Obituary of Richard F. Gerlach III
Richard F. Gerlach III, 64, passed away suddenly on January 28, 2018, at his home. Born in Albany, he was the son of Barbara Gerlach and the late Richard F. Gerlach, Jr. Richard was a graduate of Potsdam High School and went on to continue his education at Hudson Valley Community College and Clarkson University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for several years at RPI in the Information Technology field before running his own business for the past 25 years, Computer Service Solutions, LLC.
Richard married his beloved wife Debra Traunstein Gerlach in 1983. Rich enjoyed the outdoors, especially by hiking the Adirondacks or sailing his Hobie on Lake George. He also loved to read, especially history books. Richard was a “consummate putter-er” and loved fixing anything under the sun. He was a member and former President of the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Business & Professional Association and long-time member of the Calvary Episcopal Church. Above all, Richard will be remembered for the love and devotion he demonstrated to his family, especially his wife, mother, children, grandchildren, and siblings. He taught his children and grandchildren to take time to appreciate the simple beauty of God's creation, to think deeply, and to always try your best to do the right thing. These lessons are his enduring legacy to his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Debra G. Gerlach, as well as his mother, Barbara Gerlach, his children Janna (Emanuel) Bennett, Richard “Ricky” (Michele) IV, and Leah Gerlach. Rich was the cherished grandfather of Miriam Bennett, Jonah Bennett, Jack Gerlach, Adelaide Gerlach, Luke Gerlach, and Hazel Gerlach. His brothers and sisters, Ralph Gerlach, Jennifer Theiss, Andrea Crouch, Robert Gerlach, and Major Timothy Gerlach USMCR, also survive. Additional survivors include his stepmother, Mary Gerlach Robinson, and step siblings, Rebecca Scudder Williams, Michael Scudder,and Melissa Scudder Durham. Many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members also survive.
Funeral services for Richard will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 10:30 am at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Rd, Burnt Hills, NY 12027, with Rev. Gabriel Morrow officiating.
Memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to the Calvary Episcopal Church or to the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Business & Professional Association. Online condolences can be left at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.
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