Richard W. Gerlock

Richard William Gerlock, age 88, of Fairfield, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He was born on February 12, 1937, in Brown County, Ohio, the son of the late William and Mary (née Frye) Gerlock. Rich was lovingly raised by his devoted grandparents, Henry and Icy Pearl (née Sweringen) Frye, who preceded him in death and remained a lasting influence throughout his life. Rich was a 1955 graduate of Withrow High School and lived a life as varied and vibrant as the many guitars he loved to play. Over the years, he held positions with Osborne Photographers, Fisher Body, NuTone, among others, and eventually retired from Continental Can Company. He also worked in real estate and served as an ordained minister, devoted to sharing his faith and his time with others. A lifelong member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship, a once-active member of the Tri-State Mustang Club, and a congregant of New Haven Worship Center, Rich made lasting friendships in every season of his life. He had a passion for music that spanned decades. A skilled guitarist and generous performer, Rich’s collection once held over 60 guitars—a symbol of his love for beauty, craftsmanship, and expression through music. More than anything, Rich was a man of deep faith and a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 41 years, Lois (née Klaene) Gerlock. Their marriage was rooted in faith and filled with laughter, music, and steadfast love. Together, they created a home where family gathered, prayers were shared, and love never ran dry. He is also survived by his children: Rick (Mitt) Gerlock, Dixie (Brian) Zinserling, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Lange, Christina (Young Min) Park, and Valerie Gerlock. He was the proud grandfather of Brooke, Joseph, Ralph, Rachel, Richard, Joshua, and Hannah, and a loving great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Evelyn Padilla, Anita Kemp, and Benita Johnson, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Luke Matthew Stiles. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Imago Dei Christian Fellowship, 8928 Beckett Rd., West Chester, OH 45069, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the church, with his son, Pastor Rick Gerlock, officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Gardens. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.websterfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be sent to New Haven Worship Center’s Mission Fund – New Haven Worship Center 8985 New Haven Rd, Harrison, OH 45030.

Rich’s legacy is one of music, faith, and steadfast love—a life lived with purpose and grace.