Westerville Obituaries - May 24, 2026
Dan Owen
May 31, 1956 – April 20, 2026
Dan Owen, 69, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away April 20, 2026, in Columbus after a brief battle with cancer. He was born May 31, 1956, in Marion, Ohio, to Ernie Owen and Betty Cahill. Dan attended technical school and worked briefly as a welder before earning his barber license.
Through his years as a barber, Dan built lasting friendships with many longtime clients. He was known as an honorable, funny, kind-hearted man who cared deeply for others. He often put the needs of others before his own and found joy in making people laugh. Those who knew him will remember his gentle nature, strength, and steady presence.
Dan was also a gifted musician who played electric guitar. Music was one of his great passions, especially rock and blues. He performed in the band TKO with his late brother, Bill Owen.
He is survived by his wife, Trisha Owen, and three special cats. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie Owen and Betty Cahill, and his brother, Bill Owen.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Zachary Michael Carpenter
September 11, 1991 – May 14, 2026
Zachary Michael Carpenter, 34, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 14, 2026. Known as Zac, he was born in Columbus and spent his early years in Huntington, West Virginia, and in Columbus and Westerville, Ohio. He attended Westerville South High School from 2007 to 2010. Zac loved learning and was known for his knowledge of world events, movies, and books. He enrolled at Columbus State in 2024 before health challenges ended his studies.
He is survived by his mother, Dawn Sutherland; stepfather, Brian; brother, Aaron M. Carpenter; nephew, A’Mill Carpenter; maternal grandfather, John Adams; William “Ed” and Nellie Sutherland; and many aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael A. Carpenter; sister, Mariah Dawn Carpenter; paternal grandparents, John and Mary Carpenter; uncle, Johnny Carpenter; and maternal grandmother, Geneal Adams.
A private funeral ceremony will be held in keeping with Zac’s wishes.
Richard L. “Dick” Mathias
1939 – May 16, 2026
Richard L. “Dick” Mathias, 86, of Westerville, Ohio, died peacefully May 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1939 in Rockbridge, Ohio. Dick served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a flight technician for the Strategic Air Command in Minot, North Dakota. He married Julia Hritz of Lancaster, Ohio, on November 26, 1966. They settled in Westerville, where they raised their family and he worked as a draftsman and engineer.
Dick designed microchip boards and also enjoyed oil painting, photography, restoring antique furniture, and building and restoring musical instruments. He volunteered at Clear Creek Metro Park in Fairfield County and rescued many abandoned and feral cats.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; children, Joel Mathias and his wife, Jami, Jennifer Brock and her husband, Scott, and Jonathan Mathias and his wife, Emily; grandchildren, Emma Brock, Kiefer Brock, and Isaac Mathias; sister, Mary Lou McCandlish; several nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Sally, Tom, and Steve Hritz and Lloyd McCandlish.
Bruce W. Rupp
June 15, 1951 – May 21, 2026
Bruce W. Rupp, 74, of Westerville, Ohio, died May 21, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born June 15, 1951. Bruce was a graduate of Westerville North High School and Ohio University, where he was a member of the 1970 Ohio University baseball team. The team was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Bruce worked for many years as a school bus driver for Westerville City Schools, serving local students and families. He was known for his humor, friendly nature, and ability to start a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed antiquing, collecting unique items, and sharing stories and jokes with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy; sons, Chad, Scott, Mark, and Bryan; and grandchildren, Ripley, Walker, Stella, and Connor.
Bernard “Bernie” Leddy
February 9, 1957 – May 14, 2026
Bernard “Bernie” Leddy, 69, of Westerville, Ohio, died peacefully May 14, 2026. He was born February 9, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio. Bernie owned and operated a small bakery for more than 30 years, serving customers through his work as a baker. His faith was central to his life, and he was active in his church and later with Kairos Prison Ministry, where he baked cookies and supported its mission.
Bernie was known for his humor, positive outlook, strong work ethic, and love for his family. He enjoyed making others laugh and was remembered for his steady support of those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Gretchen Leddy; sons, Charles Leddy and his wife, Stacey, and James Leddy; and siblings, Bill “Butch” Leddy, Judy Leddy, and Ginny Holleran and her husband, Stephen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Leddy, and brother, Daniel Leddy.
Service details: [link]
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