"Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not here. I do not sleep."
Larry Borcherding (1947-2014) died in the same way that he lived, giving to others and caring for others. Larry donated his body to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine so that others could learn from him. Larry believed strongly in the power of learning. He graduated from the Univeristy of Cincinnati in 1970, earned his Master's Degree in 1973, and returned again for 30 hours beyond to achieve his Administration Certification.
Thousands of students in the Oak Hills School District, the Forest Hills School District, and most recently at Mother of Mercy High School learned from and treasured Larry.
People always admired Larry's hard work, his dedication to education, and his integrity. Larry started teaching science at Delhi Junior High in 1969. He taught chemistry at Oak Hills High School, and went on to become principal of Bridgetown Junior High where students and teachers still remember him for creating the 4A Program, which rewarded all students for academics, attendance, activities, and attitude.
You could find Larry serving breakfast to students, working at McDonald's for fundraisers, dressed crazy for spirit days, and always cheering at all activities for students, teachers, parents, and the community.
Larry taught the principles of "Spirit, Class, and Pride" and he lived those principles as he went on to become Personnnel Director and the Superintendent of the Oak Hills School District. (1990-1994)
Then, Larry returned to the job he loved a principal of Turpin High School (1994-1999). The east side embraced this west side guy, and he became one of them.
Larry ended his 43 year career at Mother of Mercy High School where he taught chemistry for 13 years. Mercy girls will tell you that he inspired them to become engineers, pharmacists, and beyond that amazing women.
Larry leaves a legacy of love in his best friend and soul mate, Mary Beth Borcherding in his children, Scott (Amy), Jeff (Erin), Brian (Amy), Erin (Craig) in his 9 granchildren: Sydney and Kaitlyn Borcherding, Jack, Mia and Ryan Borcherding, Ross and Claudia Borcherding, Henry and Julian Kent, in his first wife, Sue Borcherding (Jordan), in his sisters, Jan Borcherding (Chris) and Connie Mahaffey (John), in his in-laws and friends, Barb and Mike Rehn and the Cummings family, in his loving nieces and nephews, in his friends and community.
Memorials may be made to Mother of Mercy High School, 3063 Werk Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45211 or do a kindness for someone. Condolences online to B.J. Meyer Funeral Home.
A celebration of Larry's life and legacy will be held this weekend.