Bernard F. "Rick" Gerling, of Putnam, passed quietly into eternal peace on Sunday July 13 after a 16 month battle with pancreatic cancer. This followed rapidly on the heels of his beloved wife Lucy's passing in June.

Born October 7 1946 in Punxatawney, PA., Rick lived most of his life in Putnam. After Graduating from Putnam High in 1966 he attended Thames Valley Community College before serving for three years in the US Army, where he was stationed in White Sands, N.M. He spent his working life in different plants in the Putnam area, and had hoped to stay at his last employer, SONOCO Protective Solutions, "as long as they would let him"….he could not imagine not working.

Oldest son of Bernard E. and Mary L. Gerling, he leaves brother and sister-in-law Steve and Martha Gerling of Ashford, and brother Mike Gerling of Hazelwood, MO. He also leaves a niece Robin and her husband Jason Messier of Danielson. Lucy's daughter Robyn Buskey of Putnam was an especially staunch ally in his as well as Lucy's battles with cancer.

He loved to talk to anyone about anything, and to share his homemade relishes, marinades, and lethally hot peppers with friends and relatives. He and Lucy were inseparable for 35 years, especially enjoying their forays to the Foxwood slot and bingo parlors as well as their endless pursuit of fresh seafood.

All final arrangements are private, but anyone generously wishing to make a commemoration in his (and Lucy's) names are asked to contribute to: the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260 with our deepest gratitude. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School Street, Webster is directing arrangements,.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com .