SCHARF, John Robert, MD, age 82, passed away peacefully late Thursday night, January 10, 2019 after a battle with cancer that was not his first. He was born in Fostoria, Ohio, on October 19, 1936 to Cyril Charles Scharf and Frances Philomena (Wenzke) Scharf, both of whom predeceased him. John was married to Ruth Dorothy (Steinbicker) Scharf for 57 joyful and laughter-filled years and they have four sons together. He is also predeceased by his elder sister Joanne White and younger brother Thomas. John is survived by his older brother James Scharf (Joanie) of Charleston, West Virginia and older sister Janet Seiler (Francis) of Kettering, Ohio as well as his four sons, Jim Scharf of Kettering, Ohio, Paul Scharf (Trisha) of Essex, Vermont, Mike Scharf of West Chester, Ohio and Mark Scharf (Yulia) of Centerville, Ohio; his nine grandchildren Peter, Lucas, Joseph, Chris, Eric, Hannah, Grace, Sofia and Ekaterina. From Fostoria to Cleveland to his high school years in Niagara Falls, he acquired his life-long if inexplicable love for the Cleveland Browns and Indians. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in pre-med where he became an ardent supporter of UD Basketball. From there he moved on to St Louis University Medical School where he achieved a Doctorate in Medicine that allowed his natural compassion for his fellow man to flower and where he met his wife Ruth who brought joy and happiness through 57 years of steadfast marriage. John and Ruth married in St. Louis Missouri, lived for a few years in Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota, and eventually settled in Dayton, Ohio. It was a few years after arriving in Dayton that he had his first battle with major health problems, nearly dying from ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. Living through this experience would refine his already optimistic nature and imbue him with an unparalleled sense of perspective and gratitude. During this time, he set up a successful anesthesiological practice with his brother-in-law, Frank Seiler at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Dayton. Due to John’s sharp wit and innate wisdom, he became a very popular and well-respected physician at Saint Elizabeth’s, eventually serving as the hospital’s Chief of Staff from 1989-1990. These characteristics also contributed to a patient and understanding parenting and grand-parenting style. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren and nothing gave them greater joy than to be with him. He and Ruth discovered their mutual love of natural beauty in the course of family vacations out west and have passed that love to their children and grandchildren. John had a unique head for numbers, words, and facts, which served him well in playing bridge and doing crossword and sudoku puzzles, which, along with tennis and golf, were some of his favorite hobbies. John passed on many wonderful traits to his children and grandchildren, including his unique sense of humor, his patience, and his concern for his fellow man. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 21, 2019 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME –FAR HILLS CHAPEL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Charles Borromeo, Kettering, Ohio, to celebrate his life. John believed passionately in the power of medicine to heal and would like to see that continue. In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctor Without Borders would be humbly appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
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