Richard C. Gehrlein

Richard “Rich” Charles Gehrlein passed away on March 25, 2022 at the age of 78 at the UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland (after an extended hospital stay). He was born on February 1, 1944 to Louis and Margaret Gehrlein in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Rich enjoyed playing sports (track and basketball) while attending St. Patrick’s Elementary School. He attended Cathedral Preparatory High School. Rich enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1963 and was commissioned as an officer in June 1974.

Rich met Carolyn Elizabeth Zamaria in Erie and they were married on June 5, 1965. They were soon assigned to Nicosia, Cyprus (where son Mike was born). They returned to Erie, PA in 1966. Rich was then assigned to language school at Ft. Ord in Monterey, California in 1967. He was then sent to Vietnam and served from 1967-1968. After returning from Vietnam, they moved to Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. Next, they were stationed at Pensacola, Florida (where daughter Debbie was born). The family then moved to Kaneohe MCAS in Hawaii in 1972 (where daughter Becky was born). After Hawaii, the family moved to Ft. Meade, Maryland (1976-80). They then moved to Adak, Alaska (1980-82); Virginia Beach, Virginia (1982-85); and finally, back to Ft. Meade, MD in 1985. Rich retired from the Marine Corps (as a Major) in October 1987.

Rich worked as a Corrections Officer at the Jessup Correctional Institution until retiring in 2006. Rich and Carolyn lived in Laurel, MD, for many years before moving to Hanover, MD, in 2016. He belonged to the American Legion Post 60. Rich loved fishing, Lake Erie perch, being with family and friends, the Marine Corps, the Orioles, and his beloved Washington Redskins.

He is survived by Carolyn, his loving and devoted wife of 56 years; his children Mike (Sonya), Debbie (Eric), and Becky (James); his grandchildren Sarah (Karol), Jason, Julie, Brittney, Hannah, and Noah; his brother Donny (Patty); his sisters-in-law Chris and Diane (Sam); nieces (Betsy, Gretchen, Karen, Beth) and nephews (Jeff, Andy, Sammy, Jimmy).  He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Margaret Gehrlein.

Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Life after Committal Ceremony; Perry's Restaurant, 1210 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113.

To watch the Tribute Video, click below:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAE8B_Sq6gg/uOcXHyCfbsdBCl1eVX0Rcw/watch?utm_content=DAE8B_Sq6gg&utm_campaign=share_your_design&utm_medium=link&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel