A. John Gearding

A. John "Jack" Gearding, 85, passed away April 22, 2013. Jack Gearding was so many things -- a wonderful father, a loving husband, a great friend, and a successful businessman. He was generous, caring, humble, and service-minded. He was hardworking and loved to be busy and involved. His daughter Lynn said "Dad was at his best when he was helping others. And he knew just about everyone. Everywhere you went with Pop, he ran into someone he knew." He was born in Bellevue, KY and spent his life in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area. At six feet three inches and 260 pounds, Jack was an athlete in basketball, baseball and football at Campbell County High School. He is in the Campbell County Athletic Hall of Fame. He also coached football and taught history at Campbell County High School. After high school he served in the army for 2 years, spending time in Japan and working as the athletic director. Later, he graduated from and played football at Xavier University. His senior team played in the Salad Bowl, now called the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. After that, he played professional football in the Canadian League and also for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His love of sports continued throughout the years. He loved to watch a good game and enjoyed talking about sports with friends and family. One of Mr. Gearding's most special qualities was that he loved people and loved to make them happy. To him, this included keeping people well-fed and well-watered no matter the occasion. Making the most of this quality, he spent many years in the restaurant business. Jack was the long-time owner of the Stadium Club in Cincinnati. He also co-owned the first Skyline Chili franchise in Covington. Thirty-eight years ago, this was the first Skyline franchise to be opened outside Cincinnati. He also owned one of the original "Lobby" shops across from the Dixie Terminal in Cincinnati and later co-owned Riverfront Pizza initially with his brother Bob Gearding and later with his close nephew Randy Gearding. Jack loved to be busy and worked up until just weeks before his death. No job was too big or too small for him. It would not be unusual to see Jack sweeping up the public sidewalks and parking lot around the pizza parlor. In his leisure time he loved taking a drive. It might be a Sunday drive, a leisurely trip out for ice-cream or a vacation all the way to Florida. He also enjoyed working in the yard. Mr. Gearding belonged to St. Therese Parish in Southgate for almost 60 years and attended mass regularly. Over the last several years, Jack volunteered at the Parish Kitchen making and serving food. Survivors include four daughters: Lynn Humpert (Dan) of Lakeside Park, KY, Pam (Nathan) Pickard of Kennett Square, PA, Jackie Lantry of Newport, KY and Ann Dure (Fred) of Austin, Texas and seven grandchildren- Jake, Livvi, Audrey, Kay, Aaron, Rachel and Will. Also surviving is longtime and dear friend Gladys Gearding, Brother Jerry Gearding, Sisters Barb Eviston, Linda Bickel and Carol Miller. Mr. Gearding is preceeded in death by his wife Mary (Froelicher) Gearding, his parents- August (Gus) Gearding and Alma (Weffenstedt) Gearding and also brothers Bob Gearding and Ray Gearding. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday April 28 at the A.C. Dobbling Funeral Home in Fort Thomas. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Monday April 29 at St. Therese Church in Southgate. Burial will be at St. Stephen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Parish Kitchen in Covington, KY. On-line condolences may be sent at www.dmefuneral.com