David Leroy Petry

David Leroy Petry, 72, of Uhrichsville, Ohio, near Tuscarawas, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, following a long period of declining health. Born March 8, 1949 in Dennison, Ohio, he was a son of the late Roy L. Petry and Lois V. (Welch) Petry Zimmerman.

On September 19, 1970, Dave married the love of his life – the former Carolyn Shelton – who survives him at their home, which they designed together and Dave built from the ground up in 1976. Dave is also survived by their son, Thomas Rhett Petry of Fair Play, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Jacqualyn Rose Petry and Jadyn Rhett Petry; and a brother, Kevin J. Petry of Tippecanoe, Ohio. Also, he is survived by Carolyn’s dearest cousin from Tennessee, Anita F. May, who was living at Dave and Carolyn’s home for an extended period of time and helped extensively with Dave’s care. Dave and Carolyn’s former daughter-in-law, Linda Petry, was always close and helped in many challenges during Dave’s illness of 10 years, as well.

Dave was a lifelong area resident and a member of the last graduating class from Tuscarawas High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and had also served as a reserve deputy for many years with the Tuscarawas Sheriff’s Department.

He enjoyed a 28-year career at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio as an electrical technician in their maintenance department until his health prevented him from working longer. For years after he retired, he was still consulted regularly on the details of the hospital infrastructure. He had an almost photographic memory of his past work and never forgot.

During high school, Dave acquired an interest in Ham Radio, received his license, and talked to people all over the world for several years. After high school, Dave attended and graduated from United Electronics in Akron, Ohio in 1969.

According to Dave’s wishes, cremation was planned without a public visitation and a private memorial service will be held on a future date in which a tree will be planted in his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH  44663.