RICHARD STEPHEN GERDEL May 11, 1945 – November 25, 2015

Richard Stephen Gerdel passed away at Kindred-Lake Med Nursing Home on the evening of November 25, 2015 just after family members' last visit to him where he courageously fought his last battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He had the tenacity and spirit of a Marine, a Cop and a Private I and the loving heart and soul of a gifted poet. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Richard S. and Ann (Sabolik) Gerdel. Born and raised in Painesville, Richard attended St Mary's Grade School, and upon his graduation in 1963 from Thomas W. Harvey High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Sergeant, and received honors as both an Expert (pistol) and Sharpshooter (rifle). He was top security-classified in Special Communications in View Nam where he briefed the generals on enemy positions. He was also deployed to Guantanamo during the Bay of Pigs conflict. Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps, he moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, where he was accepted into the elite Montgomery County Police Department, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He became head of the breathalyzer unit, and lobbied in the U. S. Legislature for tougher D. W. I. laws. Richard also saw action on the street, and in quelling the D. C. riots. When he began to show symptoms of M. S., he established a Private Detective Agency he named Night Watch, where he provided security for a residential complex Grosvenor Park, and conducted private investigations. When Dick could no longer outrun the "bad guys", in 1986 he finally came home to Painesville to live with his sister, and ultimately with his mother. Here, he served on the City of Painesville Community Awareness Committee and Harvey Alumni Association.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Michael) Croot, and granddaughter Briella, who live in Australia. He was greatly loved by his sister, Shirley Ondersin-Fees, brother-in-law Michael Fees, Nieces and nephews: Kimberly Ondersin-Gerstacker, Kristen Ondersin-Ellis (Dennis), Michael (Cynthia) and Raymond (Tricia) Ondersin, and David (Cathy) Fees. Great nieces and nephews: Heidi, Anna, Kristi Alexa, Chad, Kyle, Jack, Nathan, Alex and John. His Aunt Elly and Uncle Anthony Battista, Aunt Marge (Steve) Sabolik, and Aunt Margaret (Douglas) Hendley were also very dear to Dick. Many aunts and uncles have preceded him in death. Dick leaves behind a multitude of friends and former classmates, beloved cousins, Bonnie Rhodes (Patrick) Kelly, Peggy Rhodes Michael, Betty Jane Rhodes (Alan) Malvicino, Douglas (Cathy) and Donald (Mary Lou) Hendley, Jerry (Cricket) and Brian (Danna) Sabolik, David (Ann) Watts, Ralph (June) Watts and Don, Paul and Robert Shula.

Private funeral services will be held at a later date by Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home and St. Noel Catholic Church. Donations in his name may be sent to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Road, Mentor, OH. 44060.