Frank Gilbert Cherry

Frank Gilbert Cherry, 73, of Cantonment, FL passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was born in Pensacola, FL to Phillip Rexford Cherry and Madeline A. (Dutre) Cherry on December 29, 1943. He attended Catholic schools in Pensacola and served in the U.S. Navy. He humbly accepted many awards and recognitions, nationally and locally, for his dedication to helping people. At NADEP in Pensacola, FL he began an employment program for the developmentally disabled, attended the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Washington, D.C., moving on to be the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of NW Florida (now CIL Disability Resource Center) for 23 years. In addition to his many accomplishments, he was recently appointed to the Florida Independent Living Council to which he wanted to take his ideas for furthering the welfare of people with disabilities. And for 30 years he was the caller and instructor for the Pensacola Special Steppers, a group of proud square dancers with developmental disabilities. He participated in many functions of ARC Gateway for 52 years. He was a member of the Men of St. Joseph, 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a Special Minister of Holy Communion at St. Anne Catholic Church, Bellview, FL. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Lynn Cherry. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Nancy M. (Schuldt) Cherry; children, Janet M. Cherry, David B. Cherry and Jason P. Cherry; two brothers, Dennis A. Cherry (Sandra) of Fairfax, VA and Donald A. Aguiar (Marybelle) of Livermore, CA, numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, he kindly requested memorials to ARC Gateway for Group Homes, 3932 N. 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504 and to St. Anne Catholic Church, 5200 Saufley Field Rd, Pensacola, FL 32526, earmarked Building Fund. Visitation will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church Monday, July 24, 2017 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 a.m. Concelebrants will be Reverend Fr. George Sammut and Reverend Fr. John Licari. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online to www.fcfhs.com

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Frank Gilbert Cherry

December 29, 1943 - July 19, 2017