Richard Dean Sperry

1929 – 2024

Richard Dean Sperry passed away on February 29, 2024, in his home at the age of 95. Dick was born on January 5, 1929, at his grandparent’s home in Manti, Utah, to Dr. Sidney Branton Sperry and Eva Lila Braithwaite. Dick admired and honored his parents. His father was his role model and he learned many things from his beloved mother. He is the third of eight children and loved his family deeply.

Dick grew up in Provo, Utah, and graduated from Provo High School with the Class of 1947. A true-blue Cougars fan, he graduated from Brigham Young University in 1955. He also honorably served in the United States Navy and Air Force.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he faithfully served throughout his life. When he was a young missionary, he served in the Palestine-Syria mission. Due to conflicts in the Middle East, the mission closed halfway through his service and he was reassigned to the British Isles.

He married Margaret Karen Schwartz in December 1970. After living in California for many years, they moved to Utah in 1978. They welcomed seven children to their family: three sons and four daughters. Dick always said his children kept him young!

Health was always a top priority. His love of the outdoors, sports, and nutrition was weaved through every aspect of his life. Dick excelled at tennis, basketball, water skiing and snow skiing. He loved to share the health benefits of whole grains and grape juice.

Dick is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children: David Sperry, Andrea (Justin) Craig, Daniel Sperry, Allison (Reid) Patterson, Kenneth Sperry, Erin (Jared) Zacharias, and Lisa (Weston) Ostler, and twenty-three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Lyman Sperry, Elaine Fish, Phyllis Bytendorp, Delbert Sperry, Arlyn Sperry, Brent Sperry, and Karen Grant.

Dick’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to his hospice team for the loving care shown to him. Thank you Hanna, Jeremy, Carolina, and Amber.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 365 South 900 East, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Hills.