John Dickinson Cheek, age 72, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 27, 1953, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he lived a life marked by patriotism towards his country, craftsmanship, and deep dedication to family and friends.

As part of a military family, John grew up in several locations across the United States and abroad, including Kansas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Washington, D.C., Florida, Korea, and Germany. After graduating from high school at Frederick Military Academy in Portsmouth, Virginia, he attended the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance. John was an active member of the UF Army ROTC, known as the "Gator Guard," and carried a lifelong love for his alma mater and the enduring friendships he built through the program.

A proud nine-year veteran of the United States Army, John served his country with honor, rising to the rank of Captain.  In 1985 he was medically retired from the Army, following a serious injury while serving in Germany. John's decorations while serving in the Army include Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In the Orlando community, John was best known as the founder and president of Orlando Brewing, where he poured his passion and craftsmanship into building a local institution that thrived for 17 years. What began with a friend teaching him the basics of homebrewing grew into a full-scale brewery that opened in 2004. His dedication to quality, community, and camaraderie made the brewery a gathering place for friends, families, and visitors alike. John cultivated an identity, economy and place of learning for the craft brewing industry in the Orlando area that continues to grow today.    In 2008 John was inducted into the Central Florida Culinary Hall of Fame as the President of Orlando Brewing.

Beyond his work and service, John devoted himself to being a loving father and devoted member of his larger family. John is survived by his beloved daughter Megan, sister Virginia, brothers Leon "Blake", and Gary, grandchildren Asher and Delaney who will forever cherish the memories of his infectious laughter, generosity, intelligence and devotion to family, He is preceded in death by his son Sean, brother Dwight, and parents Leon and Martha.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 12th, 2025, beginning at 11am at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home located at 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757. A funeral service will begin promptly at 11:30am at the same location; the interment will take place at Pine Forest Cemetery, following the completion of the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the careful care of Allen J. Harden Funeral Home.