John Richard Athy

Athy, John Richard, 65, of Columbus, died November 29, surrounded by his beloved family after a sudden cardiovascular event. 

 Born in Springfield, Ohio, to Susan Humphrey (Rollison) Athy and Richard John Athy, John Richard (AKA Rich or Richie) was kind, gentle and whip smart. His father taught him to spell pterodactyl as a toddler, and thus began Rich’s lifelong affinity for the acquisition and recall of essential knowledge.

 Preceded in death by his father, he will be forever missed by his family, including mother Susan; sister Deborah Athy (Stephen) Guinan; sister Lisa Susan Athy; and brother Jaymes Anthony Athy. His extended family includes nieces Mary Catherine (Moorhead) Winton; Audrey Leigh (Moorhead) King; Anna Athy Moorhead; Claire Athy Guinan; nephews Eliot Joseph Guinan and Aidan Jaymes Athy; uncle Brian Stephen Athy, aunt Carol (Athy) Hawes, step mother Margie Athy, and many cherished cousins.

Rich graduated from Springfield North High School, where he earned recognition as a top Latin scholar, though he refused to join Latin Club, much to his teacher’s consternation. He also excelled at math and physics, and was frequently called upon to tutor friends and family. 

 He began his academic career at Clark State College in Springfield and then attended The Ohio State University, majoring in math, playing lead guitar in the underground alt-rock band The Bread Group, and mastering darts and video game Donkey Kong. Rich worked for 25+ years in the fire alarm and security industry, earning multiple credentials and certificates. Most recently, he retired as a bus driver with the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.

 Never married, Rich was a frequent groomsman and served as best man three times. Rich made friends, old and new, wherever he went, usually donning his trademark Chuck Taylors – from Springfield and Ohio State to workplaces and (back in the day) favorite watering holes the Red Door Tavern in Grandview and legendary Olentangy Village Tavern. 

A former ping pong and yo-yo champion, Rich loved the Buckeyes, Cassano’s Pizza, rock ‘n’ roll, and, most of all, his family. He is widely believed to be the foremost authority of the Rolling Stones catalog, not to mention most of the classic rock genre. He enjoyed logic and crossword puzzles, Cross Up Poker with Uncle Bob and the Reibolds, and card games of all kinds. 

Most recently, he enjoyed horseshoes and swimming at the Elks Lodge, fishing at Indian Lake with Uncle Brian, playing Word Craze every night with Aunt Carol, watching “Meet the Press” and pro golf tournaments, and playing Tripoley and poker with family. Details about a celebration of life, possibly this summer, will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause close to your heart, or, because Rich was a life-long champion of Springfield and people in need, to the Springfield Foundation and the Greater Springfield Partnership. Arrangements by CONROY FUNERAL HOME.