Obituaries
Richard C. Gerz, 78
May 31, 2025
Richard C. Gerz, 78, of York, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Dorothy (Krimmel) and Richard C. Gerz, Sr. Richard was the devoted husband of Barbara J. (Childs), with whom he shared a loving and enduring marriage.
A proud 1965 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and a 1967 graduate of York Junior College, Richard was a lifelong learner and a man of deep faith. He was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in York.
Richard built a long and accomplished career at Armstrong in York, where he worked diligently for 35 years before retiring. Never one to sit still for long, he continued working in retirement at Lowe’s in York for nine years and later at Manheim Auto Auction, where he enjoyed staying active and engaged with others.
Outside of work, Richard found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, hitting the golf course, and most of all, spending time with his family. His loyal dog, Benji, was a cherished companion. Richard’s kind heart, steady presence, and quiet sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his beloved wife, Barbara, Richard is survived by his children: Melissa Dissinger, wife of Christopher, of Lancaster;
Michelle Kerns, wife of Dan, of Bethlehem; and Matthew Gerz partner of April Hartman of Maytown. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Matthew Dissinger (Jocelyn), Andrew Dissinger (Chelsey), Tyler Macsi, Nick Ketner, Chase Gerz, and Mia Kerns; and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Charles F. Gerz, husband of Colleen Casem Gerz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
Richard’s life was one of quiet dedication, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family. He will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all whose lives he touched.
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Condolences to the Family
June 04, 2025
Barb, our sincere condolences to you and your family on Rick’s passing. He was a really nice guy and we always enjoyed both of your company when we were together. You were fortunate to have had all those years together.
Gloria and Jerry Shaeffer
June 04, 2025
Barb, so sorry for you and your famlies loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Gebhart
June 04, 2025
To the Gerz family,
So sorry to read of Rick’s passing. Even though I am a few years older, we grew up together on Cabbage Hill. We always had some good times and laughed a lot at silly things. I am praying for the family. I will light a candle for Rick on Sunday.
Fran Lombardo Spangler
June 04, 2025
Matt, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss! I know nothing about your father and I never met him but the last time we spoke, (facebook) I learned of how close you were to him. You and your family are in my thoughts! Keep your head up!
June 03, 2025
Barbara and family, I am sadden to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a gentle soul. It was always interesting at LCHS as my brother, another Richard Gerz, was a year behind Rick. Barb you and I shared the same class of 67 and I was always being asked which Richard Gerz I was related to. I could respond both:)
I am hoping your wonderful memories of Rick and your faith will help you in this difficult time.
Sherran Gerz Payne
June 03, 2025
Missy, I am so sad for this. It brings so many hard feeling about life up. Love you
Lynn Addie
June 03, 2025
Life passes so quickly. I remember meeting Rick in our freshman homeroom at LCHS. The first time I realized we were cousins. Rick always had a smile. Now my sister Patricia has had the opportunity to know you also through ancestry and her book of the Gerz family. I am very happy to read Rick had a loving family and life. Blessings to all.
Jean Heiland Canter
June 03, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. I will always remember him with a smile and a friendly Hello. Hugs to all of the family, he will be greatly missed.
Patricia Heiland Baxter
June 02, 2025
So sorry to read of Richard’s passing. I graduated with Richard from Lancaster Catholic. I remember him as a kind soul. You will be missed
Kitty Cuskey
June 02, 2025
I want to send my sincere condolences to the Gerz family. Barbara he is now with loved ones who had passed before maybe he is with Peggy looking over both of us now.
Barry R. Waltman
- Visitation
- Friday, June 06, 2025
- 10:00 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 E. Delp Rd
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, June 06, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 E. Delp Rd
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
-
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