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.

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 Leader of Boy Scout Troop 88, Rumford.

Besides his wife, he leaves four daughters, Patsy Cunningham and her husband, Edward of Pawtucket, Kathleen King and her husband, Dana of Riverside, Frances Orris and her late husband, John of East Providence and Cynthia Emerson and her husband, James of Pawtucket; seven grandchildren, Robert King, Meagan Sarkis, Vera Riker, Justin Orris, Laura Moura, Evan Wertz and Anthony Wertz and eleven great-grandchildren, Domonic, Sophia, Abigail, Hannah, Robert Jr., Damian, Nathan, Laila, Zachary, Aubrey and Dylan.

He is also survived by his dog, Teddy with whom he had a love hate relationship.

He was the brother of the late Robert L.

Gerling, II and Gerald Gerling.

Visitation will begin Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by Services at 1 p.m. at WILLIAM W.

TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

Memorial gifts to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or the Boy Scouts of America, P.O.

Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015 would be appreciated.