Senior Judge Michael J. Wherry, of Chambers Avenue, Greenville, passed away at his farm in Worth Township, on Thursday morning (1-29-15). He was 78. He was born April 2, 1936, in Grove City, John V. and Caroline (Jones) Wherry. He had attended Grove City Public Schools and Shadyside Academy in Pittsburgh, and was a graduate of Pine Crest High School, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Judge Wherry completed his undergraduate degree, as well as his law degree, from the University of Pennsylvania. From the mid-60s to when he was appointed to the bench in 1992, Judge Wherry, as a criminal defense lawyer, was involved in every sensational case in Mercer County. He was the first Public Defender for Mercer County courts and always believed that every individual was due the very best representation regardless of circumstances. By 1983, as noted in an appeal of a Wherry-engineered defense verdict, the Supreme Court noted that Judge Wherry had tried 200 cases before a jury, handled 2,500 criminal cases and had been primary defense counsel in more than 90 homicides. His techniques for casting doubt on evidence presented by prosecutors led to new laws and criminal court procedures in Pennsylvania. Judge Wherry mentored an entire generation of lawyers who specialize in litigation. With anyone other than Mike Wherry, such a record would have infuriated most Justice followers at the mere mention of his name. In Judge Wherry’s case, his admiration grew. Fellow lawyers, judges, court officials and media reporters all treated him with the utmost respect. A life-long Republican, he was first appointed to the bench by Bob Casey Sr., a Democratic governor, with unanimous consent of the Pennsylvania Senate. Later, when he ran for his only full 10-year term, he had no opposition. From his judicial appointment on, Judge Wherry was opposed to serving more than one term. If Judge Wherry was terrified at all, it was with his concern that donning the black robe would make him lose touch with reality. Financially successful in law and real estate, nevertheless Atty. Wherry often neglected sending invoices. One year, he never sent another bill past March and, when asked why, said he “had already made enough money to take care of my needs for the year.” Judge Wherry served in the Army Reserves, rising to administrative sergeant at the 475th Quartermaster Unit in Farrell. In 2006, Judge Wherry was presented the prestigious “Everyday Leader Award,” the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s way of honoring just one of its 29,000 members for public service each year. Judge Wherry was an electronics gadgeteer, well-known in area Radio Shacks for buying anything tabbed “the latest.” He was a passionate book reader, mostly contemporary and historical non-fiction. His various residences over the years displayed a common appearance – floors, walls and tables were strewn with books, art and electronics. As word of Judge Wherry’s passing quickly spread throughout government, court and legal offices, a million “Wherry” tales were told and retold. No one knows how many lives Judge Wherry touched, but it was more than a few. Judge Wherry’s survivors include: his wife, the former Nancy Dilley, at home; four sons: Charles B. Montgomery IV of Grove City; Roger Lee Montgomery and his wife, Jane, of Grove City; Stephen H. Montgomery and his wife, Deborah, of Mt. Lebanon; and David J. Montgomery and his wife, Renee, of Bethel Park; a brother, Jack Wherry, and his wife, Jane, of Seattle; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Wherry. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Judge Wherry’s honor to: Greenville Salvation Army Capitol Building Fund, 288 Main St., Greenville, PA 16125.
WHERRY Michael J., 78, of Chambers Avenue, Greenville.
Service: There are no public services planned for Judge Wherry. Visitors may sign an online guestbook at www.loutzenhiser-jordanfuneralhome.com
Burial: Private burial of cremains will be in Shenango Valley Cemetery.
Arrangements by LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.