Brian Altergott Cherry

Brian Altergott Cherry, 36, passed away at 4:44 pm on Sunday, August 5.  Born in Kerala, India, adopted by Karen Altergott and Ralph L Cherry at 4 months, he was the first of three children to join the family.  He grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana.  His attachment to Purdue sports was a lifelong passion, with a 30-year history of following women’s basketball and blogging about them.  When he was in 10th grade, he began moving to different parts of Indiana, because of his mother’s new role as a United Methodist pastor. Attending George Rogers Clark High School in Hammond, and graduating from South Central High School in LaPorte County, Brian went on to attend several universities before graduating from Indiana University-Purdue Fort Wayne. With friendships all over the state, he worked in several cities and retail enterprises before returning to Kokomo. He is survived by his mother, Karen Altergott Roberts, and stepfather, D. Bruce Roberts, his father Ralph and stepmother Lori Cherry, sisters Erin Altergott Cherry (Zach Smith) and Marion Altergott Cherry, aunts and uncles, Fritz and Marge Altergott, Noel Stegemeyer, Beverly and Brian Davis, cousins, Pamela Costanzi (Kevin Murphy), Rick Altergott, (Ariel Bordeaux), Alison Altergott, April Orcutt (Will) and Meredith Davis, and stepsiblings Kendra Roberts (Josh Estep), Dave Roberts (Sara), Bethan Roberts (Mark Pietrykowski), Molly Bradford and numerous friends.

Brian met the challenges of life with gentle determination.  His optimism and cheer were felt by everyone in his presence.  He saw the adoption into his family as a gift he wanted to make meaningful.  His love for his family was immeasurable and worthy of celebration. 

The memorial service and celebration of life will be at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 West Mulberry Street, 46901 at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 12.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the local group, Kokomo Urban Outreach at 1706 Home Avenue, Kokomo IN 46902 (kokomourbanoutreach.org) or the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington VA 22202.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, Kokomo, assisted the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.