Richard "Dick" F. Gerling

Rumford – Richard "Dick" F. Gerling, 86, died at home on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, surrounded by his loving family after living his life to the fullest. He was the loving husband of Constance C. (Desmarais) Gerling, they had been married for almost sixty-five years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Robert L. and Anna L. (Retzloff) Gerling, he had resided in Rumford for over sixty years. Richard was a graduate of LaSalle Academy, Providence, and in later years he graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He served during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Weiss. Richard served on the East Providence Police Department for twenty years until retiring as a Sergeant. He also worked for the State of Massachusetts at the Paul A. Devers State School until retiring in 1992. Richard designed and carved wood rocking horses and eagles for many years, and taught these skills to his grandson, Robert. He was well known in the local art community. He was a former...