X, where he also served as athletic director, and Fisher Catholic, where he coached JV Basketball. He loved his grandchildren with every fiber of his being, and they adored him. Although he was a lifelong Buckeye fan, his favorite teams where really the Canal Winchester Indians, Pickerington Tigers, Cleveland St. Vikings, Ohio Dominican Panthers or any team his grandkids played on. He was quick to share a recent picture or a sports stat on a life update. He was so extremely proud of these kids and they were proud to call him Papa.
A man of strong faith, John became a Catholic when he married Debbie and was a founding member of Seton Parish in Pickerington. He served as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Michael council in Garden City, SC, where he passionately supported programs like "Help 4 Kids/Back-Pack Buddies," providing meals to children in need.
In addition to his wife, John is also survived by his children Brad (Wendy) of Jackson, Eric (Maggie) of Pickerington, Mychal (Rochelle) of Canal Winchester, and Lisa Fry of Newark; his five grandchildren Blake (Lauren), Mason, Charlotte, Emma and Nora; and his great-granddaughter, Evelyn. He is also survived by his sisters Sherry (Mark) Kovach and Bobbi (Gary) Lott, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends who were truly family.
John will be remembered as a loyal friend, a mentor, a proud grandfather, a devoted husband, a passionate professional, and a dedicated father. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Please join the family in celebrating John's life and legacy visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on April 3rd 2025 at Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home in Canal Winchester. A funeral mass will be held on April 4th 2025 at Seton Parish at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Knights of Columbus (kofc.org) in John's memory.